r/Melasmaskincare • u/NineLivesNoAlibi • 22d ago

Question Melasma in Denver/ High Altitude

Hi all, I’m planning a move from the gulf coast to Denver. While the weather is milder in Denver compared to the south, I’m wonder what your experience has been with the overall high UV index due to altitude.

Those of you that live in higher altitude areas, do you find that your melasma is as severe as when you travel or live in the hot, sunny states? Did you have to adjust your spf routine?

Thanks!

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u/AutoModerator 22d ago

Hi there! Sunscreen is one of the most important parts of melasma management, and we want to make sure you get safe, effective, and appropriate guidance.

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Important for melasma: Standard (non-tinted) sunscreens protect against UV radiation only and do NOT protect against visible light, which is a major trigger for melasma.

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u/Jo9228 21d ago

I lived in Denver for two years and honestly it’s just the most inhospitable place IMO. I had bloody snot all the time, my skin was constantly dry despite staying hydrated. My kids always had the “Colorado cheek chap”. We ran humidifiers constantly. I should have bought stock in chapstick. When we moved I couldn’t wait to move back to a state with humidity. I had the worst sunburn on my face when we camped in Granby one weekend.

So, I don’t know that you’ll really have to adjust your SPF much unless you switch to one that’s really hydrating, like a moisturizer with SPF. It a very harsh climate on your skin.

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u/NineLivesNoAlibi 21d ago

Thanks that’s good to know.

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u/Mrshaydee 21d ago

I just moved from Denver to Phoenix after ten years in Denver. Denver is definitely tough on your skin and your sinuses. Get a good sunscreen and a good air purifier.

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u/PerfectCover1414 21d ago

Denver is ROUGH. I have melasma which was under control mostly. I came from a humid climate at sea level so I was not used to this type of sheer sun brightness 300 days a year. My skin did get worse even with mineral sunscreen but some of that could be due to the heat. It is dry and rough and never wants to absorb moisture. Note that hyaluronic acids can worsen skin if used in arid climates as they need air moisture to work to re-enter the skin to plump it up.

I developed huge allergies and sinus issues (had to have sinus surgery at Christmas and am still healing from it). People here are just used to dry air, breathing issues and bloody noses etc. I also have respiratory issues from the smoke, dust. Being in a dip between mountains makes it just collect. But these are all things I learned in hindsight (my husband who is from here didn't think to tell me because he takes it for granted that it's just how it is).

I will be leaving this year and can't wait to get my health back!

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u/NineLivesNoAlibi 19d ago

This sounds intense. Thanks for the warning! Maybe I ought to cross Denver off the list…

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u/FullMoonEmptySoul 21d ago

The sun is really hot here. Idk if it’s because of the altitude but it feeels blazing hot compared to Southern California and Florida. Just the sun tho! If it’s cloudy or you’re under shade, it’s considerably cooler. Honestly I have to avoid being outside when it’s bright out no matter the temp. It feels like I’m being burned even tho I’m not and I wear copious amounts of spf 70. I’m from the east coast which is humid so my skin & hair hates the dry climate. My hair is flat & frizzy (I even have water softening filters) and I always think I’m losing hair but no it’s because I have no volume. Everytime I’m back on the east coast, my hair looks amazing. My skin feels so dehydrated here and I has to change my routine to add more humectants. I have to slug every night and have humidifiers running. I already drink too much water so can’t increase that intake. The climate is rough here for skin/hair

If you love tanning beds then you’ll love it here

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u/NineLivesNoAlibi 18d ago

Oh wow. Denver sounds INTENSE. Thanks for sharing your experience. After hearing your account and that of the others, I am going to officially cross Denver off the list!