“Sun, Snow, and Skin: Sherpa Secrets to Surviving Nepal’s Harsh Rays”

Did you ever take sunscreen on a beach holiday? You may consider sunscreen for the beach, but it is useful for other occasions. Despite the fact that Nepal has one of the toughest sun climates in the world, owing to the soft mountains and snowy treks in Nepal, it is a simple concept: the higher you climb, the nearer you get to the sun—and the worse your skin gets. But there’s a group of people who have mastered the art of sun protection in this unforgiving environment: The Sherpas.

These famous mountain Sherpas not only find their way through the hard Himalayas, but they also walk through their own backyards, making sure they cover their skin from the scorching sun with an altitude that can leave one breathless. How do they do it? Time to hit the pool and pack up your sense of humor: in this article, we share the Sherpa tips on how to cope with the sun at high altitude.

 

 

Why the Nepalese Sun Is More or Less

Before we dive into the Sherpa-inspired tips, let’s talk about why the sun in Nepal is such a skin menace:
⦁    Altitude Amplifies UV Exposure: As you increase your altitude by 1,000 meters, UV radiation rises by about 10-12%. By the time you reach Everest Base Camp, which is 5,364 meters above sea level, you are actually grilling under an invisible sunlamp.

⦁    Reflection from Snow: About 80% of the UV rays bounce off the snow, which means you are exposed to double the sun’s rays. You can’t tell if it’s worse than being hit by the sun from above and below.

⦁    Thin Atmosphere: The higher up you go, the less there is in the way of the sun’s rays, so UV is stronger and more hazardous.

Translation: That, of course, means that your typical “a little dab will do” sunscreen application is not going to be enough.

 

 

Lesson 1: Sunscreen is Not an Option. Sherpas Understand This

Sherpas don’t joke when it comes to putting on sunscreen, especially when hiking through the steep and rocky terrain. They realize that the sun radiating in the Himalayan region, if covered insufficiently, leads to dangerous sunburns, premature wrinkling, and permanent damage.

How to Sherpa-Style Your Sunscreen Routine:

⦁    Go for High SPF: Use at least SPF 50, like LOVEWARMTH SPF 50 PA+++. Now really isn’t the time to be going with SPF 15 if you don’t want to look like a red lobster.
⦁    Reapply Often: After every two hours of exercise or after sweating. Normally, it has to be this gray, but yes, they even paint it on the trail if you’re halfway up the mountain.
⦁    Don’t Forget These Areas: Your ears, the tip of your nose, and the back of your neck. Just ask us, they aren’t exactly fashionable when blistered from the sun.
Pro Tip: Make sure you use a water-resistant sunscreen that doesn’t wash away easily with sweat. It’s arduous to climb to high altitudes, and your sunscreen should be able to follow you.

 

 

Lesson 2: Cover Up Like A Pro

Having learned that clothing is a shield against UV rays, Sherpas have taken time to honor the skill. They recognize that sweat can even be dangerous to fabric, so lightweight breathability forms their armor.
Sherpa-Inspired Wardrobe Tips:

⦁    Wide-Brimmed Hats: Ear and neck structures need protection from direct sunshine. Bonus: It also means you’ll look effortlessly cool.
⦁    UV-Protective Sunglasses: It’s also pointed out that the glare from the snow can cause harm to your eyes and the skin tissue around them. To obtain the best protection, look for over-the-ear styles known as wraparounds.
⦁    Layer Smartly: Long skirts and long-sleeve blouses, or lightweight shirts and trousers will not only protect you from UVB rays but will also not make you overheat.
⦁    Buffs and Scarves: Sherpas use buffs around their neck and face to protect them from being burnt by the sun or wind.

Fun But True: They are not only functional but a way of doing so that does not lead to that ‘raccoon’ line from sunnier.

 

 

Lesson 3: Drink Water As If Your Skin Is All You Have (And It’s Not)

Strong sunshine and dry air common at high altitudes are known to dry up skin even before you bid the Himalayas farewell. Sherpas minimize this by drinking plenty of water while carefully maintaining their general body skin moisture.
How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated:

⦁    Drink Up: This is beneficial in retaining moisture in your skin, and it’s recommended that you should drink between 3-4 liters of water each day.
⦁    Use a Rich Moisturizer: Use one with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or ceramides to trap moisture onto the skin’s surface, like NEWLOOK 24HR RICH MOISTURIZER.
⦁    Lip Balm with SPF: Your lips, the most sensitive parts of your face, are prone to drying and burning. For this reason, protect them with an SPF-containing balm.

Pro Tip: Bring a small travel-size lotion with you in your backpack so that during the day, you can apply some more cream on your skin. Your skin will be grateful after a blast of wind.

 

 

Lesson 4: The New Skincare Superfoods from Nature (Adapted from Sherpas)

Due to their exposure to extreme conditions, Sherpas use natural treatments to safeguard and treat their skin. These remedies, handed down from generation to generation, are as effective as they are basic.

Try These Sherpa-Inspired Natural Remedies:

⦁    Butter Tea Balm: This product is a traditional Sherpa balm made from tea leaves and yak butter. Incidentally, if one can’t get their hands on yak butter, rich natural butters like shea or cocoa butter are perfect.
⦁    Himalayan Herbs: The usual extracts for soothing properties include artemisia or nettle. To be on the safe side, use cosmetics containing these herbs.
⦁    Aloe Vera: A widely found ingredient, aloe serves as an amazing remedy for sunburns.

Fun Thought: If you ever run out of skincare products in the mountains, just talk to a Sherpa. I bet they are hiding some sort of miracle remedy.

 

 

Lesson 5: Don’t Skip After-Sun Care

As much as we can try and prepare ourselves, the sun in Nepal might make your skin feel tired and swollen. The Sherpas, of course, understand the need to protect the skin after getting a tan as well.
After-Sun Care Essentials:

⦁    Cool Showers: Do not use hot water; take a shower instead to soothe your skin.
⦁    Aloe Vera Gel: Used freely to remove inflammation or acne from your skin.
⦁    Antioxidants: Try using a serum or a moisturizer with vitamin C or E, like NEWLOOK VITAMIN C SERUM, to help restore skin damaged by the sun and lighten your skin.

Pro Tip: Next time you apply after-sun products, they will feel even cooler if you store them in the refrigerator.

 

 

Lesson 6: Embrace the Power of Rest

Sherpas are aware of the need to rest, not only for the body but also for the skin. Keep in mind that locations at high elevations, as well as direct sunlight, can take a lot out of the body’s energy, so ensure that you offer yourself adequate rest.

Skincare Sleep Routine:

⦁    Night Creams: Select a highly moisturizing and restorative cream like LOVEWARMTH REVIVELIFT ESSENCE NIGHT CREAM to work its magic while you sleep.
⦁    Gentle Cleansing: Wash your face with a mild cleanser like NEWLOOK GOLD CLEANSER and water in the evening to remove sunscreen, dirt, and sweat.

Funny But True: To borrow some vocabulary from the beauty industry, think of sleep as your skin’s ‘reset’ option: it’s during the night that the real action takes place.

 

 

Lesson 7: Sherpa Philosophy – Respect the Environment

One of the greatest values engraved in the hearts of Sherpas is the desire to protect nature. They employ products and processes that have the least impact on the mountains they inhabit.
Be a Responsible Traveler:

⦁    Eco-Friendly Sunscreen: Select sun care products and accessories that are skin-friendly and environmentally friendly.
⦁    Leave No Trace: Take out all used skincare product waste/skin care containers.

Final Thought: You don’t have to compromise to protect your skin: these sustainable products are the best of both worlds. Dick and Sherpa Scott Campbell are right: the keyword here is tread lightly.