How Calgary’s Climate Affects Your Skin (And How to Protect It)
By La Reina Aesthetics
Calgary is known for many things — its vibrant city life, beautiful Rockies, and dramatic temperature shifts. But for your skin, Calgary’s climate can be one of the harshest in Canada. The unique combination of dry air, low humidity, strong UV exposure, and sudden chinook changes can significantly impact the health and appearance of your skin year-round.
Understanding how the environment affects your skin is the first step toward keeping it balanced, hydrated, and resilient. Here’s what every Calgarian should know.
1. Calgary’s Air Is Extremely Dry — And So Is Your Skin
With humidity levels that often drop below 30%, Calgary’s air naturally pulls moisture from your skin. This leads to:
• Tightness
• Flaking
• Sensitivity
• Dehydration lines
• Rough texture
Dry air weakens your skin barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain water and defend itself. This is why so many clients experience dullness, irritation, and early signs of aging in Calgary.
How to protect your skin:
Use a hydrating cleanser (avoid foaming cleansers)
Add hyaluronic acid or a water-binding serum
Seal moisture with a ceramide-rich moisturizer
Book regular facials for deep hydration support
2. Winter Temperatures Shock the Skin
Calgary winters combine cold air, harsh wind, and indoor heating, all of which strip moisture from your skin.
This can trigger:
• Redness
• Sensitivity
• Chapped skin
• Increased oil production (your skin compensates for dryness)
Even oily skin becomes dehydrated in Calgary.
How to protect your skin:
Never skip moisturizer in the winter
Avoid over-exfoliating
Use a nourishing overnight cream
Try a hydrating or barrier-repair facial monthly
3. Chinooks Cause Sudden Temperature Shifts
A chinook can raise temperatures by 20°C within hours — and your skin feels that shock. Rapid shifts can lead to:
• Flare-ups of acne or eczema
• Increased redness
• Texture changes
• Irritation
Your skin prefers consistency. Chinooks provide the opposite.
How to protect your skin:
Stick to a simple routine during chinook weeks
Avoid trying new actives
Focus on barrier health and hydration
4. Calgary Has Some of the Highest UV Levels in Canada
Because of our elevation (1,045 m), UV radiation is stronger — even on cloudy days. UV exposure accelerates:
• Pigmentation
• Fine lines
• Collagen breakdown
• Redness
• Dryness
Many Calgarians underestimate the sun in winter, which leads to year-round damage.
How to protect your skin:
Daily SPF 30+ (even indoors)
Reapply when outdoors
Use antioxidants like Vitamin C
Treat sun damage with chemical peels or hydrodermabrasion
5. Hard Water Can Disrupt Your Skin Barrier
Calgary’s water contains high mineral content that can leave residue on the skin. This buildup can contribute to:
• Dryness
• Dullness
• Breakouts
• Sensitivity
How to protect your skin:
Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
Follow with hydrating toner or essence
Consider using a shower filter
6. Professional Treatments Make a Big Difference in Calgary
Because of the harsh environment, Calgarians often need more hydration support, barrier repair, and gentle exfoliation than people in more humid cities.
At La Reina Aesthetics, treatments especially beneficial for Calgary’s climate include:
✔ Deluxe Facial — for deep hydration + glow
✔ Calm + Restore — for sensitive or reactive skin
✔ Clarifying Corrective Facial — for congestion worsened by dry air
✔ Hydrodermabrasion — to restore hydration and refine texture
✔ Dermaplaning — to remove buildup and enhance absorption
Consistent, personalized treatments help counteract environmental stress and support long-term skin health.
Conclusion
Calgary’s climate is unique — and it requires unique skincare. By understanding how the environment affects your skin and making small adjustments to your routine, you can keep your skin hydrated, calm, and resilient year-round.
For a personalized skincare plan tailored to Calgary’s climate, we invite you to book a facial or consultation at La Reina Aesthetics.
