Let me start with the obvious: the Grand Canyon is grand in every sense—breathtaking views, roaring rapids, relentless sun, and a glorious mixture of sand, sweat, and river water that will test even the most committed skincare routine. But I came prepared. And no, I didn’t lug a luxury spa in my dry bag—but I did bring the essentials that kept me feeling human, hydrated, and (miraculously) glowing.

Besides covering my skin with cloth as much as possible, here is what made the cut in my canyon skincare kit, and why I wouldn’t raft without them again:

☀️ Fighting the Elements: Sun, Heat, Water & Wind

Let’s just say the sun in the canyon doesn’t gently kiss your skin—it tries to burn its love into you. Add to that wind, sand, and the occasional plunge into freezing water, and your body starts begging for mercy. Here’s how I showed my skin (and hair!) some love:

Kettle Care Botanicals to the Rescue

? Shampoo & Conditioner

Yes, I brought shampoo and conditioner on a rafting trip. And no, it wasn’t excessive—it was essential. Kettle Care’s biodegradable duo not only kept my hair from turning into a crispy, straw-like tumbleweed, but also kept me feeling good about protecting the river. The heat and sun were brutal, but my hair? Still soft. Still flowing. Still winning.

? Peppermint Foot Cream

After a day of hiking, paddling, and having my feet alternately baked in sun and soaked in river water, this stuff felt like a peppermint patty for my soles. Cooling, nourishing, and surprisingly luxurious in the wilderness. My feet whispered "thank you" every night.

? Lavender Lotion

Oh. My. Skin. The dryness was real, folks. The lavender lotion came to the rescue after every sun-soaked day. My skin soaked it up like the Colorado River itself—desperate and grateful. Plus, the calming scent helped me pretend I was at a spa, not in a tent with sand in questionable places.

? Royal Jelly Creme

For my face, I kept it simple. Morning and night, I slathered on the Royal Jelly Creme with the reverence of someone applying war paint before battle. It was thick, creamy, and my face drank it in. Zero regrets.

? Arnica

Let’s be honest—sitting on a raft all day isn’t exactly ergonomic. Between sore muscles, random bumps, and a few ungraceful moments (I won’t go into detail), the Arnica saved me. Instant relief. Total game changer.

? Environmental Lip Balm

The real MVP. This lip balm never left my side. Without it, my lips would’ve dried up and blown away in the canyon wind. I used it constantly, and I wasn’t the only one. Turns out, quite a few folks on the trip had packed their Kettle Care too—and we were all low-key obsessed. ?

Skincare in the Wild = Self-Care in Disguise

Packing skincare for a trip like this might sound indulgent, but trust me—it’s survival. When you’re off-grid, living in nature’s extremes, a little nourishment goes a long way. Plus, it turns out that taking a few minutes for self-care, even in the middle of a canyon, is deeply grounding. It reminded me: you don’t have to leave yourself behind just because you’re going on an adventure.

So yes, next time you’re packing for a wild trip—don’t forget your hat, your water bottle… and maybe your favorite foot cream too.

Your skin (and your soul) will thank you.

You may also enjoy:

• Part 1 - Rafting the Grand Canyon - 8 Days of Wonder, Water and Wild Beauty

• Part 2 - Rafting the Grand Canyon - - Live on the River and Canyon Magic

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