**Denver's Dry Air: Altitude Lies Cracking Youth Eyes?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe crisp mountain air, the endless sunshine, the active lifestyle – Denver is a fantastic place to live. But that same environment that draws so many to Colorado can wreak havoc on your skin, especially around your eyes. The combination of low humidity and high altitude creates a perfect storm for dryness, leading to premature fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a silent beauty thief, and Denverites need a specific strategy to combat it.
The problem isn’t just dryness; it’s accelerated dryness. At 5,280 feet (and higher in surrounding areas), the air holds less moisture. This means your skin loses water faster than at sea level. Add to that the intense Colorado sun, which further dehydrates the skin and breaks down collagen, and you’ve got a recipe for crow’s feet city.
So, what can you do? Generic skincare advice simply won’t cut it. We need a Denver-specific approach.
First, let’s talk hydration. It’s not just about drinking water (though that’s crucial). It’s about trapping moisture in your skin. Hyaluronic acid is your best friend. This molecule acts like a sponge, holding up to 1000 times its weight in water. Look for serums or eye creams containing hyaluronic acid. A great option readily available at Denver pharmacies like Walgreens or King Soopers is the CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum. It’s affordable and effective. Apply it to damp skin after cleansing to maximize absorption.
But hyaluronic acid alone isn’t enough. You need to seal in that moisture with an occlusive. Think of it as a protective barrier. Shea butter, ceramides, and even good old Vaseline can work wonders. For daytime, a lighter option is an eye cream containing ceramides, like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Eye Cream, available at most Denver drugstores. At night, don’t be afraid to slather on a thin layer of Vaseline around your eyes. It’s not glamorous, but it’s incredibly effective at preventing moisture loss.
Now, let’s get local. Colorado honey, especially from the Western Slope, is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin. It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. You can create a simple DIY eye mask by mixing a teaspoon of raw Colorado honey with a few drops of rosehip oil (another great hydrator). Apply it to the under-eye area for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water. Be sure to source your honey from a reputable local producer to ensure its purity and quality. Check out farmers’ markets in areas like Boulder or Fort Collins for local honey vendors.
Sun protection is non-negotiable. The Colorado sun is intense, even on cloudy days. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Look for wraparound styles to protect the delicate skin around the sides of your eyes. And don’t forget sunscreen! Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even in winter. Choose a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are gentler on sensitive skin around the eyes. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a popular choice and can be found at many dermatologists’ offices in Denver.
Lifestyle adjustments are also key. Denver’s active lifestyle is fantastic, but it can also contribute to dehydration. If you’re hiking, biking, or skiing, you’re losing moisture through sweat and respiration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider using a humidifier at night, especially during the dry winter months. A cool-mist humidifier can help add moisture back into the air, preventing your skin from drying out overnight.
One common mistake Denverites make is over-exfoliating. While exfoliation is important for removing dead skin cells, overdoing it can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to further dryness. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use a gentle exfoliator. Avoid harsh scrubs or chemical peels, especially around the delicate eye area.
Another pitfall is neglecting your diet. What you eat directly impacts your skin’s health. Focus on consuming plenty of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, which help to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Also, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants that protect your skin from damage.
Consider the impact of altitude on your skin’s oil production. At higher altitudes, your skin may produce less oil, making it even more prone to dryness. This is why it’s important to use richer, more emollient moisturizers, especially at night.
Finally, be patient. It takes time to see results. Consistency is key. Stick to your skincare routine, make healthy lifestyle choices, and protect your skin from the sun. With a little effort, you can combat the effects of Denver’s dry air and maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin around your eyes. Don’t let the altitude get you down – or wrinkle you up!