Living in Colorado means enjoying 300 days of sunshine, breathtaking mountain views, and endless outdoor activities. However, our unique climate also presents specific challenges for skin health, especially during the winter months. As temperatures drop and indoor heating systems kick in, many of my clients notice their skin becoming increasingly dry, sensitive, and irritated. I always remind clients that their routines could shift throughout the year based on the weather and their skin’s needs. Some people can develop impaired barriers during this time of year without the proper support. I prefer a proactive approach rather than reactive.

Why Colorado Winters Are Uniquely Challenging for Your Skin

Our state's combination of high altitude, low humidity, and intense sun exposure creates what I call the "Colorado skin trifecta." At higher elevations, the air contains less moisture, and the thinner atmosphere offers less protection from UV rays. Add in cold winter winds and dry indoor heating, and your skin's moisture barrier faces constant stress.

Signs Your Skin Needs Extra Winter Care

• Increased tightness after cleansing
• Flaking or rough patches
• Increased sensitivity or redness
• Makeup looking patchy or uneven
• Fine lines appearing more pronounced
• Skin feeling itchy or irritated

Essential Winter Skincare Strategies for Colorado

1. Adjust Your Cleansing Routine

Consider adding in the Epicutis oil cleanser. This cleanser helps rebalance the skin’s PH, maintains your moisture barrier and feels so dreamy.

2. Layer Your Hydration

Think of winter skincare like winter clothing - layers are key. Using an Osmosis mis such as infuse or Boost while your skin is still damp to apply your serums and sealing it all in with a richer moisturizer or a thicker face oil than you might typically use in the spring or summer.

3. Don't Skip the SPF

Colorado's high altitude means UV exposure is more intense, even on cloudy winter days. Snow reflection can nearly double your UV exposure, making sun protection crucial year-round. SkinBetter’s SPF options actually help mattifying more oily skin types and hydrate dryer skintypes. It’s also 100% mineral, helping to lock moisture in and protecting the skin from the elements.

4. Invest in a Humidifier

This isn’t always a great trick for people sensitive to moisture in the air, however indoor heating systems can drop humidity levels to desert-like conditions. Place a humidifier in your bedroom and any other rooms you spend a considerable amount of time. This simple step can significantly impact your skin's hydration levels.

5. Protect Your Skin Outdoors

Before hitting the slopes or enjoying a winter hike, create a protective barrier on your skin. Applying something like Osmosis Tropical Mango or a face oil over your moisturizer and under your sunscreen can shield against harsh winds.

Winter Essentials: Our Curated Product Collection

As your esthetician, I've carefully selected products that are especially effective for Colorado's winter conditions. Here are my top recommendations from our professional skincare collection:

Facial Oils: Your Winter Skin Savior

Whether you're new to facial oils or already a fan, I offer two exceptional options from Osmosis:

Osmosis Nourish: A lightweight facial oil perfect for those just starting with oils or who prefer a lighter touch of hydration. Ideal for daytime use or for those who want deep nourishment without heaviness.

Osmosis Immerse: My go-to recommendation for clients experiencing intense winter dryness. This richer oil provides deep, lasting hydration and creates a protective barrier against harsh winter conditions. Perfect for those battling severe dryness.

Biome Support: A Year-Round Approach to Dryness and Barrier Health

The skin is a delicate balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria. “Leaky skin” is one of the latest diagnoses in skin health related to skin imbalances leading to skin conditions.

SIV Biome Balancing Serum: This serum is comprised of freeze-dried Bacillus spores that thaw and rehydrate on the skin. These spores help increase communication between healthy bacteria on the skin to overpower the “bad” bacteria. This helps with all skin conditions including impaired barrier, dryness, acne, aging, and more. This serum is best applied to damp skin, so we recommend a few spritzes of your face mist first.

Winter-Ready Moisturizers

For those challenging Colorado winter days when your skin needs extra care:

Skinbetter Trio Luxe: This luxurious moisturizer has everything you love from the original Trio but is enriched with olive oil to provide intensive hydration with an elegant feel on the skin. 

Overnight Masks: Intensive Repair While You Sleep

Transform your night routine with these client favorites:

Osmosis Mango Mask: This mask has earned a devoted following among my clients, and for good reason! It is safe for all skin types and easy to apply over your moisturizer PM (AM is ok too) for added hydration. The delightful mango scent makes it an enjoyable addition to your evening routine. Many clients report waking up to noticeably more supple, hydrated skin.

VO Beauty Sleep Mask: New to our lineup, this Canadian-formulated mask is a versatile addition to any winter skincare routine. What makes it special is its ability to provide deep hydration while staying safe for acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help calm winter-stressed skin, and the "juicy" texture makes application a luxurious experience. 

How to Incorporate These Products

For optimal results during winter months, here's how to layer these products for maximum benefit:

Morning Routine:

1. Cleanse (oil if more dry, gel if more normal)
2. Apply your treatment products
3. Apply moisturizer
4. Pat on either Osmosis Nourish or Immerse over your moisturizer (choose based on your dryness level)
5. Finish with SPF

Evening Routine:

1. Double cleanse (oil first, then gel)
2. Apply your regular skincare products
3. Apply moisturizer
4. Complete your routine with either a face oil or Osmosis Mango Mask or VO Beauty Sleep Mask if needed

Quick Winter Skin SOS Tips

• Keep a facial mist in your bag for midday hydration (Osmosis Boost or Infuse)
• Consider sleeping with a silk pillowcase to reduce friction
• Drink plenty of water and electrolytes throughout the day
• Avoid hot showers, which can further dry out your skin

Your skin deserves extra care during our beautiful but challenging Colorado winters. By making these adjustments to your skincare routine, you can keep healthy, glowing skin all season long.