Thanks to social progress, outdoor lifestyles are increasingly recognized around the world. Yesterday, I chatted with a friend who had just finished an exhilarating two-week skiing trip and we talked about the issue of sunburn during skiing.

My friend told me that in sunny places, parts of the face not covered by ski goggles do get a bit tanned, resulting in what some call a "panda face." But such a look is actually quite popular in Europe and America. Walking down the street with a panda face is like declaring to the world: I haven’t been stuck in the office all day—I went out and had fun.

Are the office-bound folks feeling a bit wounded right now?
That said, maintaining beauty while outdoors is actually a skill. The trendy “healthy tan” these days isn’t just about throwing yourself under the sun without protection—it’s not that simple or crude. The increasingly good-looking outdoor enthusiasts all have their own skincare tricks.

You see, the outdoor environments faced by hikers, cyclists, skiers, and trekkers aren’t exactly skin-friendly. Excessive UV exposure, dry air, and inadequate cleaning opportunities are all detrimental to skin health.
So, if you want to achieve healthy beauty, it's wise to get some professional advice before you head out.

1
Sun Protection
Dr. Brian Adams, director of the Dermatology Clinic at the University of Cincinnati and author of the book Sports Dermatology, believes that training in snowy conditions makes one particularly susceptible to UV damage.

At high altitudes, the atmosphere’s ability to block harmful rays is reduced. As elevation increases, mountain athletes are exposed to even more intense ultraviolet radiation.
Especially right after a fresh snowfall, because snow reflects 100% of UV rays, the damage to outdoor enthusiasts is effectively doubled—your skin is exposed to both direct sunlight and reflected UV from the snow.

From Dr. Brian’s observations, we come to a rather well-known conclusion: any exposed skin must be protected with sunscreen.
It’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB) sunscreen with SPF 50 and strong water resistance, and to reapply every two hours. A broad-spectrum sunscreen is also a great option.

It’s especially worth noting that not only women need sun protection. Excessive UV exposure can lead to skin diseases. The ultimate goal of using sunscreen isn’t about looking good—it’s about health. So everyone, men and women alike, should wear sunscreen!
2
Moisturizing
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends staying in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but that’s clearly hard to achieve. Dr. Brian suggests doing moisturizing twice a day to make up for it.

Be sure to moisturize twice—don’t cut corners. It’s like being out in the rain all day but only using an umbrella for half the time—you’ll still get soaked. To achieve lasting results, consistent effort is essential.
Mountainous areas have lower humidity, and the dry air can further dehydrate your skin. Moisturizer can help with that.

To prevent dry skin, apply plenty of lotion. Keep it somewhere easily accessible in the bathroom and apply it immediately after turning off the water. It’s best to apply while your pores are still open so the lotion can absorb better.
Also, regarding showers, Dr. Brian has a tip: only use soap on your armpits, groin, and feet. Those are the only areas that really need it. For athletes, the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen should only be rinsed with water.

3
Chest Care
Running marathons has become a trend in recent years. But after an exhilarating run, there can be some less-talked-about discomforts.
One of the most troublesome issues is nipple chafing caused by friction between the skin and clothing during running. A medical survey found that this is one of the top ten most embarrassing problems for runners.

Newbies, don’t overlook this issue—be sure to prepare at least a bottle of petroleum jelly and four band-aids just in case.
Petroleum jelly can be found in any supermarket. Apply it to your chest before running—it acts like a protective layer on the skin to prevent chafing. Alternatively, you can cross two band-aids over your nipples.

If you have time to prepare well, it’s best to invest in some nipple covers—they offer a more permanent solution to the problem.
Additionally, avoid using pure cotton for undergarments. Cotton has poor moisture-wicking properties, and damp clothing can cause more intense friction against the skin, leading to skin damage. Therefore, it’s best to choose a snug, moisture-wicking base layer for your innermost clothing.

Cycling enthusiasts also face the issue of chafing, though it usually doesn’t occur on the chest. However, before embarking on a long-distance cycling trip, you should still prepare a bottle of petroleum jelly to prevent potential abrasions on the inner thighs.

In short, when exploring the outdoors, you’re bound to encounter various harsh conditions. While enjoying the surprising benefits nature can have on your appearance, it’s also important to avoid these minor risks and truly embrace healthy beauty.