Summer camp is one of the most memorable parts of growing up—days filled with swimming, hiking, outdoor games, and lifelong friendships. But while kids and teens are busy making memories, their skin is up against some serious challenges. From sun exposure and heat to bug spray, chlorine, and humidity, camp life can take a toll on young skin.

As a dermatologist (and a parent), I know firsthand how a simple, consistent summer camp skincare routine can prevent breakouts, dryness, irritation, and sun damage—without adding stress or complexity to their day.

Whether your child is heading to overnight camp or day camp, here’s exactly what to pack to keep their skin healthy, protected, and happy all summer long—plus how ERLY’s gentle, dermatologist-developed products make it easy.

Summer Camp Skincare: Hygiene Is Non-Negotiable

Let’s start with the basics. Hygiene at camp isn’t always easy. Kids may be sharing cabins, dealing with sweat and dirt from long days outside, or skipping showers due to busy schedules. All of this can create the perfect environment for clogged pores, body odor, and skin infections like folliculitis and impetigo.

Encouraging your camper to wash their face at least twice a day can go a long way. Face washing removes excess oil, sunscreen residue, and bacteria that build up from sweating or swimming. It’s also a key step in preventing acne, especially for tweens and teens, who may already be dealing with hormonal breakouts.

Pack a gentle cleanser that won’t dry or irritate the skin. ERLY Face Foam Gentle Cleanser is an ideal option. It’s fragrance-free (so it won’t attract bugs) and formulated to clean effectively without stripping the skin’s natural barrier. Plus, its foaming format is easy for kids to use and rinse off quickly, even in a rustic camp setting.

Don’t Skip the Sunscreen

Even on cloudy days or in shady spots, ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause lasting skin damage. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, just one blistering sunburn during childhood can nearly double a person’s risk of developing melanoma later in life.

Daily sun protection is a must at camp, and it’s especially important during long hours outside or after swimming, when sunscreen wears off. That’s why I recommend packing a reliable, broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s gentle enough for daily use and encouraging reapplication throughout the day.

ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40 is a great choice because it combines mineral-based sun protection with hydration, making it perfect for young skin. It contains zinc oxide, a physical UV blocker that’s effective yet non-irritating. The lightweight moisturizer also includes peptides to support the skin barrier and prevent dryness. And like all ERLY products, it’s fragrance-free—making it ideal for outdoor use where insects are present.

To make it easier for your camper to remember, suggest applying it every morning after face washing, and reapplying every 2 hours during prolonged outdoor activities or swimming.

Moisturize After Swimming and Sun

Spending time in lakes, pools, or salt water can strip the skin of its natural oils. Add sun and wind exposure to the mix, and your camper could end up with tight, dry, or irritated skin.

Moisturizing helps restore hydration, especially at night when the skin is in repair mode. ERLY Night Moisturizer is perfect for this. It contains hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and holds moisture in the skin. It also includes vitamin E, which supports skin healing and protects against oxidative stress caused by UV rays.

Nighttime moisturizing after face washing should be a simple and relaxing routine. Encourage your camper to treat it like brushing their teeth—just one more step in taking care of their body after a full day.

Don’t Forget About Bug Safety

Many parents don’t realize that skincare can also help reduce bug bites. Fragrance in lotions, cleansers, or sprays can attract mosquitoes and other insects. That’s why it’s important to choose fragrance-free skincare products—like those from ERLY—especially when kids are spending time in wooded or grassy areas.

Additionally, applying an EPA-approved insect repellent on top of moisturizer or sunscreen can help keep bites at bay. Be sure to read labels and follow the camp’s policies, especially for younger campers.

What to Pack: The Summer Camp Skincare Essentials List

Here’s a quick reference checklist of what to pack in your camper’s bag:

ERLY Face Foam Gentle Cleanser – For twice-daily face washing to prevent breakouts and remove sweat and dirt.
ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40 – For daily sun protection and lightweight hydration.
ERLY Night Moisturizer – For evening hydration and skin recovery after sun and water exposure.
Unscented body wash and shampoo – To minimize bug attraction and skin irritation.
Fragrance-free laundry detergent (for sensitive skin) – Especially if the camp allows campers to wash their own clothing or bedding.
Broad-spectrum body sunscreen (fragrance-free, water-resistant) – For reapplying on shoulders, arms, legs, and neck throughout the day.
EPA-approved bug spray – To prevent bites, especially in the evenings.

Tips to Help Kids Stick With It

Let’s be honest—most kids aren’t going to stick to a 10-step skincare routine at camp. But they will wash their face and apply moisturizer if you keep things simple and set expectations.

Here are a few tips:

Choose products with pump or squeeze tops that are easy to use.
Use a permanent marker to label steps (e.g., “Step 1: Morning Face Wash,” “Step 2: Apply This After Washing”).
Include a small mirror and a toiletry caddy or bag to make routines more portable.
Remind them that just 2–3 minutes a day can prevent breakouts and painful sunburns.
Consider doing a quick "practice week" at home before camp starts so they get the hang of it.

Skin Confidence Builds Life Confidence

Taking care of skin isn't about vanity—it's about comfort, health, and confidence. When kids feel good in their skin, they can focus more on the joy of summer: making friends, jumping into lakes, learning campfire songs, and discovering who they are.

Packing dermatologist-approved skincare products like ERLY Face Foam Gentle Cleanser, ERLY Start Moisturizer with SPF 40, and ERLY Night Moisturizer can help your child avoid the common skin issues that come with summer camp life—like sunburn, dryness, or acne—and support healthy skin all season long.

Camp might only last a few weeks, but the habit of taking care of your skin? That can last a lifetime.