How to Revive Skin After Being Outdoors

For many of us, living in Colorado (and elsewhere) means an active, outdoor lifestyle regardless of the season. After a day of skiing, hiking, or working outside, your skin may feel dry, tight, or wind-whipped. A simple routine can help it feel comfortable again.

There are plenty of reasons to enjoy the outdoors, in summer and winter. Caring for your skin should support that lifestyle, not become another time-consuming task. Start with sun protection before you head out, including sunscreen used according to its label, a wide-brimmed hat, and protective clothing. Afterward, focus on gentle cleansing and moisturizing. Skincare cannot undo sun damage or replace sun protection.

1. Cleanse Gently After Being Outdoors

Use a gentle cleanser to wash away sweat, sunscreen, and surface buildup without scrubbing. Choose Meadow Mist Face Cleanser or Yarrow Oil Cleanser to suit your routine and what you need to remove.

Follow with a refreshing spritz of our Face and Body Mists if you enjoy a mist. We distill these lightly aromatic plant waters from herbs, including lavender, grown on our Certified Naturally Grown farm. Follow with moisturizer to help hold moisture in.

2. Choose Antioxidant-Rich Skincare

Antioxidants help address oxidative stress, one of the processes involved in environmental skin aging. Our formulas use botanical extracts rich in antioxidant polyphenols. An antioxidant-rich moisturizer can complement your daily skincare routine, but it is not sunscreen and should not be expected to reverse UV damage.

A varied diet that includes fruits and vegetables is another way to make antioxidant-rich foods part of your day.

3. Save Mild Exfoliation for Comfortable Skin

Gentle exfoliation can remove surface dead skin cells, leaving skin feeling smoother and looking brighter. But it is not an essential step immediately after time outdoors. If your skin feels windburned, sunburned, tight, or irritated, skip exfoliation and keep your routine gentle.

When your skin feels comfortable again, use a mild exfoliant according to its directions if it suits your skin. Go easy. Too much exfoliation can disrupt the skin barrier and leave skin feeling more sensitive.

4. Hydrate and Moisturize

Drink water to stay hydrated during and after outdoor activity, and use a moisturizer to care for dry skin at the surface. These do different jobs: drinking more water does not replace a moisturizer.

A cream such as Springtide Gold Face Cream combines water and oils to hydrate skin and help reduce moisture loss. Apply after cleansing while your skin is still slightly damp.

And don’t forget your neck, chest, and hands. They are exposed to the elements, too, and deserve the same daily attention.

Keep Your Routine Simple, Then Get Back Outside

Being outdoors helps us regenerate and relax. A few thoughtful skincare steps can help keep dry skin feeling softer and more comfortable without taking over your day. Colorado Aromatics products are formulated by a biochemist and herbalist who understands skin physiology and loves life outdoors.

Start with a gentle cleanser and a moisturizer that suits your skin, and build from there only if you need to. If redness, pain, or irritation persists, seek advice from a health care professional.