Santa Fe Sun: Altitude Air Cracking Summer Lips?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 6, 2025

The dry air here isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a lifestyle. Many newcomers to Santa Fe, and even long-time residents, underestimate the relentless assault of the sun and altitude on their skin, especially their lips. It’s not just a winter problem; it’s a year-round battle against chapped, cracked, and painful lips.

The key is proactive, informed lip care, tailored to this unique environment.

Santa Fe’s high desert climate presents a double whammy: intense sun exposure and low humidity. The altitude, averaging around 7,000 feet, further exacerbates dehydration, leading to moisture loss from the skin, including the delicate skin on your lips. This combination makes lip care a non-negotiable aspect of daily life.

Let’s start with prevention. Sunscreen isn’t just for your face; your lips need it too. Look for lip balms with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Badger Balm SPF 30 Unscented Lip Balm: Readily available at Whole Foods Market on Cerrillos Road. It’s a physical sunscreen using zinc oxide, which is less irritating than chemical sunscreens.
EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 31: You can find this at some local dermatology offices or pharmacies like Las Cosas Kitchen Shoppe. It contains transparent zinc oxide and is a favorite among dermatologists.

Apply lip balm liberally and frequently, especially before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re eating, drinking, or sweating. Don’t just apply it in the morning and forget about it.

Hydration is crucial. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. The dry air pulls moisture from your body, so you need to replenish it constantly. Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it regularly. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can actually dehydrate you.

Now, let’s talk about treatment. If your lips are already chapped, you need to focus on healing and moisturizing. Avoid licking your lips, as this only makes the problem worse. Saliva evaporates quickly, further drying out your lips.

Here are some effective treatment options you can find in Santa Fe:

Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Available at most drugstores, including Walgreens and CVS. It’s a thick, occlusive ointment that creates a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and promoting healing. Apply it liberally before bed.
Lanolin: This natural emollient is derived from sheep’s wool and is incredibly effective at moisturizing and healing chapped lips. You can find pure lanolin at some pharmacies or online.
DIY Honey and Jojoba Oil Lip Balm: Jojoba oil mimics the skin’s natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer. Local honey, like that from the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market, has antibacterial and healing properties. Mix equal parts of honey and jojoba oil and apply to your lips several times a day.

Here’s a simple DIY recipe:

Combine 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil with 1 tablespoon of local honey in a small bowl.
Mix well until the honey is fully incorporated.
Transfer the mixture to a small container or lip balm tube.
Apply to your lips as needed.

Common mistakes developers make when dealing with lip care in Santa Fe include:

Using flavored lip balms: These often contain ingredients that can irritate the lips, such as artificial sweeteners and fragrances. Stick to unscented or naturally flavored options.
Picking at dry skin: This can lead to bleeding, infection, and scarring. Resist the urge to pick and instead gently exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or a sugar scrub.
Not using a humidifier: A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air, especially during the dry winter months. Place one in your bedroom to help keep your lips hydrated overnight.
Ignoring the problem: Chapped lips can be more than just uncomfortable; they can also be a sign of dehydration or other underlying health issues. If your chapped lips don’t improve with treatment, see a doctor.

A specific challenge in Santa Fe is the wind. The dry, gusty winds can quickly strip moisture from your lips. Protect your lips by wearing a scarf or mask when you’re outdoors on windy days.

Another pitfall is assuming that all lip balms are created equal. Many commercial lip balms contain ingredients that can actually dry out your lips, such as alcohol and menthol. Read the ingredient list carefully and choose products that contain moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or beeswax.

Real-world application: Imagine you’re hiking in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The sun is beating down, the wind is whipping, and you’re sweating. You need to reapply your SPF lip balm every hour, drink plenty of water, and avoid licking your lips. When you get back to town, apply a thick layer of Aquaphor before bed to help your lips recover.

Consider this scenario: You’re attending the Santa Fe Indian Market in August. You’re spending hours outdoors in the sun and heat. You need to be extra vigilant about lip care. Wear a hat to shade your face, reapply your SPF lip balm frequently, and drink plenty of water.

Here’s an actionable insight: Keep a lip balm with SPF in your car, your purse, and your desk. That way, you’ll always have it on hand when you need it.

Don’t wait until your lips are chapped to start taking care of them. Make lip care a part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. Your lips will thank you for it.

Remember, lip care in Santa Fe is a marathon, not a sprint. Be consistent with your routine, and you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of this high-desert city without suffering from chapped, painful lips.