Protect your skin from CO
When I moved to Colorado, I was immediately struck by how happy everyone was. All these people scurrying past me in their athletic wear, waving, and smiling. The New Yorker in me wondered if they were deranged - but I realized they were something far less common: happy. The second thing I noticed, of course, was the punishment their skin was taking as a result. Deep creases and dry, flaky skin were the telltale signs of a life well-lived in Colorado. People were sacrificing their skin and youth on the altar of the active lifestyle.
The Colorado environment is mean to our skin. But with some easy steps, we can keep it healthy and supple. We’ll have you looking 20 years younger than your friends and neighbors. And it’s not just about the looks - skin health is an important part of your overall health. Especially in colorful Colorado.
Remember these words: Hydrate, exfoliate, protect. Repeat them to yourself.
Hydrate
Use hyaluronic acid twice a day. You can get good quality hyaluronic in all sorts of formats now. I tend to like the serums because it just feels great, but you can buy the vitamins as well. You can also up your intake through foods like bone broth, oranges, almonds, and kale. This will pretty quickly improve your skin’s texture and elasticity: we want you to be able to change facial expression 25 years from now.
Humidifiers should also be a requirement for Colorado living. Leave it on over night while you sleep, and give your skin a rest too. I have a Levoit in my bedroom - it’s effective and easy to use. Good Housekeeping also has some great recommendations.
Drink water. Drink it when you’re thirsty. After you’re thirsty. Before you’re thirsty. Drink water in your dreams. Water intake will be the first question I ask you.
Exfoliate
You need to get your skin cells turning over faster than a parking spot on Pearl Street. Get the old ones out of the way to make room for the fresh, new ones. Up your retinol intake through diet (carrots, cheese, eggs, fish, yellow fruits, spinach), or creams and supplements. You should use these products 2-3 times per week, but only at night because it makes your skin sensitive to the sun.
Protect
Wallet. Keys. Phone. SPF. Don’t leave home without it. Even if you’re just running to the store - you never know when you’ll end up on a brewery patio. The sun in Colorado is strong and relentless. It will beat your skin down. Get a good mineral sunscreen, which offer better protection against UV. I really like ILIA Skin Tint, which offers a nice range of products.
With just a little more effort and attention to your daily routine, you can have your Colorado and enjoy it too. Show your skin some love, and it will reward you by staying fresh and young for years to come.