I love hiking, I just love being in the middle of the threes, hearing the bird chirping, seeing small and some big animals...
Hicking is my get back to nature moment. Studies actually prove that we feel better and do better after being in nature. Just going for a walk in nature can have great impact on our well-being. In Japan, they call it" Forest Bathing.” a short, leisurely visit to a forest” .
Hiking is my forest bathing and I try to hike wherever I go. That's me; in Hawaii about to go on a hike at Diamond Head.
Hicking is my get back to nature moment. Studies actually prove that we feel better and do better after being in nature. Just going for a walk in nature can have great impact on our well-being. In Japan, they call it" Forest Bathing.” a short, leisurely visit to a forest” .
Hiking is my forest bathing and I try to hike wherever I go. That's me; in Hawaii about to go on a hike at Diamond Head.
Hiking is a lot of fun, but in summer can be a little bit sticky and smelly. I mean that's summer all around, right?! Between vacation, fireworks, barbecues, pool parties, kid’s games, camping, everything tend to be little sticky and smelling.
If you are looking for an easy summer skin care routine, read my minimalist natural summer skin care routine. I can also help you create a minimalist natural skin routine too.
But, today is all about staying fresh and protected during the hot summer months and there are plenty of natural products to help us.
If you are looking for an easy summer skin care routine, read my minimalist natural summer skin care routine. I can also help you create a minimalist natural skin routine too.
But, today is all about staying fresh and protected during the hot summer months and there are plenty of natural products to help us.
1st let's cover the basics
If you are going camping, hiking, or anywhere in the woods do not wear perfume. Perfumes attract mosquitoes and other insects.
And of course, you need insect repellent. Most insect repellents contain DEET, but there is so much controversy around it. When I was researching DEET, I noticed that event the research or articles explaining that DEET was safe still referenced few cases seizures caused by DEET. Why take the risk? Especially since there are effective DEET-free alternatives.
The Environmental Working group (EWG) recommends Picardin, IR 3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus as effective safe alternatives to DEET.
Here are few natural options for you:
If you are going camping, hiking, or anywhere in the woods do not wear perfume. Perfumes attract mosquitoes and other insects.
And of course, you need insect repellent. Most insect repellents contain DEET, but there is so much controversy around it. When I was researching DEET, I noticed that event the research or articles explaining that DEET was safe still referenced few cases seizures caused by DEET. Why take the risk? Especially since there are effective DEET-free alternatives.
The Environmental Working group (EWG) recommends Picardin, IR 3535 and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus as effective safe alternatives to DEET.
Here are few natural options for you:
DEET- free Insect Repellent safe for everyone [kids and pets]
Organic Insect Repellent Travel Size Spray, REPEL Plant-Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent, Pump Spray, 4 oz , 4000 people give it 4 stars.
Bite-me Bug Free’s formulas are kid-friendly and made with natural ingredients and the line contains insect repellent a conditioner, leave-in conditioner and body wash intended to fend off lice and ticks.
Bug Protector, Travel pack – including [DEET Free Mosquito(2oz) & Tick Repellents(2oz) + Pucker Protector Lip Balm Beeswax Beachbum SPF 15, Sun Protector Mineral Sunscreen Lotion(3oz)
Don’t want to spray anything on you, there are non spray DEET-Free options for you too.
Thermacell MR150 Portable Mosquito Repeller
Cliganic 10 Pack Mosquito Repellent Bracelets, 100% Natural & DEET-free
Murphy's Mosquito Sticks
Put on your sunscreen, that's must. You are going outdoor and it is essential to protect your skin.
You can use a regular on Sun screen for your whole body and/or use a SPF moisturizer. I use both.
Get your water on: one tiny bottle of water won't be enough. Get your 32 oz of water with you. I also use facial spray too to stay cool during hot summer month; this comes from my French roots. I love EVIAN Facial Spray. I put it in the freezer for 10 to 200 minutes before we leave for our hike. Once you spray it on your face, it feels like light sprinkle. If you are staying all day or camping, you might consider bringing a funny pack. Yep! That will hold a lot of your essentials.
2nd, How to stay fresh while forest bathing aka hiking, camping,...
My #1 Natural essential products to bring for outdoor activities
The best thing to stay fresh when on your outdoor exploration are wipes. Natural wipes will save your day; they are light to carry and there are wipes for everything. Natural wipes made with 100% biodegradable vegetable fibers are the best though, they have less impact on the environment. So, all the wipes below are biodegradable to reduce our footprint.
For your face:
I love the Ursa Major facial wipes; I mention them all the time. These wipes are made with 100% bamboo fiber; they are so practical; You clean, exfoliate, soothe and hydrate your skin with one wipe. They have that refreshing mint scent. Each wipe comes in its own package, so make sure to not litter and put the package in the trash. I was so happy when I saw that REI is selling them too because everyone should know about these wipes. They also have a travel kit you might want to try.
I also love the Babo Botanicals 3-in-1 Hydrating Wipes, Cucumber & Aloe. These natural facial wipes are kid-friendly too and all-Multi-tasker for infants, children, post yoga, post workout, make-up remover. There is no individual package here and the wipes are biodegradable, so our footprint is even smaller.
For your body
I like the HyperGo - Full Body Wipes. I like them because they are super large wipes for the body (12 x 12 inches). These wipes are super effective, biodegradable, refreshing, and moisturizing. They are also unscented.
Also, you might like the Sea To Summit Wilderness Wipes; these also work as deodorizing Body Wipes; they contain aloe vera and vitamin E. They are made of 100% viscose fiber which is biodegradable. They come in few sizes: Compact size measures 8 x 6 in. and includes 12 wipes; XL size measures 12 x 8 in. and includes 8 wipes.
Don’t forget to moisturize your body, I usually go with pure jojoba oil, or shea butter.
For Feminine wipes
GoodWipes Down There Wipes for Women are the best. When you're sneakily peeing behind a tree, you want to have wipes with you. They are super gentle and will leave you so refreshed. The wipes are also flushable and biodegradable. Also, they are alcohol-free and hypoallergenic.
#2 - To keep fresh hair, I love the Refresh Dry Shampoo from Innersense Organic Beauty. It is foam to powder dry shampoo. Just apply on the tips of your fingers and massage it at the level of roots of your hair. You could also use the 2oz Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castille Liquid Soap. This is a concentrated, so there is plenty to lather your hair in the shower or a lack if you are nearby. Honestly, I go with the dry shampoo because no soap is 100% biodegradable. But, in case you want a total fresh feel of lathering your hair, Dr. Bronner’s is an eco-friendly option.
#3 - To kill body odor, I use the Green Tidings 1 oz deodorant any time. It is super effective at keeping smelly me away. this is a baking soda natural deodorant. For baking-soda free option, Rose Natural Deodorant with Magnesium is very effective and smell so good too.
#4 - For hand sanitizer, I highly recommend the Clean Well Botanical Hand Sanitizer Spray, 1oz. This is my go-to hand sanitizer and it works great for forest bathing too.
3rd, Take it in forest bathing by being on air plane mode
Put your phone on air plane mode and breath in nature. Your forest bathing is all about leaving the hustle and bustle and stress and being on 24/7 away even if it is for few hours.
I think being in nature should be one of our top wellness tools. Just a walk helps us connect with elements that make us deeply happy.
What do you do to connect to nature? Let me know in the comment
My #1 Natural essential products to bring for outdoor activities
The best thing to stay fresh when on your outdoor exploration are wipes. Natural wipes will save your day; they are light to carry and there are wipes for everything. Natural wipes made with 100% biodegradable vegetable fibers are the best though, they have less impact on the environment. So, all the wipes below are biodegradable to reduce our footprint.
For your face:
I love the Ursa Major facial wipes; I mention them all the time. These wipes are made with 100% bamboo fiber; they are so practical; You clean, exfoliate, soothe and hydrate your skin with one wipe. They have that refreshing mint scent. Each wipe comes in its own package, so make sure to not litter and put the package in the trash. I was so happy when I saw that REI is selling them too because everyone should know about these wipes. They also have a travel kit you might want to try.
I also love the Babo Botanicals 3-in-1 Hydrating Wipes, Cucumber & Aloe. These natural facial wipes are kid-friendly too and all-Multi-tasker for infants, children, post yoga, post workout, make-up remover. There is no individual package here and the wipes are biodegradable, so our footprint is even smaller.
For your body
I like the HyperGo - Full Body Wipes. I like them because they are super large wipes for the body (12 x 12 inches). These wipes are super effective, biodegradable, refreshing, and moisturizing. They are also unscented.
Also, you might like the Sea To Summit Wilderness Wipes; these also work as deodorizing Body Wipes; they contain aloe vera and vitamin E. They are made of 100% viscose fiber which is biodegradable. They come in few sizes: Compact size measures 8 x 6 in. and includes 12 wipes; XL size measures 12 x 8 in. and includes 8 wipes.
Don’t forget to moisturize your body, I usually go with pure jojoba oil, or shea butter.
For Feminine wipes
GoodWipes Down There Wipes for Women are the best. When you're sneakily peeing behind a tree, you want to have wipes with you. They are super gentle and will leave you so refreshed. The wipes are also flushable and biodegradable. Also, they are alcohol-free and hypoallergenic.
#2 - To keep fresh hair, I love the Refresh Dry Shampoo from Innersense Organic Beauty. It is foam to powder dry shampoo. Just apply on the tips of your fingers and massage it at the level of roots of your hair. You could also use the 2oz Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castille Liquid Soap. This is a concentrated, so there is plenty to lather your hair in the shower or a lack if you are nearby. Honestly, I go with the dry shampoo because no soap is 100% biodegradable. But, in case you want a total fresh feel of lathering your hair, Dr. Bronner’s is an eco-friendly option.
#3 - To kill body odor, I use the Green Tidings 1 oz deodorant any time. It is super effective at keeping smelly me away. this is a baking soda natural deodorant. For baking-soda free option, Rose Natural Deodorant with Magnesium is very effective and smell so good too.
#4 - For hand sanitizer, I highly recommend the Clean Well Botanical Hand Sanitizer Spray, 1oz. This is my go-to hand sanitizer and it works great for forest bathing too.
3rd, Take it in forest bathing by being on air plane mode
Put your phone on air plane mode and breath in nature. Your forest bathing is all about leaving the hustle and bustle and stress and being on 24/7 away even if it is for few hours.
I think being in nature should be one of our top wellness tools. Just a walk helps us connect with elements that make us deeply happy.
What do you do to connect to nature? Let me know in the comment
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