**Taos Air: Altitude Air Drying Youth Lipids?**

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 2, 2025

Imagine stepping off a Taos Air flight from Austin, Texas, ready to hit the slopes, only to be greeted by the stinging, cracking reality of severely chapped lips. It’s a scenario far too common, and one easily avoided with a little foresight. The dry, high-altitude air of Taos, combined with the sun’s intensity, creates a perfect storm for lip dehydration. But fear not, fellow traveler! This isn’t a lament; it’s a battle plan for keeping your pout perfectly plump, even after a flight from sea level to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

The problem isn’t just the altitude in Taos itself. The pressurized cabin air on Taos Air flights, even those short hops from Los Angeles, CA, is notoriously dry. This draws moisture from your skin, including your lips, leaving them vulnerable. Add to that the increased UV exposure at higher altitudes, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

So, how do we combat this? Hydration, hydration, hydration. This isn’t just about drinking water (though that’s crucial). It’s about strategically layering moisture both inside and out.

First, the internal defense. Start hydrating before you even board the plane in Austin or Los Angeles. Aim for at least eight glasses of water the day before your flight. During the flight, avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can actually dehydrate you further. Instead, sip water consistently throughout the journey. Consider adding electrolytes to your water for enhanced hydration. Nuun tablets or Liquid I.V. packets are convenient options.

Now, for the external armor: lip balm. But not just any lip balm. We need a heavy-duty, SPF-packed shield. Look for balms containing ingredients like:

• Beeswax: A natural occlusive, meaning it creates a barrier to prevent moisture loss.
• Shea Butter: Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it nourishes and soothes dry lips.
• Hyaluronic Acid: A humectant that draws moisture from the air and binds it to the skin.
• SPF 30 or higher: Crucial for protecting against the intense sun at high altitudes.

Avoid lip balms with ingredients like camphor, menthol, or eucalyptus. While they might provide a temporary cooling sensation, they can actually dry out your lips in the long run. These ingredients are often found in medicated lip balms, which are better suited for treating specific conditions like cold sores, not general dryness.

Specific product recommendations? For high-altitude protection, consider the following:

• EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 31: Broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide and antioxidants.
• COOLA Liplux SPF 30: Organic and hydrating, with a variety of flavors.
• Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm: A classic choice, readily available and effective.

Apply your chosen lip balm liberally and frequently, especially during the flight and while you’re outdoors in Taos. Don’t just swipe it on once and forget about it. Reapply every hour, or even more often if you feel your lips starting to dry out.

Beyond lip balm, consider a pre- and post-flight skincare routine focused on maintaining lipid balance. Before your flight, gently exfoliate your lips with a soft toothbrush or a sugar scrub to remove any dead skin cells. Follow this with a hydrating lip mask. Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is a popular choice, but any thick, emollient mask will do.

After your flight, repeat the exfoliation and lip mask routine. If your lips are particularly dry or cracked, consider applying a thin layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline before bed. These are occlusive ointments that will help to seal in moisture and promote healing.

A common mistake developers make when thinking about lip care is assuming that all lip balms are created equal. They aren’t. A cheap, petroleum-based balm might provide temporary relief, but it won’t actually hydrate your lips or protect them from the sun. Investing in a high-quality lip balm with SPF is essential for preventing altitude-induced dry lips.

Another pitfall is neglecting nighttime lip care. Your lips lose moisture while you sleep, so it’s important to apply a hydrating balm or mask before bed. This will help to keep your lips plump and healthy overnight.

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a humidifier. If you’re staying in a hotel room in Taos, consider bringing a portable humidifier to add moisture to the air. This can make a big difference in preventing dry lips and skin.

Let’s consider a real-world scenario. Imagine you’re flying from Los Angeles to Taos for a ski trip. You pack your skis, your boots, and your warmest jacket. But you forget about your lips. You arrive in Taos, hit the slopes, and spend the day skiing in the sun. By the end of the day, your lips are cracked, bleeding, and painful. This could have been easily avoided by following the steps outlined above.

In conclusion, traveling via Taos Air, whether from Austin or Los Angeles, presents a unique challenge to lip health. The combination of dry cabin air, high altitude, and intense sun can quickly lead to chapped, cracked lips. However, by implementing a proactive hydration strategy, choosing the right lip balm with SPF, and following a consistent pre- and post-flight skincare routine, you can keep your lips perfectly plump and protected, allowing you to fully enjoy your Taos adventure. Don’t let dry lips ruin your trip. Be prepared, be proactive, and keep that pout perfect!