If your skin has felt unusually dry since moving to Colorado, you are not alone. Dry, tight, or flaky skin is incredibly common here, even for people who never had trouble with dryness before.
Colorado’s climate makes it harder for your skin to hold onto moisture. The low humidity, high altitude, strong sun, cold weather, and indoor heating can all contribute to dry skin in Colorado.
Colorado Has Very Low Humidity
The biggest reason your skin feels dry in Colorado is the lack of moisture in the air.
For comparison, Denver typically averages about 67% relative humidity in the morning and 40% in the afternoon, while Houston averages around 90% in the morning and 55% in the afternoon.
When the air is dry, water evaporates from your skin more quickly. This can weaken your skin’s natural protective barrier and leave it feeling tight, rough, itchy, or irritated.
The problem can become more noticeable during the winter. Cold outdoor air is already dry, and heating systems make the air inside your home even drier.
High Altitude Can Affect Your Skin Too
Colorado’s higher elevation also means stronger ultraviolet exposure.
Sun exposure can damage and irritate your skin over time, even when it is cold or cloudy outside. Wind and rapid changes between cold outdoor temperatures and warm indoor air can put even more stress on your skin.
That is why your face, hands, and lips may become especially dry after spending time outdoors.
Your Skincare Routine Might Be Too Harsh
Products that worked well in a more humid climate may be too drying in Colorado.
Common habits that can make dry skin worse include:
- Taking long, hot showers
- Washing your face with hot water
- Using strong or heavily foaming cleansers
- Exfoliating too often
- Using several acne or anti-aging products at once
- Skipping moisturizer
- Applying moisturizer after your skin is already completely dry
Flaking does not always mean you need more exfoliation. It can be a sign that your skin barrier is irritated and needs a break.
How to Help Dry Skin in Colorado
You usually do not need a complicated routine. Start with a few simple changes.
Use lukewarm water instead of hot water when washing your face or showering. Choose a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser and avoid scrubbing your skin.
Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps trap moisture before it evaporates. A thicker cream may work better than a lightweight lotion, especially during the winter.
Ingredients such as ceramides, glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid can help support dry skin.
It may also help to run a clean humidifier in your bedroom or another room where you spend a lot of time. Humidifiers add moisture back into dry indoor air, but they should be cleaned regularly.
Finally, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. Colorado’s strong sun does not disappear just because the weather is cold.
Can a Facial Help With Dry Skin?
A customized facial can help hydrate your skin, gently remove buildup, and identify products that may be making the dryness worse.
However, not every person with dry skin needs strong exfoliation. Sometimes your skin needs hydration and barrier support more than it needs another peel or scrub.
At Elise’s Esthetics, facials are customized based on your skin’s current needs. Treatments may include gentle exfoliation, a hydrating mask, and finishing products selected for your skin.
When Dry Skin May Be Something More
Some dryness is normal in Colorado, but ongoing redness, itching, cracking, or rashes may be connected to eczema, dermatitis, allergies, or another skin condition.
An esthetician can help you improve your skincare routine, but persistent or painful symptoms should be evaluated by a dermatologist or another medical professional.
For everyday Colorado dryness, start simple. Use gentle products, moisturize consistently, protect your skin from the sun, and avoid doing too much at once.
Need help finding the right routine for your skin? Book a facial or complimentary first-time client consultation with Elise’s Esthetics in Colorado Springs.