At nearly 9,000 feet above sea level, summer in Crested Butte, Colorado, is nothing short of stunning — clear blue skies, sun-soaked trails, wildflowers, and fresh alpine air.
While the scenery is gorgeous, the combination of UV rays, dry air, and wind can be tough on your skin.
Whether you’re a seasoned local or new to higher altitudes, here’s how to protect, repair, and glow all summer long — with a little help from the facial experts at Creekside Spa.
Why Your Skin Needs Extra TLC at High Altitude
At high elevations, the sun’s rays are stronger and the air is thinner. That means:
Higher UV exposure (even on cloudy days)
Lower humidity, which can lead to dryness quickly
Slower healing from sun damage or irritation
In fact, UV levels increase by about 10% for every 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of elevation, making Crested Butte's sunshine powerful and potentially damaging.
Top Summer Skin Concerns at Altitude
Here’s what we commonly see at our spa during summer months:
Sunburns and redness, especially on the cheeks, nose, and decolletage
Dry, tight, or chapped skin despite wearing moisturizer
Premature aging from sun exposure (fine lines, hyperpigmentation)
Breakouts or congestion from sweat + dirt + oil + sunscreen buildup
Don’t fret, these common skin irritations are treatable and often preventable!
Prevention is the first defense against sun-damaged skin. We all know to wear high-quality SPF, hats, and to avoid the sun at the hottest, brightest parts of the day.
Your at-home skin care routine plays a crucial role in preventing summer skin issues, from moisturizing and toning to thoroughly cleansing and hydrating.
At-Home Summer Skin Care Musts:
Protect your summer skin with these daily habits:
Wear SPF 30+ every day, especially for outdoor activities like hiking or biking (remember the sun’s UV rays are more powerful at altitude-apply early and re-apply!)
Use a hydrating mist or serum morning and night - we love Isun and Tim’s find these and more in our reception area at your next visit!
Drink plenty of water — hydration starts within
Cleanse thoroughly but gently, don’t forget the jaw line, neck, and decolletage
Avoid harsh exfoliants after sun exposure
Use high-quality natural and organic products - your skin is your largest organ! Treat it well with products you can feel good about.
Visit Creekside Spa for a curated selection of organic and natural skin care products.
Even with the best at-home skin care, everyone benefits from regular facials performed by a trusted esthetician. The benefits of facials are endless, from mental health and relaxation to custom treatments tailored to your specific needs. Regularly scheduled facials aren’t just a “treat yourself” luxury (though they are luxurious), facials are a vital element in your skin care routine, offering benefits you just can’t get at home.
Creekside Spa Signature Facial
Creekside Spa Signature Facials are customized to address your individual needs. Wildcrafted and organic Isun products are used to enhance these effective and relaxing treatments
Take advantage of your estheticians’ knowledge and experience to get the most out of your summer facials! Enhancements are one of the best ways to tailor your treatment.
Facial Enhancements for Common Colorado Summer Skin Ailments:
Sun Exposure or Redness = Cool Crystals - in this treatment enhancement, cool crystals are massaged into the face for the benefits of tightened skin, reduced inflammation and redness, increasing blood circulation, calming of acne, soothing of sunburn, relaxation of muscle tension, and contraction of pores.
Dry, Tight or Chapped Skin = Microderm Exfoliant - The microdermabrasion exfoliation process gently removes the outer layer of your skin, where the dull, dead skin cells lie. This treatment uses tiny crystals to break up these cells to reveal the smoother, softer skin underneath.
Breakouts or Congestion = Aromatherapy Hot Towel + Extractions - Choose from unique essential oil blends safely applied to your hot towels for a simple, yet therapeutic elevation throughout your treatment.
Experiencing a mix of skin challenges? The CBD Enhancement may be your new best friend - Tim’s CBD serum, a therapeutic blend of full-spectrum CBD complemented by organic oils is used to address imbalances in the skin. When it comes to natural oil production, this targeted formula will help you find balance while bringing about elasticity and brightness. The best part is that this product gets to go home with you!
Premature Aging = Age Revitalizing Facial - Our luxurious, high-performance, age-revitalizing and soothing facial supports the repair and regeneration of tissues as it restores and transforms the skin to youthful vitality and rejuvenating radiance.
Book Your Summer Facial in Crested Butte
Your skin does so much for you — it deserves some mountain-inspired TLC. Whether you're prepping for a weekend wedding, recovering from a sunny hike, or just need a little glow-up, we’ve got you covered.
📍 Located in downtown Crested Butte
📆 Book your facial today
📞 Call (970) 325-3860 to talk with our experienced staff