Skincare for Cool & Dry Weather

Mountain air can be cool yet surprisingly drying. Wind, lower humidity and prolonged outdoor exposure may leave cheeks, lips and the eye area tight while the T-zone remains relatively normal. Use a hydrating serum followed by a light-to-medium moisturising cream containing ceramides or squalane. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is particularly important during mountain activities, where cool temperatures can disguise strong sun exposure. Hair may become dry, wind-tangled and static-prone. Use conditioner consistently and apply leave-in cream or serum through the ends. Avoid aggressive brushing after windy hikes and minimise unnecessary heat styling. Regular water intake remains important even when the cool conditions make thirst less noticeable.

Hydrate, Seal and Shield

Cool mountain temperatures can feel refreshing, but dry air, wind and increased sun exposure may gradually remove moisture from the skin. During four to five hours of hiking, sightseeing or travelling at altitude, the body can lose water through physical activity and breathing even when heavy sweating is not noticeable.

Humidity between 30% and 40% may leave the cheeks, lips and area around the eyes feeling tight. Wind can increase discomfort, while the forehead and nose may still retain some surface oil. High-altitude environments may combine lower humidity, stronger wind and greater ultraviolet exposure, making hydration and sun protection particularly important for travellers.

What may happen to your skin:

• Gradual moisture loss: Dry mountain air may reduce water within the skin’s outer layer.
• Wind-related tightness: The cheeks, lips and eye area may feel stretched or uncomfortable.
• Oily but dehydrated skin: The T-zone can retain surface oil while the outer face becomes dry.
• More visible dehydration lines: Temporary fine lines may appear as the skin loses water.
• Greater sun sensitivity: Cooler temperatures may disguise the intensity of ultraviolet exposure at elevation.

The right approach:

The priority is to replace water, slow moisture loss and protect the skin from wind and sunlight. Choose:

• A hydrating serum containing glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol or beta-glucan
• A light lotion or cream containing ceramides, squalane or barrier-supporting lipids
• A richer balm applied selectively to the lips, cheeks and sides of the nose
• A mild cream or low-foaming cleanser used with lukewarm water
• Broad-spectrum SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen suitable for extended outdoor exposure
• A hat, sunglasses and regular water intake during mountain activities

Apply the serum while the skin is slightly damp, then follow with lotion or cream. Reapply sunscreen according to its label and more frequently after heavy perspiration or wiping the face. Travellers at elevation should not judge sun intensity by temperature alone.  The ideal mantra for this weather is: Hydrate, Seal and Shield. Cool mountain air requires more than lightweight hydration alone; the skin also needs a protective moisture layer and strong sun defence.

Skincare Ideal for These Climates and Countries

Year-round:

• Year-round: Arequipa, Peru

Winter / cooler months:

• May-September: Cusco, Peru

Shoulder months:

• April & November: Cappadocia (Göreme), Türkiye; Ankara, Türkiye
• April & October: Yerevan, Armenia; Almaty, Kazakhstan; Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
• April-May & October: Denver, USA; Salt Lake City, USA; Reno, USA; Boise, USA; Lanzhou, China
• April-May & September: Mendoza, Argentina
• April-May & September-October: Santa Fe, USA; Hohhot, China
• March & November: Tehran, Iran; Isfahan, Iran; Shiraz, Iran; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Samarkand, Uzbekistan; Bukhara, Uzbekistan
• March-April & November: Tbilisi, Georgia
• March-April & October-November: Albuquerque, USA
• May & September: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Santiago, Chile; Calgary, Canada; Edmonton, Canada

Summer / hotter months:

• June-September: Leh, India
• May-September: Lhasa, China
• warmer dry-season days: La Paz, Bolivia