Denver Lattes: Is Altitude AC Drying Summer Skin?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 1, 2025

The air in Denver doesn’t just feel different; it is different. It’s a silent thief, stealing moisture from your skin with every breath. Combine that with the blasting AC in every office building and the relentless Colorado sun, and you’ve got a recipe for skin drier than the Sahara. But don’t despair, fellow Denverites! This isn’t just about slapping on some lotion; it’s about understanding the unique environmental assault your skin faces daily and fighting back with a targeted strategy.

Let’s dissect this Denver dryness, piece by piece.

First, the altitude. Denver’s mile-high status means lower air pressure. This lower pressure allows moisture to evaporate from your skin faster. Think of it like boiling water at a lower temperature – the water still evaporates, just more readily. This is why you feel parched even when you’re not particularly active. And that “Denver Latte” – your morning coffee – only exacerbates the problem, acting as a diuretic and further dehydrating you.

Next, the air conditioning. We all love escaping the summer heat, but AC is a double-edged sword. It sucks the humidity out of the air, creating an artificially dry environment indoors. Your skin, constantly trying to maintain its moisture balance, loses the battle in these conditions. It’s like being trapped in a giant dehumidifier.

Finally, the sun. Colorado boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year. While that’s great for outdoor activities, it also means constant exposure to harmful UV rays. These rays damage the skin’s outer layer, impairing its ability to retain moisture. The sun is essentially punching holes in your skin’s protective barrier.

So, how do we combat this trifecta of dryness? It’s a multi-pronged approach, focusing on hydration, skincare, and targeted treatments.

Hydration: Beyond the Water Bottle

Simply drinking water isn’t enough. You need to optimize your hydration strategy.

• Electrolyte Boost: Plain water can sometimes just pass right through you. Add electrolytes to your water, especially after exercise or spending time outdoors. Look for electrolyte tablets or powders with sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Nuun and Liquid I.V. are popular choices, readily available at King Soopers and Sprouts across the Denver metro area.
• Hydrating Foods: Incorporate water-rich foods into your diet. Cucumbers, watermelon, and celery are excellent choices. These foods also provide essential vitamins and minerals that support skin health. Think of it as hydrating from the inside out.
• The “Denver Latte” Mitigation Strategy: Okay, we’re not going to tell you to ditch your coffee. But for every cup of coffee, drink two glasses of water. Consider switching to iced coffee, which naturally contains more water. And maybe, just maybe, try a herbal tea alternative a few times a week.
• Humidifiers are Your Friend: Invest in a humidifier, especially for your bedroom. This will add moisture back into the air while you sleep, giving your skin a chance to recover overnight. Look for cool-mist humidifiers, which are generally safer and more effective. Target and Walmart in Denver have a wide selection.

Skincare: Building a Moisture Fortress

Your skincare routine needs to be specifically tailored to combat Denver’s dryness.

• Gentle Cleansing: Harsh soaps strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a great option, widely available at drugstores like Walgreens and CVS.
• Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This is your secret weapon. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin. Apply it to damp skin after cleansing to maximize its effectiveness. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an affordable and effective option.
• Rich Moisturizer: Don’t skimp on the moisturizer. Choose a thick, creamy formula that contains emollients and occlusives. Emollients soften the skin, while occlusives create a barrier to prevent moisture loss. Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and petrolatum. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is a dermatologist-recommended option that’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
• Sunscreen, Every Day: Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate and damage your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a popular choice among dermatologists.
• Nighttime Recovery: Use a richer, more emollient moisturizer at night to help your skin repair itself while you sleep. Consider adding a facial oil, such as rosehip oil or argan oil, for extra hydration.

Targeted Treatments: The Extra Mile

Sometimes, your skin needs a little extra help.

• Cryotherapy: Localized cryotherapy can help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, which can benefit dry, irritated skin. Several cryotherapy studios in the Denver metro area offer targeted treatments. Check out Restore Hyper Wellness in Cherry Creek or US Cryotherapy in Centennial.
• Facial Masks: Use a hydrating facial mask once or twice a week to give your skin a boost of moisture. Look for masks containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera. Sephora in Cherry Creek Mall has a wide selection of hydrating masks.
• Professional Treatments: Consider consulting a dermatologist or esthetician for personalized recommendations and professional treatments, such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels. These treatments can help exfoliate dead skin cells and improve the absorption of hydrating products. There are many reputable dermatology clinics in Denver, such as Colorado Dermatology Institute.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can strip your skin of its natural oils and make dryness worse. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use a gentle exfoliator.
• Hot Showers: Hot water can dry out your skin. Opt for lukewarm showers and limit your shower time.
• Ignoring Your Lips: Your lips are particularly vulnerable to dryness in Denver’s climate. Use a hydrating lip balm with SPF throughout the day.
• Not Adjusting Your Routine Seasonally: Your skin’s needs may change depending on the season. You may need a richer moisturizer in the winter and a lighter moisturizer in the summer.

Living in Denver means embracing the outdoors, but it also means taking extra care of your skin. By understanding the unique challenges posed by the altitude, air conditioning, and sun, and by implementing a targeted hydration and skincare strategy, you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated, even in the driest of conditions. Don’t let the “Denver Latte” win!