Living in Calgary with Dry Skin: A Physician’s Perspective on Caring for Your Largest Organ
- Dr. Tomi Mitchell
- Nov 7
- 6 min read
I’ve often joked that Calgary is both a blessing and a curse when it comes to skin health. On the one hand, we live in a city framed by breathtaking natural beauty—the Rocky Mountains are just an hour away, with endless blue skies and crisp prairie air. On the other hand, our climate can be fierce on the skin. It’s a place where you can bask in sunshine one moment and battle biting winds the next, all while your skin silently struggles to keep up.
As a physician and wellness advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how much our environment shapes our health. Skin, our largest organ, is often the first to signal distress. Living in Calgary comes with unique challenges: high elevation, extreme dryness, sudden temperature swings brought by Chinooks, and intense sun exposure year-round. Add to that the long, frigid Canadian winters with indoor heating that strips moisture, and it’s no wonder that many Calgarians experience skin that feels constantly under siege.
Over the years, both in my professional practice and in my personal life, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of caring for my skin—not just for appearance, but for comfort, protection, and overall well-being. Let’s explore what it’s really like to live with skin in Calgary, the typical concerns I encounter, and practical strategies to help your skin thrive here.
The Dry Truth: Why Calgary Skin Suffers
First, let’s talk about why Calgary has a reputation for dry skin.
Calgary is situated at approximately 1,048 meters (3,438 feet) above sea level. That elevation means thinner air, which holds less moisture. Combined with an arid prairie climate, long cold winters, and our notorious Chinooks—those rapid warm, dry winds sweeping down from the mountains—our skin constantly loses hydration. Even brief outdoor exposure can leave skin feeling tight or rough.
This isn’t limited to one type of person. I’ve seen men, women, and children, across all skin tones, struggle with dryness. Patients often describe their skin as “tight,” “itchy,” “flaky,” or “dull.” Some experience painful cracks on their hands or lips, while others notice accelerated fine lines or premature aging compared to friends living in more humid regions.
Even seemingly small environmental factors make a difference. Heating systems, for example, dry indoor air to desert-like levels. When this is coupled with harsh winter winds outside, the skin’s natural barrier struggles to maintain moisture, leaving it prone to irritation, eczema flare-ups, or even minor infections.
Pigment & Skin Tone: A Personal Reflection
As a woman of colour, I pay particular attention to how skin conditions manifest differently across tones. Calgary’s climate can exacerbate hyperpigmentation. Dryness or inflammation can trigger darker patches or uneven tone in individuals with higher melanin levels.
What might appear as simple redness on fair skin can become lingering marks for people of colour, sometimes lasting weeks or even months. I know this personally—the stubborn dark spot on my cheek, despite daily diligent sunscreen use, is a testament to Calgary’s climate. For me, and for many of my patients, skin health is not about vanity—it’s about comfort, confidence, and prevention.
Sunscreen in a Winter City: Why It Matters
A question I hear frequently: “Do I really need sunscreen in Calgary? It’s winter, it’s cloudy, and I barely go outside.”
Calgary averages 333 days of sunshine per year—more than Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. Combining this with our elevation, which increases UV exposure, makes it clear that daily sun protection is essential. Even in winter, UV rays penetrate clouds and reflect off snow, doubling the potential for damage.
Consistent sunscreen use isn’t just about preventing wrinkles or sunspots. It’s about reducing risk for serious skin conditions like melanoma. In fact, Calgarians have a higher melanoma risk than residents of nearby Edmonton, even during a blizzard or short walk to the car, sunscreen matters. And yes, there are now mineral formulations that suit darker skin tones without leaving a chalky residue, making protection accessible to everyone.
The Calgary Lifestyle: Beautiful, But Tough on Skin
Calgary is an incredible city. The energy, the community, the outdoor lifestyle—it’s a joy to live here. But it also demands intentional living, especially when it comes to skin.
Chinooks: Those sudden temperature swings—from -20°C to +10°C in a matter of hours—can shock the skin, causing dryness, irritation, or flare-ups of eczema or psoriasis.
Outdoor Recreation: Skiing, hiking, snowboarding, or cycling exposes skin to sun, wind, and cold. Without proper care, this can accelerate moisture loss and exacerbate existing skin conditions.
Indoor Heating: Forced-air systems keep homes warm but dry the air to uncomfortable levels, leaving lips cracked and skin peeling.
This isn’t meant to alarm, but rather to highlight that skin care here is essential—not optional. In Calgary, it’s part of thriving in the environment, not just looking your best.
What to Do: Practical Skin Care in Calgary
So, what works? Here are my top recommendations, based on science and years of clinical experience:
Moisturize Thoughtfully
Choose rich creams or ointments instead of light lotions.
Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or shea butter.
Apply immediately after bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp.
Don’t forget hands, feet, and lips—they often show dryness first.
Sunscreen Every Day
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on all exposed areas: face, neck, ears, and hands.
Mineral-based sunscreens are ideal for darker skin tones—they protect without a chalky finish.
Daily application is essential, even on winter days or when the weather is cloudy.
Add Humidity Indoors
A bedroom humidifier can help prevent dryness.
Aim for an indoor humidity level of around 40–50% for optimal effect.
Stay Hydrated from the Inside Out
Drink water consistently throughout the day.
Support your skin barrier with omega-3-rich foods, such as salmon, chia seeds, or flaxseed.
Clean Gently
Avoid hot showers and harsh soaps that strip your skin of its natural oils.
Opt for fragrance-free cleansers with a balanced pH to maintain healthy skin.
Pay Attention to Changes
Persistent rashes, unusual moles, or skin that won’t heal should be checked by a physician promptly.
Early evaluation can prevent complications and protect long-term skin health.
Beyond the Surface: Skin as a Reflection of Health
Skin often mirrors internal health. Stress can trigger breakouts or eczema flare-ups. Poor nutrition can show as dull, brittle, or prematurely aging skin. Hormonal changes may cause acne or changes in pigmentation. Even systemic illnesses sometimes reveal themselves through subtle changes in the skin before other symptoms appear.
That’s why I tell patients: skin care is not vanity—it’s health care. Healthy skin reflects a healthy life.
A Note on Diversity of Skin
Conversations about skin health must include all skin tones. Much of the medical literature and skincare marketing focuses on lighter skin, but conditions affect everyone, just in different ways.
In Calgary’s increasingly diverse population, understanding these differences is crucial:
Eczema: Individuals with darker skin may exhibit dark brown patches rather than the classic redness.
Psoriasis: Can present as purple or dark plaques with gray scaling.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: More pronounced and longer-lasting in darker skin.
Recognizing these distinctions ensures better diagnosis, treatment, and a sense of being seen.
My Personal Skin Story
Even as a physician, I’m not immune to Calgary’s challenging climate. There have been mornings when I wake to painfully cracked lips or a dull, tired-looking complexion, despite my careful nighttime routine. That persistent dark spot on my cheek keeps me vigilant, serving as a daily reminder that skincare is a journey, not a one-time fix.
Over time, I’ve learned that with consistent sunscreen, thoughtful hydration, and products tailored to my skin’s needs, it’s possible not just to survive—but thrive—even in Calgary’s harshest winters. My skin isn’t flawless every day, but it’s healthy, resilient, and capable of repair. And that, to me, is what real skin care looks like.
Closing Thoughts: Loving Your Skin in Calgary
Living in Calgary teaches resilience, both physically and mentally. Skin is a constant companion in this journey, adapting to weather extremes, enduring dryness, and braving intense UV exposure.
Caring for your skin isn’t about chasing vanity—it’s about protection, comfort, and confidence. When the wind whips across your face on a snowy day, or you marvel at the Rockies under a brilliant sun, remember: your skin works tirelessly for you. Honour it. Care for it. Protect it.
In Calgary, skin health isn’t optional—it’s a way of life. Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not create a patient-physician relationship. For personalized concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.
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