Top 6 Tips to Avoid a Sunburn During Your Great Wall Adventures
Skincare for summer Great Wall of China hiking doesn’t need to be complicated, but a few quick considerations will ensure that you come off the trail looking healthy and outdoorsy. Below are six things you should start doing to protect your skin from sun blisters, sun poisoning, and long-term sun damage.
Minimize Sun Exposure
The easiest way to protect yourself from too much sun is to limit your time under its rays. Yet when you are traveling to Mutianyu, Jinshanling, or Huanghuacheng, you want to get as much out of your vacation time as possible.
To balance the heat, do the bulk of hiking in the early morning or afternoon. Avoid hiking at noon whenever possible to avoid the strong sunlight of the day.
Wear Protective Accessories
Start by purchasing sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays. You can find these at your optometrist or any brand-name sunglasses dealer.
Make sure you choose a reputable brand that is tested and marked as 100 percent UV blocking. Also, shop for sun protection gear, including hats and neckerchiefs made from a treated material to block or repel ultraviolet radiation (UV) rays.
Please do your research regarding brands and the science behind their products for the best results.
Cover Your Skin
Along with accessories, choose suitable clothing to protect your skin against the sun. Long sleeves and pants may seem outlandish if you travel to Beijing in the summer.
However, you can find thin layers that offer lightweight protection against the sun’s rays. Look for clothing treated with the same UV blocking material as the hats and neckerchiefs.
Use Safe Sunscreens
Buy a fresh bottle of sunscreen before you leave for Beijing. Older sunscreens from last season may not be as effective or safe for sun protection.
Consider a sunscreen with a waterproof formulation to avoid sweating away your sunscreen after each application. You can also find tinted sunscreen if you want to use this in place of makeup to make your Great Wall of China snapshots pop.
Wash Your Face Shortly After Your Hike
Along with UV damage, environmental stressors can affect your skin. Dirt, pollen, and air pollution are just the start. After you finish your hike each day at the Great Wall, wash your face. You will remove the sunscreen and any contaminants that could damage your skin in the long term.
Get a Skin Cancer Screening
The best way to detect skin cancer is with regular skin cancer screening by your medical doctor. Consider getting a cancer screening before traveling to Gubeikou or Simatai in Beijing to give yourself peace of mind. Then when you return from your trip, it might be beneficial to schedule another test if you see any spots or indicators of skin cancer.
By keeping yourself protected against harmful sun rays, you’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors longer and avoid causing problems that will make the Great Wall of China hiking difficult.
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When I’m not on the road or writing, I enjoy street photography, spending time with my wife and our 7-year-old son, Zack, or relaxing at home with our black-and-white cat, Sprite.
Hope my tips inspire your next adventure—happy travels!