High and Dry — Protecting Your Skin in Colorado’s Semi-Arid Climate.

Medical Director, RenewSkin Clinics
Dr. Greta McLaren

Colorado’s 300+ days of sunshine and crisp, dry air give our state it's bracing climate — but take their toll on our complexions.

At a mile or more above sea level, Colorado’s atmosphere is thinner, making the sun’s rays more damaging and leading to earlier and more severe photo-aging. Plus, the lack of humidity in the air compounds the sun’s damaging effects, so even young faces show signs of aging well before their time.
Other environmental factors take their toll, too. Air pollution, poor nutrition, smoking, and other external influences all break down the underlying cellular structure of the skin, leading to wrinkling, blotching, and sagging. And of course, sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.

Never Too Late

Whether you’re a newcomer to Colorado or sport a “Native” bumper sticker, you can start now to preserve your skin by using a good sunscreen with at least an SPF 30, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Products that include titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are the most effective against UVA rays, which not only cause skin to tan, but also contribute to age spots, wrinkles and some cancers.

Sunscreen application is the key to protecting your skin. Use at least enough to fill a shot glass and apply it to any area of the body that the sun’s rays might hit. If you’re going to be outside all day, remember to reapply – you’ll need a fresh coat of sunscreen every three to four hours for maximum protection. Also remember that the sun reflects off snow and water, making the rays even more intense. So if you’re enjoying a day on the slopes, take extra care to protect your skin.

Sunscreen will help prevent further ultraviolet damage, but it can’t reverse harm already done. For that you may want to consider corrective treatments that can actually reverse the ravages of time and environment. Addressing skin damage early with corrective action and regular maintenance can keep skin young, healthy, and vibrant as it continues to age.
Please call 303.438.0500 for more information or to reach Dr. McLaren