**Denver's Dew: Altitude AC Stealing Summer Lips?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe Front Range is calling, but your lips are screaming. Denver’s summer sun, coupled with its mile-high altitude and arid climate, creates a perfect storm for chapped, cracked lips. It’s not just uncomfortable; it can ruin a perfectly good hike up Red Rocks or a relaxing afternoon at Sloan’s Lake. Forget generic lip balm advice; you need a Denver-specific strategy.
The problem isn’t just the sun; it’s the altitude. At 5,280 feet (and often much higher if you’re hitting the trails), the air is thinner and holds less moisture. This means your body, including your lips, loses water faster. Add in the intense Colorado sun, which is stronger at higher altitudes, and you’ve got a recipe for serious lip dehydration.
Many people think that simply applying lip balm is enough. It’s not. Most commercial lip balms contain ingredients that can actually worsen dryness in the long run. Think about it: if you’re constantly reapplying, is the balm really working, or is it just a temporary fix?
The key is a multi-pronged approach: hydration from the inside out, targeted lip care with the right ingredients, and protection from the elements. This is your “Denver Dew Defense.”
First, let’s talk hydration. Water alone isn’t always enough. You need to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat, especially if you’re active.
- Electrolyte-Rich Drinks: Ditch the sugary sports drinks and opt for natural electrolyte sources. Coconut water is a great option, or you can make your own electrolyte drink with water, a pinch of sea salt, a squeeze of lemon, and a touch of honey.
- Hydrating Foods: Watermelon, cucumbers, and celery are your friends. These foods have a high water content and also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
- Avoid Dehydrating Beverages: Limit your intake of coffee and alcohol, both of which can contribute to dehydration. That afternoon IPA at a LoDo brewery might taste good, but your lips will pay the price.
Now, let’s get to the lip care itself. Not all lip balms are created equal. In fact, many contain ingredients that can be irritating or drying, such as:
- Camphor and Menthol: These provide a temporary cooling sensation, but they can actually dry out your lips in the long run.
- Artificial Fragrances and Flavors: These can be irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Petroleum-Based Ingredients: While they create a barrier, they don’t actually hydrate the lips.
Instead, look for lip balms with these ingredients:
- SPF 30 or Higher: This is non-negotiable in Denver. The sun is intense, and you need to protect your lips from harmful UV rays. Look for mineral-based sunscreens like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter: These are natural emollients that help to moisturize and soften the lips.
- Beeswax: This creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid: This humectant attracts moisture to the lips, keeping them hydrated.
Local Lip Balm Recommendations:
- All Good SPF 30 Lip Balm (available at REI and Whole Foods): A Colorado-based company with a great reputation for natural sun care products.
- Badger Balm SPF 30 Lip Balm (available at Natural Grocers): Another excellent option with simple, natural ingredients.
- Eco Lips Mongo Kiss (available at Sprouts): A blend of mongongo oil and other nourishing ingredients.
DIY Lip Remedies:
Sometimes, the best solutions are the simplest. Here are a few DIY lip remedies you can whip up at home:
- Honey Mask: Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your lips for 15-20 minutes. Honey is a natural humectant and has antibacterial properties.
- Coconut Oil: A simple and effective moisturizer. Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your lips several times a day.
- Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub: Mix a teaspoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of sugar. Gently scrub your lips in a circular motion to exfoliate dead skin cells. Rinse with warm water.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:
- Licking Your Lips: This is a big no-no. Saliva contains enzymes that can actually break down the skin on your lips, leading to dryness and irritation.
- Picking at Dry Skin: Resist the urge to pick at flaky skin. This can lead to bleeding, infection, and scarring. Instead, gently exfoliate with a sugar scrub.
- Not Applying Lip Balm Before Outdoor Activities: Protect your lips before you head out for a hike or bike ride. Prevention is key.
- Using Expired Lip Balm: Check the expiration date on your lip balm. Expired products may not be as effective and could even be contaminated.
The Denver Dew Defense: A Week-Long Hydration Challenge
Ready to put these tips into practice? Here’s a week-long hydration challenge tailored for active Denverites:
- Day 1: Start your day with a large glass of water with lemon. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day.
- Day 2: Incorporate electrolyte-rich foods into your diet, such as watermelon and cucumbers.
- Day 3: Make your own electrolyte drink with water, sea salt, lemon, and honey.
- Day 4: Exfoliate your lips with a sugar scrub and apply a honey mask.
- Day 5: Choose a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and apply it liberally throughout the day, especially before and after outdoor activities.
- Day 6: Limit your intake of coffee and alcohol.
- Day 7: Reflect on how your lips feel. Are they more hydrated and comfortable? Continue these habits to maintain healthy, hydrated lips.
Living in Denver is an amazing experience, but it requires a little extra attention to your skin, especially your lips. By following these tips and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can conquer the dry climate and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer without the discomfort of chapped, cracked lips. So, grab your water bottle, your SPF lip balm, and get out there and explore! Your lips will thank you.