Denver AC: Altitude Lies Drying Summer Vaseline?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe dry air of Denver in the summer isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a full-blown assault on your skin. Many residents, transplants and natives alike, struggle with persistent dryness, itchiness, and even premature aging. The common advice? Slather on some Vaseline. But is that really the best solution for our unique mile-high climate? I argue it’s not, and I’m here to tell you why, and what you should be doing instead.
Denver’s altitude significantly exacerbates the effects of dry air. At 5,280 feet (and often much higher in the surrounding metro area), the air pressure is lower. This means water evaporates from your skin much faster, a process called transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Vaseline, or petrolatum, is an occlusive. Occlusives work by creating a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing moisture from escaping. While this sounds good in theory, especially in a dry environment, it doesn’t address the root of the problem: the lack of moisture in the skin.
Think of it like this: Vaseline is like putting a lid on an empty pot. It prevents any remaining water from evaporating, but it doesn’t add any water to the pot in the first place. In Denver’s dry climate, your skin is already dehydrated. Simply trapping what little moisture remains isn’t enough.
A common misconception is that Vaseline moisturizes the skin. It doesn’t. It only prevents water loss. In fact, if applied to dry skin, it can actually worsen the problem by trapping dryness underneath.
So, what’s the alternative? The key is to focus on humectants. Humectants are ingredients that attract moisture from the environment and draw it into the skin.
- Hyaluronic acid is a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.
- Glycerin is another effective humectant that is also gentle on the skin.
- Honey is a natural humectant with added antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to building a Denver-proof skincare routine:
- Cleanse gently: Avoid harsh soaps that strip your skin of its natural oils. Look for gentle, hydrating cleansers. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, readily available at most Denver pharmacies like Walgreens or King Soopers, is a great option.
- Apply a humectant serum: While your skin is still damp, apply a serum containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an affordable and effective choice, available at Ulta Beauty stores throughout Denver.
- Seal with an occlusive (but not just Vaseline):* After the humectant serum, apply a lightweight moisturizer containing both humectants and occlusives. This will help to draw moisture into the skin and then seal it in. Look for products containing ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, or squalane. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV is a good option with SPF, crucial for Denver’s intense sun, and can be found at most CVS locations.
- Consider a humidifier: Especially during the winter months, a humidifier can add much-needed moisture to the air in your home. This will help to reduce TEWL and keep your skin hydrated.
- Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated from the inside out is essential for healthy skin.
A common pitfall is over-exfoliating. While exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and improve the absorption of skincare products, overdoing it can damage the skin’s barrier and lead to increased dryness. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use a gentle exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant.
Another challenge is finding the right products for your skin type. What works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different products and ingredients to find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from a dermatologist or esthetician. Many spas in Denver, like Aillea in Larimer Square, specialize in natural and organic skincare and can provide personalized recommendations.
Let’s consider a real-world scenario. Sarah, a Denver resident, had been using Vaseline on her dry skin for years, but it wasn’t helping. Her skin was still dry, itchy, and flaky. After switching to a routine that included a hyaluronic acid serum, a lightweight moisturizer, and a humidifier, her skin improved dramatically. She noticed a significant reduction in dryness and itchiness, and her skin looked and felt healthier.
Another example: John, a construction worker in Denver, spent his days outdoors in the sun and wind. He found that Vaseline was too greasy and didn’t provide enough hydration. He switched to a routine that included a hydrating cleanser, a glycerin-based serum, and a heavier moisturizer with shea butter. He also started drinking more water throughout the day. As a result, his skin became less dry and irritated, and he was able to work more comfortably.
Don’t fall for the Vaseline myth. While it can be helpful in certain situations, it’s not the best solution for dry skin in Denver’s unique climate. Focus on humectants, hydrate from the inside out, and build a skincare routine that addresses the root of the problem: the lack of moisture in your skin. Your skin will thank you for it.