Sunscreen 101: Protecting Your Skin in Colorado’s Intense Sun

Written By Stephanie Tobey

Let’s face it—living in Colorado means enjoying 300+ days of sunshine a year. But with great sunshine comes great responsibility, especially when it comes to protecting your skin.

At Natural 10 Skin in downtown Colorado Springs, we talk about sunscreen a lot. And for good reason. At our elevation—over 6,000 feet above sea level—UV rays are significantly stronger than at sea level, meaning your skin is more vulnerable to damage year-round (yes, even in winter!).

Here’s everything you need to know about sun protection in Colorado—and how to keep your glow going strong.

Why Colorado's Sun Is So Intense

Most people don’t realize that for every 1,000 feet in elevation, UV exposure increases by roughly 10–12% (Skin Cancer Foundation). That means your daily dog walk in Colorado Springs could actually expose you to 30–40% more UV radiation than the same walk in Florida.

What does this mean for your skin? Increased risk of:

  • Premature aging

  • Hyperpigmentation

  • Breakouts and irritation

  • Skin cancer

Even if you’re just running errands, your skin is soaking in that sunshine—especially areas like your face, neck, chest, and hands.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

As a licensed medical esthetician, I recommend looking for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher. “Broad-spectrum” means it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

My top professional picks:

At Natural 10 Skin, we stock Image Skincare in-studio and can help recommend one tailored to your skin type during your next Colorado Springs facial.

Reapplication: The Most Skipped Step

Applying sunscreen in the morning is great—but reapplying every 2 hours is key, especially if you're:

  • Outdoors for extended periods

  • Sweating or swimming

  • Wearing makeup that doesn’t have SPF

Pro tip: Use a powder sunscreen or SPF setting mist for easy reapplication over makeup. Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On SPF is one of my go-to picks.

Daily Habits for Sun-Safe Skin in Colorado

  • Wear a hat and sunglasses (bonus points for wide brims!)

  • Stay in the shade when possible between 10 AM–4 PM

  • Book monthly facials with SPF education and product pairing

  • Include antioxidant-rich serums (like Vitamin C) in your morning routine to combat UV-induced free radicals

Don’t Skip Professional Skincare

Even the best sunscreen routine needs backup. Sun exposure contributes to dullness, dehydration, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation—issues we tackle daily at Natural 10 Skin.

Whether you're dealing with dryness from the altitude or looking for a treatment to help fade sun damage, a monthly customized facial in Colorado Springs can help reset and protect your skin barrier.

Need Help Choosing the Right SPF?

Let’s talk! During any facial or consultation, we’ll help you find the right sunscreen for your skin type, lifestyle, and budget—because skincare should be effective and effortless.

Glow smart. Glow safe. Glow protected.

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Stephanie Tobey
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