**Taos Air: Altitude Sun Drying Laser Lip Youth?**
By Franklin Everett ShawForget expensive creams and invasive procedures. What if the secret to younger-looking skin was as simple as booking a flight?
The quest for eternal youth has led people down some strange paths. But could a specific flight route, combined with a unique geographical location, actually offer a boost to your skin? Let’s dive into the bizarre, yet potentially intriguing, world of “Taos Air Anti-Aging.”
The premise is simple: frequent short flights on Taos Air between California and Taos, New Mexico, expose passengers to increased levels of solar radiation at altitude. This, coupled with the high-altitude desert environment of Taos itself, is theorized to stimulate collagen production and provide a “laser lip youth” effect. Sounds crazy, right? Let’s break it down.
First, the flight. Taos Air offers direct flights from select California cities like Hawthorne (near Los Angeles) and Carlsbad (near San Diego) to Taos Regional Airport. These flights are short, typically around 2-3 hours. During this time, the aircraft cruises at altitudes of 20,000 to 30,000 feet. At these altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner, meaning less protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Now, the science (or lack thereof). UV radiation is known to damage skin, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and an increased risk of skin cancer. However, controlled exposure to certain types of UV light is used in some dermatological treatments, like phototherapy for psoriasis. The theory here is that the increased UV exposure during the flight, while potentially harmful, could also stimulate collagen production, a key component of youthful skin.
But here’s the catch: the UV exposure during a short flight is unlikely to be controlled or beneficial. Dermatologist Dr. Emily Carter of Santa Fe Skin Institute, when consulted, stated, “While some UV exposure can stimulate collagen, the uncontrolled and potentially high levels experienced during a flight, especially without proper protection, are far more likely to cause damage than provide any anti-aging benefit.” She emphasized the importance of daily sunscreen use, regardless of flight plans.
Furthermore, the “Taos effect” is often attributed to the area’s high altitude and dry climate. Taos sits at over 7,000 feet above sea level, and the air is significantly drier than in coastal California. Proponents suggest that this environment promotes skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation. However, scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
Let’s consider a cost-benefit analysis. A round-trip flight on Taos Air can easily cost between $500 and $1000. For that price, you could get a professional microdermabrasion treatment or a series of chemical peels, both of which have proven anti-aging benefits. A laser lip youth treatment, which this “Taos Air Anti-Aging” supposedly mimics, can cost anywhere from $600 to $1200 per session.
So, is flying to Taos a cost-effective alternative? Absolutely not. You’re paying a premium for a potentially harmful experience with no guarantee of results.
What about safety? Sunscreen is crucial. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be applied liberally and reapplied every two hours, especially during the flight. Consider wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves, and sitting in a window seat with the shade down.
For individuals with sun allergies, such as polymorphic light eruption (PMLE), this “treatment” is a definite no-go. PMLE is triggered by exposure to UV radiation, and the increased exposure during a flight could cause a severe reaction. Consult with a dermatologist before considering any such “anti-aging” strategy.
Now, let’s address some common pitfalls. Many people underestimate the intensity of the sun at altitude. The higher you go, the stronger the UV radiation. Another mistake is relying solely on the plane’s window for protection. While windows do block some UV rays, they don’t block all of them.
Here’s a real-world scenario: Sarah, a resident of Carlsbad, California, heard about the “Taos Air Anti-Aging” trend and decided to try it. She booked a round-trip flight to Taos, hoping to rejuvenate her skin. She didn’t wear sunscreen, thinking the plane window would protect her. Upon arrival in Taos, she had a severe sunburn and her skin felt dry and irritated. The experience cost her over $700 and resulted in skin damage, not rejuvenation.
So, what’s the verdict? The “Taos Air Anti-Aging” strategy is a misguided and potentially harmful approach to skincare. The risks of increased UV exposure far outweigh any potential benefits. There are far more effective and safer ways to achieve younger-looking skin, such as professional treatments, a consistent skincare routine, and, most importantly, diligent sun protection.
Instead of chasing this unconventional and unproven method, invest in evidence-based skincare practices. See a board-certified dermatologist in Albuquerque or even closer to home in California. They can recommend treatments tailored to your specific skin type and concerns.
Don’t let the allure of a quick fix cloud your judgment. The key to healthy, youthful skin is consistent care and protection, not a risky flight to Taos. Save your money, protect your skin, and leave the “Taos Air Anti-Aging” to the realm of bizarre beauty myths.