**Santa Fe Showers: Altitude Lies Drying Summer Lasers?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 3, 2025

The sting of winter wind, the relentless sun, the feeling of your skin cracking after a shower – if you’ve spent any time in Santa Fe, New Mexico, you know this struggle. It’s not just you; the city’s unique climate is a notorious skin saboteur. But don’t resign yourself to a life of perpetual dryness. With a few strategic tweaks to your shower routine and product choices, you can reclaim your skin’s hydration and shield it from the harsh southwestern elements.

Santa Fe’s high altitude (over 7,000 feet) means thinner air and increased UV radiation. This double whammy accelerates moisture loss from your skin. The dry summer air, often dipping into single-digit humidity, further exacerbates the problem. This creates a perfect storm for dehydration, leading to flakiness, irritation, and premature aging.

The first step to combating this is understanding your shower. Long, hot showers might feel good, but they strip your skin of its natural oils. Think of your skin like a delicate wool sweater; harsh washing damages the fibers. Instead, opt for shorter, lukewarm showers. Aim for 5-7 minutes and keep the water temperature comfortable, not scalding.

What you use in the shower matters just as much as how long you’re in there. Ditch the heavily fragranced, sulfate-laden soaps. These are often too harsh and contribute to dryness. Look for gentle, sulfate-free cleansers specifically designed for dry or sensitive skin.

• Cerave Hydrating Body Wash: Widely available at Santa Fe drugstores like Walgreens and CVS, this cleanser contains ceramides, which help restore the skin’s natural barrier.
• Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: Another readily accessible option, Cetaphil is a classic for a reason. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
• Local Option: Los Poblanos Lavender Body Wash: If you’re looking for a locally sourced option, Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm offers a lavender body wash made with organic ingredients. While it’s a splurge, the calming scent and gentle formula are worth considering.

After cleansing, it’s crucial to replenish the moisture you’ve lost. This is where the “soak and seal” method comes in. While your skin is still damp, apply a thick, emollient moisturizer. This helps trap water and prevent it from evaporating.

Look for moisturizers containing ingredients like:

• Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin.
• Glycerin: Another humectant that helps hydrate the skin.
• Shea Butter: A rich emollient that softens and nourishes the skin.
• Ceramides: As mentioned earlier, ceramides help restore the skin’s natural barrier.

Product Recommendations (Santa Fe Edition):

• Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream: Available at most drugstores, this cream is a powerhouse of hydration, containing ceramides, urea, and other moisturizing ingredients.
• Vanicream Moisturizing Cream: Another excellent option for sensitive skin, Vanicream is fragrance-free, dye-free, and lanolin-free. You can find it at pharmacies like Smiths.
• Weleda Skin Food: A cult favorite, Weleda Skin Food is a rich, plant-based cream that provides intense hydration. It’s available at natural food stores like La Montanita Co-op.

Don’t just slather on the moisturizer and call it a day. The application technique is crucial. Gently pat the moisturizer into your skin, rather than rubbing it vigorously. This helps avoid irritation and allows the product to absorb more effectively. Pay extra attention to areas that are prone to dryness, such as your elbows, knees, and feet.

One of the biggest mistakes people make is skipping sunscreen. Santa Fe’s high altitude means you’re exposed to significantly more UV radiation than at sea level. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate and damage your skin.

Make sunscreen a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, and hands. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

Sunscreen Recommendations:

• EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: A favorite among dermatologists, EltaMD UV Clear is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and contains niacinamide, which can help reduce redness and inflammation. You can often find this at local med spas or dermatology offices.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60: This sunscreen is water-resistant and provides excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s available at drugstores like Target.
• Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+: A mineral-based sunscreen that’s safe for both adults and children. It’s available at natural food stores and online retailers.

Laser treatments are increasingly popular in Santa Fe, but the dry climate demands extra diligence in aftercare. Laser treatments compromise the skin’s barrier, making it even more vulnerable to moisture loss and sun damage.

After a laser treatment, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. This typically involves:

• Gentle Cleansing: Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to avoid irritating the treated skin.
• Intense Hydration: Apply a thick, emollient moisturizer several times a day. Look for products containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter.
• Strict Sun Protection: Avoid direct sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at all times.
• Avoid Exfoliants: Refrain from using any exfoliating products, such as scrubs or chemical peels, until your skin has fully healed.

A common pitfall is resuming your regular skincare routine too soon after a laser treatment. Be patient and allow your skin to heal completely before introducing any potentially irritating products. Another mistake is neglecting sun protection. Even a few minutes of sun exposure can undo the benefits of the laser treatment and lead to hyperpigmentation.

Living in Santa Fe presents unique challenges to skin health. The high altitude, dry climate, and intense sun require a proactive approach to skincare. By adopting a gentle shower routine, using hydrating products, and prioritizing sun protection, you can keep your skin healthy, hydrated, and radiant, even in the heart of the Southwest. Remember to adjust your routine based on your individual skin type and consult with a dermatologist if you have any concerns.