After spending a summer in Idaho, I learned the hard way that taking care of my skin is even more important at high altitudes. The sun is stronger, the air is drier, and without proper maintenance, your skin will have a hard time adjusting to increased elevation.
There are so many adventures at high altitude like climbing mountains, swimming in alpine lakes, exploring hot springs and more, but these adventures take a greater toll on your skin than activities closer to sea-level. Here are the tips I’ve learned that will help your skin survive and thrive at high elevation.
1. Use an SPF Moisturizer Daily for High Elevation Skin Care
Wearing sunscreen every day, particularly on your face is a good way to protect your skin from everyday sun exposure. But it is even more important to make sure you wear sunscreen every day at high altitudes. The UV index is generally higher, and the strength of the sun can sneak up on you.
Try to get into a routine of using an SPF moisturizer every morning to protect your skin from routine exposure and in case you end up outside without additional sunscreen on hand.
2. Protect Your Scalp from the Stronger Sun
The part of your body that is closest to the sun is also the easiest to forget. It’s easy for your scalp to get sun burnt at high altitudes which is not something you want to experience. Wearing a hat is the easiest way to protect your scalp from the sun. But if you don’t want to wear a hat, you can also put sunscreen on your scalp. There are sunscreens specifically formulated to protect your scalp that are gentle on hair.
3. Don’t Forget the SPF for Your Lips at High Elevation
Even if you wear a hat, the sun can come from different angles throughout the day and still affect your lips. I learned this the hard way when I hiked to the top of Table Mountain in Wyoming (~11,000ft), and woke up with painful blisters on my lips the next day. Be sure to use a lip balm with SPF to protect this sensitive area from sun exposure.
4. Try Using Aquaphor for High Elevation Skin Health
Aquaphor Healing Ointment became my go-to solution for chapped lips, wind-burned skin, and small scrapes from hiking. Now it has become a staple in my everyday routine as a lip balm and overnight lip mask. It took me way too long to try Aquaphor for the first time, but it’s now an essential!
5. Stay Hydrated and Try Electrolytes
Despite drinking lots of water, my lips became extremely chapped and I felt dehydrated a couple of weeks into my summer in Idaho. I decided to try an electrolyte drink and it was a game changer. After that, I started drinking one electrolyte drink per day and my lips slowly returned to normal.
Electrolytes help your body retain moisture, which is essential when you are at higher altitudes or drier climates than you are used to living. Try incorporating electrolytes into your routine to improve hydration. Your skin will appreciate it.
6. Hydrate Your Skin While you Sleep
It’s important to give your skin some extra care at night after a day spent in a high and dry climate. I found that using a thicker moisturizer before bed helped my skin bounce back from the dry conditions. The air can strip away moisture, so applying a rich, hydrating moisturizer before sleeping allows your skin to soak it all in overnight.
Look for a moisturizer with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to help lock in hydration. Think of it as letting your skin reset while you rest.
Final Thoughts on Protecting Skin at High Elevation
Protecting your skin at high elevation requires a little extra care, but it’s worth it. By incorporating sun protection, hydration, and moisturizers into your routine, your skin can stay healthy and protected, even in harsh mountain climates.
Will you incorporate any of these into your high elevation skin care routine?
