You may not notice the damage until you are off the slopes, but multiple elements victimize your complexion while you are enjoying alpine recreation. Wind, sun, cold, heat, and dryness at high altitudes create the perfect situation for chapped, depleted skin.  

A 2003 Journal of the American Medical Association study found that sun intensity increases about 6% to 9% for every 1,000 feet of elevation, and sun reflection off the snow increases your UV exposure.

And while sunscreen is essential, you need more for ultimate skin protection. In Telluride, Colorado, people get out and go!

Downhill, Nordic and heli-skiing, ice climbing, winter fly fishing, snowshoeing, or snowmobile cruising are part of the day.

Shield & recover

TellurideGlow recovery skincare was formulated precisely for the harsh mountain climate at 9,000ft above sea level. We gratefully embrace resort recreation but the downside is living with ongoing skin challenges. So we take extra care to replenish, nourish, and avoid accelerated aging from skin damage.

Before you hit the slopes

Start with a cleansing balm or oil-based face wash to avoid stripping the skin and to leave behind a hydrating film instead. We prefer 100% botanical formulas. Organic ingredients are less important in cleansers because they are not leave-on products.

Then apply two essential layers to lubricate your skin with as much moisture as you can to prevent dryness and irritation later.

First, pat on a quenching serum—Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence is loaded with moisture-binding hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and phytoceramides.

Top it off with a nourishing organic facial oil with barrier-strengthening plant lipids: The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or The Purist Delicate Skin Serum both absorb like a dream, are equally high moisture performers, and the 100% whole plant, cold pressed botanicals to deliver better skin nutrition with unprocessed, soothing antioxidants that fight photo-aging all day long.

Both are formulated for the harsh alpine climate in Telluride, so they've been put to the test.

Sunscreen

Finish with sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens provide a physical barrier and should be applied last. Our favorites include sunscreens without the controversial ingredient Oxybenzone, which is currently under consideration for removal by the FDA.

Try a moisturizing sunscreen like Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen broad spectrum, 40 SPF that is water and sweat resistant and includes blue light protection. It's a favorite because there is no tint and the velvety consistency doubles as a primer.

Carry a portable stick with sunscreen for touch-ups on lips and nose, like mineral TIZO Tinted Lip Protection with SPF 45 and no Oxybenzone. Whichever sunscreen you shooce, be your own expert. And, did you know that chapstick with sunscreen has an expiration date? It's usually at the bottom of the tube. It may be time for some lip balm purging. 

Apres skiing

Refresh. Not much time between apres ski and dinner? Rub one drop of either Serum between the palms and press into the face. 100% of the ingredients have antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, and more so your skin microbes will flourish, even over makeup. Best of all, you'll see immediate plumpness and a dewy glow like you've been reading by the fire all day.

Spritz yourself like a house plant as often as possible. Look for hydrosols that are pure flower distillates like Bulgarian Rose Water. It is anti-inflammatory, balancing, and one more moisture boost. Make sure it's the real deal - steam distilled from fresh rose petal and not fragranced or perfumed water. Always note the expiration date with a hydrosol.

Recoup & relax

You may not want to hear this, but it is best to avoid chlorine-filled, skin-drying hot tubs. We swear by Epsom-salt baths, a private slice of heaven that works miracles to soothe tired muscles and prevent soreness the next day.

As tempting as it may sound, don't get the water too hot, as that alone may be drying. Work up to 2 cups of Epson per bath and soak for 20-40 minutes. Sound like a lot? Amazon's 4 lbs of unscented magnesium sulfate salts can be delivered to your door for less than $5.

Choose unscented Epsom salt because added 'fragrance' or 'perfume' can mean over 200 undisclosed scent chemicals, which may be irritating to your skin.

Reactions to Epsom salt baths may be from the fragrance chemicals, not the salt! You can always add a few drops of essential oil, or for that price, you can indulge with a pump of The Alpine into your bath for an aromatic botanical getaway with skin benefits.

Replenish with a face mask

TellurideGlow's ten-minute Snow Rose Recovery Mask with hydrating botanicals includes rose petals and Tremella (snow) mushroom to reveal luminous, soft, dewy, and polished skin. Your other products will work better on purified, exfoliated skin.

For extra nourishment, add a pump of either serum and follow with the essence and serum. Result? Skin perfection like you've stayed in for a day of pampering.

Note: Avoid the combo of Epsom salt with mask actives. But if you are not using bath salts, a mask in the tub is the perfect way to relax and remove the mask by exfoliating with wet hands. 

Don't have ten minutes? Mix mask powder with water for a quick facial scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells. Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and breakouts.

Skincare before bed

Use the same two TellurideGlow steps (Essence and one Serum) as the morning ritual, so no need to pack extra products. Just two products, morning and night for everything your complexion needs to defend, recover and radiate.

Return home from your skiing vacation like you've come from a spa retreat. If you are new to TellurideGlow, you can try our beautiful luxe minis for the full spa experience, or pack a couple in your carry on for travel.

Have you ever finished your skincare routine and then start applying foundation and it balls up on your skin?

This is so annoying!

It usually comes down to ingredients. Silicones, particularly Dimethicone, are fillers that can cause products to pill. They are even found in 'clean' skincare because they are not necessarily toxic. This is in part because silicone molecules are inert and are too large to be absorbed into the skin.

The upside to silicones is that they help fill in pores and create a smooth canvas. They are typically found in moisturizers, primers, foundation, and sunscreen.

Check your ingredients

You may not recognize the ingredient because it won't necessarily say silicone. You’ll know there’s a potential pill-causer in your product if you see ingredients ending in -icone, -conol, or -xane.

Other ingredients that may cause pilling are talc, iron oxide, mica, and fluorphlogopite but silicones are the main culprits. 

Silicone foundations usually have Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone listed on the ingredient list.

Here are a few examples:

• Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation 
• Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation 
• NARS Sheer Glow Foundation 
• DIOR Forever Undercover Foundation 

Secondly, watch the amount and layers of products applied to your skin, as ingredients can mess with product layering.   

Uneven or rough skin

Another reason products can pill is because of uneven or rough skin, which can decrease the ability for your products to absorb into the skin effectively.

We’ve gone over exfoliation several times in our Telluride Glow newsletters, and the most important reason why we gently exfoliate is to slough off dead skin cells.

If we don’t regularly exfoliate, skin care products aren’t able to penetrate the skin. This can lead to the products sitting on top of the skin, and therefore cause pilling when you try to apply anything over them.

If you are using silicone products, they are also harder to wash off. Silicones are hydrophobic-they repel water. So a deep clean once a week is critical to purified, glowing skin.

Telluride Glow's Snow Rose Recovery Mask not only purifies with New Zealand glacial clay, white willow bark and aspen bark, it also gently exfoliates with rose petal powder. I fear that many skip the exfoliation step and just wash it off, but to get the most out of the mask it is beneficial to exfoliate off with wet hands for about 30 seconds before rinsing. You only leave the mask on for 10 minutes so there is no excuse to skip masking!

Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is known as the "Miracle Tree."

This tenacious plant, a native to the foothills of the Himalayas, can withstand severe climatic conditions, including severe drought and frost. These extreme conditions may increase moringa’s adaptogenic potential making it the perfect skin superfood.

One study shows moringa seed oil may facilitate healing acute physiological and chronic wounds, accelerating the healing process, acting positively on collagen content and myofibroblasts.*. 

Morning seed oil is found in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum and is a skin nutrient powerhouse.

Benefits of Moringa Seed Oil

Recovery

Moringa seeds are rich in oleic acid (omega 9) and behenic acid which support skin barrier function. These fatty acids may reduce epidermal inflammation and protect the skin from cellular damage.

Restorative

Moringa seed oil has been shown in studies to help accelerate recovery and increase collagen content in the skin. It has high levels of vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, and manganese.

Moisturizing

Morning seed oil is a natural phytoceramide that has been shown in studies to effectively boost skin recovery and protect against trans epidermal water loss (TEWL).

Anti-aging

Containing both phenolic compounds and glucosinolates, these phytonutrients provide powerful anti-oxidant protection from lifestyle-induced free radicals. Moringa seed oil may prevent premature aging caused by UV exposure and pollutants.  

Soothing

Glucosinolates offer microbial and anti-inflammatory benefits. This phytonutrient calms and soothes the skin and protects it from inflammatory processes that may lead to accelerated skin aging.

Tiny powerhouses. Little superfoods. Small yet mighty.

Seeds are crops at their very beginning stage of life. Because they contain all the nutrients essential for growing a healthy and resilient plant, they offer our skin a wealth of benefits.

Some of nature's most powerful seed sources like our Arctic Cloudberry, Moringa, and Dew Bean are packed with antioxidant protection. Antioxidants work to keep free radicals at bay which can help restore and repair skin damage for brighter, healthy-looking skin.

Nuts & seeds

The Purist Delicate Skin Serum is 100% seed oils (no nuts) to accommodate those with sensitivities. 

“The Purist has been wonderful to me. It’s very soothing. I like it so much better than what the dermatologist gave me. Thx so much for developing such a great product.” - Cindy (Mason)

The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum contains Argan nut oil and 20 other premium botanicals. 

"I LOVE your product!!! I’m in Aspen as I write this and my VERY dry skin is drinking up your magic potion like a parched desert! It leaves my face feeling moisturized and plump again. 😊 Thank you! I’m a devoted and grateful fan!” - Laura Hannon

Our glorious seed oils

Since our early beginnings, Telluride Glow's vision was to develop a range that truly delivers the power of nature -- certified organic, unique, innovative, and eco-sustainable.

Seed oils are integral to our formulations; seeds are the essence of plant life. It's no wonder they are packed with life-supporting nutrients that are incredibly nourishing for the skin. 

Here is a list of some of our most beloved seed oils we use in formulation.

Cloudberry

Cloudberry seed oil contains the protective phenol antioxidant ellagic acid and also omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which help to relieve stressed skin, retain moisture and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, and possesses clear antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

Dew Bean

Known to boost renewal and reveal a fresh, radiant complexion, this botanical is reknown as a non-irrtitating and safe natural alternative to retinol.

Plum

Plum kernel oil helps reinforce the skin’s natural defenses and restore suppleness. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiseptic constituents.

Hemp

A dry oil, hemp seed oil is light and thin and a powerhouse of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) that help to strengthen and maintain the protective myelin sheath so your skin cells stay healthy.

Moringa

Also called the "tree of life," moringa shows antimicrobial activity and produces a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil abundant in retinoid acid that smooths skin to a porcelain-like texture.

Jojoba

With both antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties this super seed offers superb absorption similar to our skin’s own sebum that helps to balance oil production.

Goji berry

Goji is high in vitamin C which helps with firming and tightening the skin, and its antioxidant benefits help in rejuvenating the skin and mitigating the aging process with antimicrobial and  anti-inflammatory activity. 

Evening Primrose

Evening primrose touts high concentrations of gamma Linolenic acid, essential for collagen production. Balances the skin between oily and dry and has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. 

Arctic Cranberry

Not your Thanksgiving cranberry, this fruit seed is an excellent antioxidant lubricant and conditioner for the skin and a substantive contributor to moisture retention.

Pomegranate

Coveted for its antioxidant protection and skin hydration, pomagranate penetrating easily and deeply to create lasting, non-greasy moisture.

Camellia

Rich source of Palmitic and Omega-6 Linoleic fatty acids, as well as numerous anti-aging polyphenol antioxidants. Fast absorbing, it permeates deep into the lower layers of the skin, encouraging cell growth and giving the skin support and flexibility.

Rosehip

This "Queen of face oils" rosehip is packed with antioxidants, linolenic acid, and vitamin A (as beta carotene) to attack oxidative damage and leave the complexion rejuvenated and brighter.

Sunflower 

Sunflower offers antimicrobial activity plus potent antioxidants and has emollient properties that help the skin retain its moisture.

What to look for in seed oils

When it comes to plant oils in skincare, look for whole plant botanicals that are raw, cold-pressed, organic, and unrefined where the precious nutrients remain undisturbed.

Because extraction and cold-pressing processes are so labor-intensive, many skincare companies sell versions that have been subjected to heat, chemicals such as hexane, and bleach. Even expeller-pressed oils encounter heat from machinery.

Add cold formulation after cold pressing the ingredients and you have another safeguard to keep nutrients intact. 

The label doesn't always tell you the extraction process, so knowing your brand integrity is helpful in making choices. If you are using botanical oils, make sure they are the most effective you can find.

Most of us know that vitamin D is essential to maintain healthy bones. But did you know that it also plays a vital role in skin protection and rejuvenation?

Vitamin D supports cellular renewal and repair while helping regulate skin metabolism. It can help prevent premature skin aging, and lessen conditions like dry skin, sensitivity, eczema, and psoriasis.

Unfortunately, vitamin D deficiency is on the rise. Recent studies have found that 42% of US adults had a vitamin D deficiency!

A lack of this essential vitamin can lead to a dull complexion and red, dry, or itchy skin.

The good news is you can boost your skin's ability to harness this lipid-soluble vitamin by nourishing it with a micronutrient rich serum like our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum which contains high levels of fatty acids from moringa, sea buckthorn, rosehip, and cloudberry seed oil.

These fatty acids are crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and help to optimize the skin's ability to naturally synthesize vitamin D.

 Want more ways to holistically boost your vitamin D this fall? Read on for extra tips below.

3 holistic ways to boost your vitamin D levels

Here are three ways to get an extra boost of vitamin D and take advantage of the suns rays in a safe and healthy way. 

Eat your mushrooms

Did you know that wild-foraged mushrooms contain high levels of bioavailable vitamin D? Visit your local farmers market or natural grocery store to stock up on shiitake, porcini, and button mushrooms, as these delicious fungi are an excellent way to supplement your diet with this essential vitamin.

Try red light therapy

Red light therapy has been shown to improve mitochondrial function, which is essential for various cellular processes, including vitamin D synthesis. Check with your healthcare practitioner or local spa for red light therapy options close to you. Some spas also offer red light therapy. If you're in Telluride, the R&R Wellness Center at the Peaks Resort offers near infrared sauna with red light therapy.

Harness the sun's gentler rays

Spending short periods of time, 15-30 minutes outside in the sun during early morning or evening is more effective for improving vitamin D levels than prolonged exposure. And always wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Post-sun skin care is also important, try our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum to help revitalize your skin. 

Supplement your vitamin D

Sometimes the amount of vitamins found in our diet isn't enough to meet daily requirements.The recommended daily dose of vitamin D is 600 IU for people under 70 and 800 IU for people 70+. One of our favorite high-quality D supplements is from Nordic Naturals.

Please note:  Too much vitamin D can cause more harm than good. Excessive amounts of vitamin D can cause calcium to accumulate in your body, which may damage your heart and kidneys. It’s very important to stay within the limits of recommended daily amounts. If you’re unsure, please consult with your healthcare professional.

Studies have shown that facial massage improves collagen and elastin production. Regular massage helps boost circulation while reducing puffiness. 

Night time is optimal to apply restorative serums to skin as absorption won’t be blocked by makeup, environmental pollutants or worn away through the course of the day. 

Step 1: Cleanse with an oil cleanser

• Before bed, cleanse your face with 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite oil-cleanser for 30-60 seconds.
• Place a warm damp wash cloth on your face, then wipe away dirt and makeup. 

Step 2: Smooth away fine lines

• Evenly distribute 1 teaspoon high-grade facial oil over your face. For dry skin choose almond or argan oil. For oily skin, jojoba oil and for sensitive skin use moringa oil.
• Press your fingertips between your brows and gently slide them up your forehead toward your hairline. Repeat several times to cover your whole forehead.
• Massage from the center of your face past your cheeks and toward your ears. Keep this up-and-out motion across your entire face and jawline.
• Finish with gentle vertical strokes from collarbone upward along your neck.

Step 3: Apply serums 

• Wipe away excess massage oil before applying essence and serums.
• With barely damp skin, apply 1 pump Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence to further firm and condition skin.
• Follow with 1 pump Alpine Phytonutrient Serum or Purist Delicate Skin Serum to supercharge skin overnight and allow for optimal absorption.

What do bears and beautiful skin have in common? 

Bearberry!

Also called mountain cranberry or mountain grape, bearberry is actually the fruit of the uva ursi plant. A favorite food of bears, bearberry is a natural skin lightener with botanical active, arbutin, an impressive glycoside extracted from bearberry leaves.

A distant cousin to hydroquinone, arbutin works by making the enzyme responsible for melanin production (tyrosinase) inactive.

UV exposure, stress, and hormonal changes can contribute to uneven melanin production leaving skin patchy and uneven.

Arbutin helps to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation like age spots, freckles, melasma, and acne scars. The result is a more uniform illuminated complexion. 

In fact, bearberry extract is the reason for the 'BRIGHTEN' claim on the front of  our Aspen Dew Illuminating Essence box.

Skin Benefits of Bearberry Extract

Anti-aging actives

Rich in powerful flavonoids, bearberry extract contains sun protection filters that can help slow the signs of photo aging and reduce the effects of sun exposure.

Skin brightening

Did you know, that the number one reason new year's resolutions fail is setting goals we can’t realistically commit to, and as a result, we don’t persist in these actions long enough for them to become habits?

According to psychology researchers, it takes on average 2 months before a new action becomes a habit (source).

What can you do to increase your chances of sticking with your goal and making it into a healthy habit?

Let’s use the example of incorporating a daily facial massage into your skincare routine to help smooth fine lines and help boost collagen production. Ideally, you're aiming for 15 minutes a day.

Instead of focusing on the desired time commitment (15 minutes per day), which can become difficult to maintain after a week or two, focus on committing to an easily achievable time goal for each day. 

Could you commit to 5 seconds of facial massage each day?

“But 5 seconds isn’t enough time to get the results I want,” You say.

The point is to make an easily achievable commitment that will allow you to keep up the action until it becomes a habit. If we focus on forming the habit first, the likelihood that you’ll be giving yourself a facial massage for longer than 5 seconds once it’s a habit is high.

The trick to achieving any goal is getting into a habit.

3 keys to make healthy skin a habit

• Keep your skincare products within easy reach and in plain sight, for example, on your nightstand.
• Set your favorite products to auto-replenish every few weeks so you don’t ever have to remember to reorder.

• For long lasting results, focus on developing a simple skin care routine that you can stick with over time. 

• Add it to an existing routine you already have. For example, if you style your hair every morning, apply your skincare right before you pick up your hairbrush.

Elevate your self-care routine by embracing these practices and taking care of your skin in new and rejuvenating ways.

1. Indulge in a luxurious at-home facial

Mix one tbsp of Snow Rose Recovery Mask with one tbsp water and one pump of Alpine Phytonutrient Serum for a restorative facial mask.

2. Soothe your mind with aromatherapy

Essential oils like rose and lavender, found in our Alpine Phytonutrient Serum, can help soothe skin, improve your mood, and enhance your overall well-being. 

3. Treat yourself to a face massage

Make time for a relaxing face massage with a luxurious face oil like our Purist Delicate Skin Serum to help you unwind and relax those tight jaw muscles. 

4. Try dry brushing

Dry brushing can help improve circulation, remove dead skin cells, and give your skin a healthy glow, making it a great self-care ritual. 

5. Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help you reduce stress and improve your skin health from the inside out.

6. Make time for reflection

Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic practice, and it can have a positive impact on your skin. 

7. Guard your sleep

Make sure you're getting 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night to give your skin the time it needs to regenerate and repair. Turn off any blue light emitting devices at least an hour before bed to avoid sleep disruption.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrance is the #1 allergen in skincare. It is a leading cause of contact dermatitis ranking up there with poison ivy.

Let's dive into this wily little ingredient that continues to pop up in skincare products.

What does fragrance mean?

Fragrance is defined by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) as “any natural or synthetic substance or substances used solely to impart an odor to a cosmetic product.” (link)

The FDA exempts the term fragrance (sometimes listed as perfum, perfume) from having to be more specific. This is because of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act passed in 1966. An act intended to protect the trade secrets and proprietary perfumes of companies like Coty & Chanel No.5.

Why are fragrances a problem?

Unfortunately for consumers, this regulation allows companies to hide ingredients that might contain synthetics, preservatives, or allergens under the catch-all term of fragrance.

"Synthetic fragrances are especially prone to wreak havoc on the skin."

This can be a big problem for people with sensitive or reactive skin. Synthetic fragrances in particular are especially prone to wreak havoc on the skin.

This can lead to a range of problems from dermatitis to disruption of skin barrier function, and exacerbate conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Yikes!

So what can you do?

Look for products that clearly disclose their ingredients and if there is a scent, plainly state what that is by listing the name of the ingredient as it appears in the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients  (INCI). 

This makes weeding out synthetic fragrances much easier. If you have sensitive skin avoid anything that contains ingredients like perfume, parfum, and fragrance.

You will also want to avoid certain essential oils like lemon which can cause photo sensitivity and irritation in certain people.

Our formulations do not include any synthetic fragrances.

At TellurideGlow we pride ourselves on creating formulas that are free of any synthetics and safe for your skin, it's in our GLOWPromise™. We take it a step further and ban (from our formulas) over 2,000 chemicals that are often found in skincare and cosmetic products.

For those with sensitive skin, our Purist Delicate Skin Serum is specifically formulated to be free from any fragrance allergens. Including naturally occuring scents from essential oils.

And if you love your skincare to have a scent but want to avoid synthetic fragrances, The Alpine Phytonutrient Serum is imbued with skin-fortifying essential oils like alpine lavender, Roman chamomile, and Frankincense.