**Santa Fe Showers: Altitude Air Cracking Youth Skin?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe dry air here in Santa Fe isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it’s a persistent assault on your skin. You wake up feeling like you’ve aged a decade overnight, your skin tight and itchy. Forget that dewy glow; we’re talking desert-level dryness. But before you resign yourself to a life of perpetual lotion application, let’s talk showers. They can be your skin’s best friend or its worst enemy in this arid climate.
The problem isn’t just the air; it’s how we interact with it. Many Santa Feans unknowingly exacerbate the issue with their shower habits. Long, hot showers might feel amazing after a day of hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, but they’re stripping your skin of its natural oils faster than you can say “chile relleno.”
So, what’s the solution? It’s a two-pronged approach: cooler, shorter showers with the right soap, followed by a targeted post-shower hydration routine featuring locally-sourced ingredients. Let’s break it down.
First, ditch the scalding water. I know, I know, it feels good. But hot water is a solvent. It dissolves oils, including the essential ones that keep your skin moisturized. Aim for lukewarm water, closer to body temperature. Think of it as a gentle rinse, not a deep cleanse.
Next, shorten your showers. The longer you’re under the water, the more moisture you lose. Five minutes is the sweet spot. Set a timer if you have to. It sounds drastic, but your skin will thank you.
Now, about that soap. That generic, heavily-fragranced body wash you bought at the big box store? Toss it. It’s likely loaded with harsh sulfates that are contributing to your dryness. Instead, opt for a moisturizing soap, preferably one that’s fragrance-free or contains natural, gentle scents. Look for ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, or olive oil.
- Example: Dr. Bronner’s Baby Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is a solid choice. It’s gentle, effective, and widely available.
- Local Option: Check out artisan soap makers at the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market. They often use natural ingredients and offer options specifically formulated for dry skin.
But the shower is only half the battle. What you do after you step out is just as crucial. This is where the locally-sourced ingredients come in. New Mexico offers some incredible natural remedies for dry skin.
Prickly pear seed oil is a game-changer. This oil is extracted from the seeds of the prickly pear cactus, which thrives in the New Mexico desert. It’s incredibly rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, making it a potent moisturizer. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave a greasy residue, and can help to soothe irritated skin.
- How to Use: Apply prickly pear seed oil to damp skin immediately after showering. This helps to lock in moisture. A few drops go a long way.
- Where to Find It: Look for locally-made prickly pear seed oil at farmers’ markets, natural food stores, or online retailers specializing in New Mexico products.
Another excellent option is jojoba oil. While not exclusive to New Mexico, it’s readily available and mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it a highly effective moisturizer. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores.
- How to Use: Jojoba oil can be used alone or mixed with prickly pear seed oil for an extra boost of hydration.
- Pro Tip: Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender or chamomile are good choices for dry skin) to your jojoba oil for a relaxing and aromatic experience.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them:
- Mistake: Drying your skin too vigorously after showering.
- Solution: Pat your skin dry with a soft towel, leaving it slightly damp before applying your moisturizer.
- Mistake: Not moisturizing immediately after showering.
- Solution: Keep your moisturizer within easy reach of the shower. Apply it within a minute or two of stepping out.
- Mistake: Using a moisturizer that contains alcohol or other drying ingredients.
- Solution: Read the ingredient list carefully. Avoid products that contain alcohol, fragrances, or harsh chemicals.
- Mistake: Thinking that one application of moisturizer is enough.
- Solution: Reapply moisturizer throughout the day, especially after washing your hands.
Real-World Scenario:
Let’s say you’re a Santa Fe artist who spends your days working in a dry studio. You shower in the morning, but by afternoon, your skin feels tight and itchy. Here’s what you can do:
- Keep a small bottle of prickly pear seed oil at your studio.
- Wash your hands with a gentle, moisturizing soap.
- Pat your hands dry and immediately apply a few drops of prickly pear seed oil.
- Repeat this process as needed throughout the day.
This simple routine can make a huge difference in the comfort and health of your skin.
The Challenge of Hard Water:
Santa Fe, like many parts of the Southwest, has hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can further dry out your skin.
- Solution: Consider installing a water softener in your home. This can significantly improve the quality of your water and reduce its drying effects.
- Alternative: If a water softener isn’t feasible, try using a shower filter that removes some of the minerals from the water.
Beyond the Shower:
While optimizing your shower routine is a crucial first step, it’s important to address other factors that contribute to dry skin in Santa Fe.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Humidifier: Use a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months.
- Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Diet: Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Combating dry skin in Santa Fe requires a holistic approach. By making small changes to your shower habits and incorporating locally-sourced ingredients into your skincare routine, you can achieve healthy, hydrated skin, even in this arid climate. Don’t let the desert win. Take control of your skin health and enjoy the beauty of Santa Fe without the discomfort of dryness.