High-Altitude Sun and Your Skin: Where Red Light Therapy Fits
Updated October 20, 2026 · 2 min read
Living in Colorado means a lot of sunshine. Bluebird ski days, summer hikes, patio season that seems to last forever.
But your skin pays a price. At our elevation, the sun is stronger than most people realize.
Here's how high-altitude sun affects your skin and where red light therapy at iCRYO Westminster fits into a smart skin routine.
Why the Sun Hits Harder in Colorado
At higher elevations, there's less atmosphere between you and the sun to filter ultraviolet (UV) rays.
On the Front Range, and especially in the mountains, you're getting more UV than at sea level. Add snow, which reflects UV back up at you on ski days, and exposure adds up fast.
What UV Does to Your Skin
UV damage builds over years:
- Collagen breakdown leads to fine lines and sagging
- Sun spots and uneven tone
- Rough texture
- Crepey skin, especially on the chest, hands and around the eyes
How Red Light Therapy Helps
Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared wavelengths, not UV. Research suggests it may:
- Support collagen production
- Improve tone and texture
- Support skin's natural repair
Learn more in Red Light Therapy Benefits.
What Red Light Therapy Won't Do
Let's be honest:
- It doesn't replace sunscreen
- It won't erase deep sun spots on its own
- It isn't a treatment for skin cancer. See a dermatologist for any changing or suspicious spots.
A Colorado Skin Care Plan
Protect
- Broad-spectrum SPF every day, even in winter
- Reapply on the slopes and trails
- Hats and sunglasses outdoors
Support
- Regular red light therapy for ongoing skin health
- Hydration, since dry air is tough on skin
Renew
- Neogen plasma skin regeneration for a more intensive reset of sun damage and texture. Read Neogen for Acne Scars and Sun Damage.
When to See a Dermatologist
See a dermatologist for any new, changing, bleeding or unusual spots. Regular skin checks are important when you live at altitude.
Ready to give your skin some support?
Red Light Therapy in Westminster, CO
iCRYO Westminster is at 14613 Orchard Pkwy #200, Westminster, CO 80023, just off I-25 with free parking. We welcome clients from Broomfield, Thornton, Northglenn, Arvada, Federal Heights and north Denver.
Questions? Call (720) 222-0224.
Red Light Therapy FAQs
Is the sun stronger in Colorado?
Yes. UV radiation increases with elevation because there's less atmosphere to filter it. According to the World Health Organization, UV levels rise roughly 10% for every 1,000 meters of altitude.
Can red light therapy repair sun damage?
Red light therapy may support collagen and skin renewal, which can help improve tone and texture over time. It doesn't reverse all sun damage and doesn't replace sunscreen.
Is red light therapy the same as UV light?
No. Red light therapy uses red and near-infrared light, not UV. It doesn't tan or burn your skin.
What's the best treatment for sun spots?
It depends on your skin. Neogen plasma skin regeneration can address sun damage more intensively, while red light therapy offers gentle ongoing support.
iCRYO Westminster Team
The iCRYO Westminster team helps clients across the north Denver metro look and feel their best.
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Learn more about Red Light Therapy in Westminster, CO
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