Listen, I’ve lived through enough Colorado winters to know that the air here doesn’t just dry out your skin—it actively conspires against any moisture you’ve got left. Between the high altitude, low humidity, and that relentless sunshine, your skin doesn’t stand a chance without serious reinforcements.
After years of trial and error (and way too much money spent on products that promised miracles but delivered mediocrity), I’ve finally assembled my holy grail lineup. These are the heavy hitters that actually work when the air feels like it’s been through a dehydrator three times over.
Nivea Crème: The Nostalgic Powerhouse
There’s a reason your grandmother kept that blue tin in her purse. Nivea Crème is thick, unapologetic, and gets the job done without any fancy marketing nonsense. This is pure, old-school hydration in its most honest form.
The texture is rich—almost intimidatingly so—but that’s exactly what Colorado skin needs. It creates a protective barrier that locks moisture in, which is crucial when you’re dealing with humidity levels that hover around “desert.” I slather this on my hands before bed and wake up with skin that actually feels human. The light, clean scent is a bonus—it’s there, but it won’t compete with your perfume or offend anyone in a meeting.
Best for: Hands, elbows, and anywhere that’s cracking despite your best efforts.
Bag Balm: The Vermont Farmer’s Secret
If it’s good enough for cow udders in a Vermont winter, it’s good enough for my Colorado-battered skin. Bag Balm is legendary for a reason—this stuff is serious business.
The lanolin-based formula is intensely moisturizing and has healing properties that go beyond basic hydration. Got cracked heels? Bag Balm. Rough patches that won’t quit? Bag Balm. It’s thick, it’s a bit greasy (I won’t lie to you), but it works overnight miracles. I keep the small tin in my nightstand and use it as my SOS treatment when things get really desperate.
Fair warning: this is not a daytime lotion unless you’re staying home. But for nighttime repair work? Nothing beats it.
Best for: Feet, cracked skin emergencies, and nighttime intensive treatment.
Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Deluxe Body Moisture Crème: The Luxury You Deserve
This is where I get a little fancy, and I’m not sorry about it. Beauty Pie’s body crème is what I reach for when I want to feel like I’m treating myself while also addressing serious dryness.
The texture is luxurious—thick but somehow still silky—and it absorbs beautifully without leaving that sticky residue some rich creams leave behind. It’s packed with shea butter, ceramides, and peptides, which means you’re not just moisturizing, you’re actually supporting your skin barrier. In Colorado’s harsh climate, that barrier needs all the support it can get.
The scent is subtle and sophisticated, and honestly, applying this feels like a little spa moment in my otherwise chaotic day. It’s pricier than drugstore options, but the quality is undeniable.
Best for: All-over body moisture, post-shower ritual, and when you want to feel pampered.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with Squalane: The Everyday Hero
Squalane is having a moment, and for good reason—this ingredient is a hydration miracle worker. Kiehl’s version is lightweight enough for daily use but powerful enough to actually make a difference in Colorado’s brutal climate.
What I love about this one is its versatility. It works beautifully under makeup, doesn’t pill, and provides lasting moisture without feeling heavy. The squalane mimics your skin’s natural oils, so it absorbs quickly and actually helps your skin retain moisture throughout the day. When the afternoon hits and that dry office air starts to take its toll, my skin still feels comfortable.
It’s also fragrance-free, which makes it perfect for sensitive skin or anyone who’s tired of competing scents.
Best for: Face and body, daily use, layering under other products, and sensitive skin.
Aquaphor: The Emergency Responder
Let’s be real: Aquaphor isn’t technically a lotion, but no Colorado survival kit is complete without it. This is my nuclear option, my “it’s so dry I might actually crack in half” solution.
Aquaphor creates an occlusive barrier that seals in moisture like nothing else. I use it on my lips (obviously), but also on any patch of skin that’s gone from dry to angry. Cuticles, the corners of my nose during cold season, that one spot on my hand that always cracks—Aquaphor handles it all.
The genius is in its simplicity: it doesn’t add moisture so much as it prevents any remaining moisture from escaping. Use it over a damp moisturizer for maximum effect, or apply it straight to problem areas before bed.
Best for: Lips, targeted dry patches, layering over other moisturizers, and emergency intervention.
The Bottom Line
Colorado is gorgeous, but it’s also relentless on your skin. These five products have saved me from the scaly, itchy, tight-skinned fate that awaits anyone who doesn’t take hydration seriously at this altitude.
Mix and match based on your needs, layer them strategically, and for the love of all that is moisturized, drink more water than you think you need. Your skin is fighting a battle out here—give it the reinforcements it deserves.
Stay hydrated, darlings. Your skin will thank you.
