Santa Fe AC: Altitude Air Stealing Skin's Oils?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe air here isn’t just thin; it’s thirsty. You can feel it the moment you step off the plane in Santa Fe, a dryness that seems to seep into your very bones. But don’t despair, fellow Santa Fean! This isn’t a curse, but a challenge – one we can conquer with the right knowledge and a proactive approach to skincare.
Santa Fe’s high altitude (around 7,200 feet) and arid climate create a perfect storm for dry skin. The lower air pressure at higher altitudes means moisture evaporates from your skin faster. Couple that with the desert’s naturally low humidity, and you’ve got a recipe for cracked, itchy, and uncomfortable skin.
Let’s dive into the specifics of how to combat this, Santa Fe style.
First, let’s talk about local product heroes. You won’t find these recommendations on some generic beauty blog. These are products I’ve personally vetted, available right here in Santa Fe, and formulated to tackle our unique climate.
Los Poblanos Lavender Salve: This isn’t just a tourist trap. Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm produces a lavender salve that’s surprisingly effective. The lavender oil is soothing, and the beeswax creates a protective barrier against moisture loss. You can find it at their farm shop or at many local markets. It’s particularly good for dry hands and feet, which take a beating in our dry air.
Desert Essence Jojoba Oil: While not exclusive to Santa Fe, you can find Desert Essence Jojoba Oil at most natural food stores here, like La Montanita Co-op. Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer that won’t clog pores. It’s a great all-over body oil, and a few drops can be added to your regular moisturizer for an extra boost.
Products from Body Stone: Located in the Railyard District, Body Stone offers a range of handcrafted soaps and lotions. Their products are made with natural ingredients and are specifically designed for dry skin. Look for their shea butter-based lotions and soaps with added oils like avocado or olive oil.
Now, let’s get into some DIY skincare techniques tailored for our desert environment. These aren’t your average Pinterest recipes; these are strategies honed by living and breathing (or trying to breathe!) in this dry climate.
The Oatmeal Soak: This is a classic for a reason. Colloidal oatmeal (finely ground oatmeal) soothes irritated skin and helps retain moisture. Add a cup of colloidal oatmeal to a lukewarm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Pat your skin dry (don’t rub!) and immediately apply a moisturizer. You can find colloidal oatmeal at most pharmacies in Santa Fe.
The Honey Mask: Raw honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your face, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse with lukewarm water. Make sure it’s raw honey, as processed honey lacks the beneficial enzymes and antioxidants. You can find local raw honey at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market.
The Avocado Hair Mask: Our dry air doesn’t just affect our skin; it wreaks havoc on our hair too. Mash half an avocado with a tablespoon of olive oil and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Avocado is rich in healthy fats that will nourish and hydrate your hair.
But products and DIY treatments are only part of the solution. We need to adjust our lifestyle to combat the constant dryness. This is where many people fall short, thinking a good moisturizer is enough. It’s not.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: This seems obvious, but it’s crucial. Aim for at least eight glasses of water a day, and even more if you’re active. Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it throughout the day. Consider adding electrolytes to your water, especially after exercising. The altitude makes you dehydrate faster than you think.
Humidify Your Home: A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can significantly improve your skin’s hydration levels. Place a humidifier in your bedroom and run it while you sleep. Clean your humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria.
Shower Smarter: Hot showers strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm showers and limit them to 5-10 minutes. Use a gentle, moisturizing soap and avoid harsh scrubbing. Pat your skin dry and apply moisturizer immediately after showering.
Sun Protection is Key: The sun is intense in Santa Fe, even on cloudy days. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even in the winter. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Look for sunscreens that contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
Embrace Protective Clothing: When hiking or spending time outdoors, wear long sleeves, pants, and a hat to protect your skin from the sun and wind. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
Now, let’s address some common mistakes Santa Feans make when dealing with dry skin.
Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can strip your skin of its natural oils and make dryness worse. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use a gentle exfoliator. Avoid harsh scrubs or chemical peels.
Using Harsh Soaps: Many soaps contain harsh detergents that can dry out your skin. Choose gentle, moisturizing soaps that are free of sulfates and parabens. Look for soaps that contain natural oils like olive oil or coconut oil.
Ignoring Indoor Air Quality: The air inside our homes can be even drier than the air outside, especially during the winter when we’re running the heater. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and consider investing in an air purifier to remove dust and allergens.
Not Adjusting Skincare Seasonally: What works in the summer might not work in the winter. Adjust your skincare routine based on the season. In the winter, you may need to use a heavier moisturizer and apply it more frequently.
Finally, let’s talk about specific challenges related to Santa Fe’s unique outdoor activities.
Hiking: The sun and wind can be particularly harsh on your skin when hiking. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially if you’re sweating. Bring plenty of water and drink it throughout your hike.
Skiing: The cold, dry air and intense sun at high altitudes can be brutal on your skin. Wear sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a face mask to protect your skin from the elements. Hydrate frequently.
Mountain Biking: Similar to hiking, mountain biking exposes you to the sun and wind. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially if you’re sweating. Consider wearing a bandana or neck gaiter to protect your face and neck.
Living in Santa Fe is a privilege. The beauty, the culture, the outdoor activities – it’s a truly special place. But it also presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to skincare. By understanding the specific factors that contribute to dry skin in our environment and adopting a proactive approach, we can keep our skin healthy, hydrated, and glowing, even in the high desert. Don’t just survive the dryness; thrive in it.