Travelle Goes To Burning Man - The Body Prep
If you’re one of the tens of thousands of people heading to Nevada’s Black Rock City for Burning Man, you are in for a life changing experience. The mixture of culture, self-expression and art make for an unforgettable adventure. In order to experience everything to the fullest, Travelle has your back with a series of posts to help you get ready. Let’s start off with some steps to prepare your body for this magical week-long festival.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Spending a week in a desert will be as drying as…well, spending a week in a desert! So it’s important to increase your water intake in the weeks leading up to Burning Man. Not only will it hydrate your body, it will also get you into the habit of drinking lots of water while there, which is just as important.
Detox and Get Nourished
Kick off the festival with a fresh start. A deep tissue massage will rid your body of built up toxins. The body rub stimulates lymphatic flow, which in turn helps boost your immune system and overall health. This is also a good time to check if you are receiving adequate nutrition. If you feel like you’re missing out on some vitamins, look into taking supplements. Studies have shown that Vitamin C can prevent and treat UV damage, which is perfect when visiting a desert! Vitamin C is also necessary for the formation of collagen, which acts as a sponge for moisture. Omega-3s and other healthy fats have been shown to keep skin supple and hydrated as well.
Prepare to Sweat
Get into a good workout routine so your body becomes accustomed to vigorous activity and stress. You will be walking, bouncing and biking around the playa in direct sunlight and dusty air, so getting in shape before you head off will make the treks more enjoyable. Spending some time in a sauna may be a good idea as well. Acclimating yourself to heat and sweating will help your body slowly adjust to the warmer climate you’ll experience at Burning Man.
Trim Excess for Healthy Hair
Desert conditions can do a number on your hair. Getting a trim beforehand will keep split ends at bay and prevent further frizz. While at the salon, consider receiving a deep moisturizing treatment and picking up some leave in conditioner you can use at home and while at Burning Man. Your hair will get thirsty and a leave in conditioner is the perfect way to easily hydrate your hair.
Did We Say Moisturize?
Don’t forget to show your skin some love, too! A deep moisturizing lotion will pamper your skin and prepare it for the dry week ahead. Try a hydrating body butter or jojoba oil after a shower while your body is still wet. Your skin will thank you.
Unless you have the tendency to break out, try using a heavier moisturizer that’s oil-based for your face rather than water-based. The oil will form a protective layer on the skin that will better retain moisture. You’ll find that many night creams are oil based, making them a good choice for pre-festival skin prep. Remember, it’s important to exfoliate before to ensure deep absorption. And if you plan to use a facemask, avoid clay-based products as these tend to draw moisture out from the face.
