Taos Air: Altitude Lies Crashing Hair Lasers?
By Franklin Everett ShawForget the glossy brochures and staged Instagram shots of Taos Ski Valley. Let’s talk about something real: the whispers of hair loss and skin freakouts after a quick hop on Taos Air. It’s not just altitude sickness; something else is going on, and if you’re planning a trip from sea level, you need to listen up.
Taos, New Mexico, sits at a lung-busting 6,969 feet. Taos Ski Valley? A staggering 9,207 feet at its base. Flying directly into Taos Regional Airport (TAO) from, say, Dallas (430 feet) or Miami (sea level), is a shock to the system.
The immediate culprit is hypoxia – a lack of oxygen. Your body scrambles to compensate. Your heart rate increases, you breathe faster, and your blood vessels constrict. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, and nausea, the usual suspects of altitude sickness. But the less-discussed effects are where things get interesting.
Lower oxygen levels can stress hair follicles. Hair growth is an energy-intensive process. When your body is prioritizing oxygen delivery to vital organs, hair can take a backseat. This can lead to temporary shedding, especially if you’re already predisposed to hair loss or have underlying deficiencies.
The dry, high-altitude air is brutal on skin. It sucks moisture out faster than you can say “hydrating serum.” This dryness can exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, leading to itching, redness, and inflammation. The increased sun exposure at altitude, even on cloudy days, compounds the problem.
Now, let’s throw laser treatments into the mix. Many people get laser hair removal or skin resurfacing treatments. These procedures create micro-injuries to the skin, making it more vulnerable. Flying to Taos shortly after a laser treatment is like throwing gasoline on a fire. The already compromised skin is now battling extreme dryness, increased sun exposure, and the stress of altitude.
I’ve seen it firsthand. A friend from Houston, Texas, got laser hair removal a week before a ski trip to Taos. She arrived with a red, irritated face and experienced significant hair shedding in the weeks following. Her dermatologist confirmed that the altitude and sun exposure likely exacerbated the inflammation caused by the laser treatment.
So, what can you do to protect yourself?
- Acclimatize gradually: If possible, spend a few days at a moderate altitude (like Denver, Colorado) before heading to Taos. This allows your body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels.
- Hydrate like your life depends on it: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate you further.
- Sunscreen is your best friend: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Reapply frequently.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: Use a thick, emollient moisturizer to combat the dry air. Consider a humidifier for your hotel room.
- Delay laser treatments: If you’re planning a trip to Taos, postpone any laser treatments for at least two weeks before and after your trip.
- Consider oxygen supplementation: If you’re particularly sensitive to altitude, talk to your doctor about supplemental oxygen. Some hotels in Taos offer oxygen concentrators for rent.
- Know your limits: Don’t push yourself too hard on your first few days. Take it easy and listen to your body.
Taos has resources to help you manage altitude-related health concerns. Holy Cross Medical Center in Taos has experienced medical professionals who can provide treatment for altitude sickness and other related issues. Pharmacies like Taos Pharmacy carry over-the-counter remedies for headaches and nausea.
Don’t let the fear of hair loss or skin problems ruin your Taos vacation. By taking precautions and being aware of the potential risks, you can enjoy the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains without sacrificing your health or appearance. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in mitigating the effects of high altitude.