I'm going camping on my period, what should I bring? And how to prevent zits and oily face while camping?

Question

Alright, so I'm going camping next weekend and aunt flo is going to visit. I've done a little research as to what I should bring, but now I want advice. I also normally have an oily face which gets worse and breaks out when I'm on my period. We're roughing-it in the woods (possibly a port-a-potty if I'm lucky, but no running water) so I'm wondering what I should bring for my period and also what products I should have to help prevent my face from breaking out really bad and getting out of control. My list so far:

Tampons

Pads

Ziplock bags for used feminine products

Baby wipes to help "freshen up"

Facial wipes (pre-wet) to help remove makeup

I won't really be able to wash my face, but I don't want to pack it full of products either. I'm going with my boyfriend so I'd like to not be smelly and gross the entire trip. Any advice?

Answer 1

As for the waste products from your period, and packing them out, you might want to consider switching from disposable tampons to something like the Diva Cup.  Wash it, cleanse it and no trash to worrry about.

Pick up some Pond's or other brand facial wipes.  I usually pack 1 to 2 of them per day and put them in a ziplock.  They're great for removing the oil and grime first thing in the morning, and again before bed time. Some astringent pads to use after the wipes, and you'll be fine.  

Oh, and since you're camping; leave the makeup at home.  That'll help keep the breakouts down for sure!  

Answer 2

I have taken many trips to the Boundary Waters and have had my period a few times, not fun. Wipes are a definite plus. I get the adult kind so I don't smell like a baby. If I'm doing long distance where you have to "pack in pack out" then I just take a wash cloth or pack towel and rinse in the water.

I use a zip loc also to store my used tampons as you plan, but then burn them in the fire in the evening so they do not attract bears or other critters. Don't want to have to carry them for 7-10 days :{. If you are only gong for the weekend it should not be too much of an issue for you though.

For your face, I guess I would just take something like Stridex pads to clean and take care of the oil.

Good luck and have fun.  

Answer 3

I use a rinsless cleanser to freshen everywhere - my armpits, crotch, etc.

I just get a washcloth wet, wet myself down, rub some of this on everywhere I want, then rub it off with the wet cloth.  Then I rinse the cloth and hang it up to use tomorrow.

http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.a...

I also always take some nutrogena pads - the kind with salycilic acid in them to use after I use those premoistened wipes to hlep prevent zits.

I take a brown paper bag to put the ziploc bags of tampons in (generally I use a sandwich size ziploc, and a "lunch" brown paper bag so it doesn't get so stinky) and then keep the ziploc in the brown bags - no matter how cool your boyfriend is, he will want to puke at the sight of that bag full of gross tampons - trust me.  Then you can double ziploc bag the used tampons once the first one gets full and put it in the bottom of your pack.  Be carefull, though, the bears like that smell, so double or tripple ziploc it.  For real.  Also, you can put on your swim suit and get in the stream or river to wash off better.  The guys will just think you are fun, but you will feel so much cleaner!

Answer 4

Use some crushed up aspirin in the bags.  It helps to get rid of the smell!  At least that's what they told me in girl scout camp!  I never tried it though.  I would also try some baking soda for the smell.

Definitely need baby wipes!  I always have them when I am camping.

For you face, the acne pads are good.

Good luck, and have fun!!  Wish I were going camping!

PS - keep your clean tampons/pads in a ziploc baggie too!!  It would really suck if they got soaked.