Yet another random tip.

[randomness]

In China, you should examine the sunscreen products carefully before you buy them. Available sunscreen often includes skin lightening additives. That's probably not what you want.

I noticed this while I was looking along the drugstore shelves for dry skin cream*. (Watsons, CapitaRetail Mall, Xizhimen.)

Another reported problem is that many local brands don't work, but that's a general problem with products in China.

*Also, you'll need plenty of moisturizer for Beijing. The city is dry, dry, dry: particularly in winter, but also early spring, late fall, etc.

Comments

[mangosteen]

Another reported problem is that many local brands don't work, but that's a general problem with products in China.

I'm sure that the combination of issues behind that is complex, but can you give some insight as to why that happens?

[eac.livejournal.com]

I dunno, I always wanted to be more goth. But the heads up is very good, thanks. :)

[digitalemur.livejournal.com]

Do they contain sunscreen AND skin lighteners, or skin lighteners instead of sunscreen?

[achinhibitor.livejournal.com]

Also take a gas mask! The day after I left (Nov. 2011), the US embassy reported the air quality as "wicked bad".