Protecting Your Skin in the High Altitude State
Living in Colorado offers plenty of benefits, from breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains to year-round outdoor activities. However, skincare in Colorado is complex. With high elevations, arid desert climates, and over 300 days of sunshine, your skin could feel defeated. To keep your skin healthy and glowing, it’s essential to develop a skincare routine that’s tailored to Colorado’s unique climate.
Here are some tips to help you maintain healthy skin while living in Colorado:
Moisturize Skin Outside and In
One of the biggest challenges of living in Colorado is the dry air. The high altitude means that there is less atmospheric pressure, which can cause moisture to evaporate from your skin more quickly. To combat this, it’s crucial to moisturize your skin regularly. Look for a rich, hydrating moisturizer that contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides, which help to lock in moisture and prevent water loss.
But, don’t just moisturize the outside of your body; be sure to hydrate the inside, as well. Drinking enough water helps to maintain elasticity in your skin. Repetitive movements of your facial muscles, like smiling or frowning, can create permanent wrinkles if your skin isn’t hydrated well from the inside. Plus, you may want to ditch your straw for a regular glass. Pursing lip can, over time, create wrinkles around your mouth and accentuate existing lines.
The Colorado Sun Conundrum
Colorado is called the Sunshine State because it has an average of 300 sunny days a year. However, many Coloradans underestimate the power of the sun, especially on cloudy days. UVA rays are not only harmful but also very powerful. Even when it’s overcast, UV rays can still penetrate the skin. UVA rays can travel through the windows of your office, car, and home causing damage and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Even if your weekday routine has you leaving for the office at dawn and returning home at dusk, sun protection is vital to any Colorado skincare regiment. To protect your skin, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even in the winter. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
The High Altitude Trap
The higher the altitude, the thinner the air, which means less protection from UV rays. At 9,000 feet, for example, UV radiation is 35% stronger than at sea level. If you’re planning to spend time in the mountains, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to protect your skin. In the spring, summer and fall, wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes, and apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days. In the winter, take extra care to protect your face and neck from the dryer air and refracted sunlight from the surface of the snow, especially the area under your chin.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
Your lips are one of the most sensitive areas of your skin, and they can easily become dry and chapped in Colorado’s dry climate. Your lips, along with your eye area, have some of the thinnest skin on the body. To protect your lips and keep then soft and supple, use a lip balm with SPF protection. Look for a balm that contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil to help soothe and protect when basking in Colorado sunshine.
Moisten the Air for Hydrated Skin
Humidity in Colorado is quite low, even in the spring and summer. It dips even lower when the colder weather starts moving in. To combat the dry air in your home, invest in a humidifier. Humidifiers add moisture to the air, which can help to prevent dry skin and reduce the risk of respiratory problems. Place a humidifier in your bedroom while you sleep to wake up with hydrated, glowing skin.
With a little extra care and attention, you can enjoy all that Colorado has to offer while keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.