High Altitude Skin Care

High altitude strips moisture and exposes skin to intense UV, so layer hydration and apply SPF religiously.

  1. Double down on moisture. Start with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Follow with a heavier moisturizer than you'd normally use. The thin air will pull moisture from your skin faster than you realize.
  2. SPF becomes non-negotiable. UV intensity increases 4% for every 1000 feet of elevation. Apply SPF 30 minimum every two hours, even on cloudy days. The snow and ice reflect additional UV back at your face.
  3. Seal everything in. Use a facial oil or occlusive balm as your final step, especially at night. This creates a barrier against the dry mountain air that would otherwise evaporate your skincare layers overnight.