Taos Air: Altitude Lies Cracking Lip Youth?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe biting wind whips across your face, a stark contrast to the warm Texas sun you left behind just hours ago. You’re in Taos, New Mexico, ready to carve down the slopes, but something feels…different. It’s not just the altitude; it’s the dryness, the way your skin feels tight and almost brittle. Flying Taos Air from Texas, while incredibly convenient for hitting the powder, throws your skin into a high-altitude, low-humidity gauntlet.
The problem isn’t just discomfort; it’s accelerated aging. The combination of altitude, dry air, and increased sun exposure (snow reflects UV rays like crazy!) can wreak havoc on your skin’s hydration levels and collagen production. For Texans accustomed to relatively humid climates, this sudden shift is a shock to the system.
So, how do you combat this and keep your skin looking fresh while enjoying those Taos runs? It’s all about a strategic, Texas-to-Taos skincare plan.
First, understand the enemy: Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). At high altitudes, the air is thinner and holds less moisture. This pulls moisture out of your skin at an accelerated rate. Think of it like a sponge left out in the desert.
Here’s your battle plan, broken down into pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight strategies, with specific product recommendations you can find at your local Texas retailers like HEB, Target, or Sephora.
Pre-Flight Prep: Fortifying Your Skin’s Defenses
This isn’t just about slapping on some moisturizer the morning of your flight. It’s about building a strong foundation in the days leading up to your trip.
Hydrate from Within: This sounds obvious, but most people don’t drink enough water before they travel. Start increasing your water intake 2-3 days before your flight. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. Add electrolytes like Liquid I.V. (available at most Texas grocery stores) to help your body absorb the water more effectively.
Gentle Exfoliation: A gentle exfoliation 2-3 days before your trip removes dead skin cells, allowing your hydrating products to penetrate more effectively. Avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin. A chemical exfoliant like The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA (widely available) is a good option.
Barrier Repair: Focus on products that strengthen your skin barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and fatty acids. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (easily found at any Texas drugstore) is a solid, affordable choice. Apply it liberally morning and night.
Sunscreen, Even Before You Leave: Even on cloudy days in Texas, UV exposure is a factor. Start applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning. This preps your skin for the intense sun exposure it will face in Taos. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (available at dermatologists’ offices and some online retailers) is a popular choice.
In-Flight Hydration: The Active Defense
The airplane cabin is a desert in disguise. The recirculated air is incredibly dry, exacerbating TEWL.
Hydrating Mist: Carry a hydrating facial mist with you and spritz your face every hour. Look for mists containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater (available at Ulta) is a refreshing and readily accessible option.
Hydrating Sheet Mask: Don’t be shy! Slap on a hydrating sheet mask during the flight. Look for masks containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or aloe vera. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Hydrogel Mask (available at most drugstores) is a good choice.
Lip Balm is Your Best Friend: Your lips are particularly vulnerable to dryness. Apply a thick, emollient lip balm frequently. Aquaphor Healing Ointment (available everywhere) is a classic for a reason.
Skip the Alcohol and Caffeine: These are diuretics, meaning they dehydrate you. Stick to water or herbal tea.
Drink, Drink, Drink: Continue to hydrate with water throughout the flight. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it up after you go through security.
Post-Flight Recovery: Repair and Rejuvenate
You’ve landed in Taos, ready to ski. But your skincare routine isn’t over.
Gentle Cleansing: Avoid harsh cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (available at any drugstore).
Hydrating Serum: Apply a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid or other humectants. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 (widely available) is an affordable and effective option.
Rich Moisturizer: Continue to use a rich moisturizer like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Apply it liberally morning and night, and even more frequently if your skin feels dry.
Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen: This cannot be stressed enough. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or skiing.
Nighttime Recovery: Use a thicker, more occlusive moisturizer at night to help your skin repair itself while you sleep. Consider adding a facial oil like rosehip oil or argan oil to your routine.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:
Over-Exfoliating: Don’t overdo it with the exfoliation. Over-exfoliating can damage your skin barrier and make it more susceptible to dryness and irritation. Stick to exfoliating 2-3 times per week, and use a gentle exfoliant.
Ignoring Sunscreen: This is the biggest mistake people make. The sun is much stronger at high altitudes, and the snow reflects UV rays, increasing your exposure. Don’t skip the sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Using Harsh Products: Avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances, or other irritating ingredients. These can further dry out your skin.
Not Adjusting Your Routine: What works for you in Texas might not work in Taos. Be prepared to adjust your routine as needed based on how your skin feels.
Specific Challenges for Texans:
Texans are often accustomed to warmer, more humid climates. This means their skin may not be as well-equipped to handle the sudden shift to a dry, high-altitude environment.
Dry Skin Conditions: Texans with pre-existing dry skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis may find that their conditions worsen in Taos. It’s important to be extra diligent with your skincare routine and to consult with a dermatologist if needed.
Oily Skin Misconceptions: Even Texans with oily skin can experience dehydration in Taos. Don’t assume that you don’t need to moisturize just because you have oily skin. Look for lightweight, oil-free moisturizers that won’t clog your pores.
Flying Taos Air from Texas for a ski trip is an amazing experience. But don’t let the dry air and high altitude ruin your skin. By following these tips, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and youthful while enjoying the slopes. Remember, a little pre-planning and a consistent skincare routine can make all the difference. Now go shred some powder, Texas style!