Taos Air: Altitude Sun Stealing Lip HA?
By Franklin Everett ShawEver stepped off a plane feeling like you’ve aged a decade? The dry cabin air and intense sun exposure at high altitudes can wreak havoc on your skin, especially your lips. For Denver residents escaping to the slopes of Taos, New Mexico via Taos Air’s convenient direct flights, this is a very real concern.
The combination of Denver’s already dry climate, the even drier air inside a pressurized aircraft, and the intense New Mexico sun creates a perfect storm for chapped lips and sun-damaged skin. This article will explore how these direct flights impact skin health, specifically focusing on lip dryness and sun damage, and provide actionable tips for mitigation.
Denver’s altitude already presents a challenge. At 5,280 feet, the air is thinner and holds less moisture than at sea level. This means your skin loses hydration more quickly, leading to dryness and irritation.
Now, consider the Taos Air flight. Aircraft cabins are notorious for their extremely low humidity levels, often dropping below 20%. This is drier than the Sahara Desert!
The dry air pulls moisture from your skin, exacerbating the effects of Denver’s altitude. Your lips, lacking oil glands, are particularly vulnerable.
Then there’s the sun. Taos, New Mexico sits at an elevation of over 7,000 feet. At higher altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner, meaning less protection from harmful UV rays.
For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, UV radiation increases by approximately 4-5%. This means you’re exposed to significantly more intense sunlight in Taos compared to Denver, even on a cloudy day.
The combination of dry air and intense sun exposure can lead to severely chapped, cracked, and even sunburned lips. This isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also increase your risk of infection and long-term sun damage.
So, what can Denver-based travelers do to protect their lips on a Taos Air flight? The answer lies in a three-pronged approach: pre-flight preparation, in-flight hydration strategies, and post-flight recovery.
Pre-Flight Preparation:
Start hydrating your body and your lips several days before your flight. Drink plenty of water and apply a hydrating lip treatment regularly.
Look for lip products containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air and binds it to your skin.
A great option is the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. While marketed as a nighttime treatment, its rich formula and hyaluronic acid content make it an excellent pre-flight lip prep. Apply a generous layer the night before your flight and again in the morning.
Avoid lip products containing drying ingredients like alcohol or menthol. These can actually worsen dryness, defeating the purpose of your efforts.
Exfoliate your lips gently a day or two before your flight. This removes dead skin cells, allowing hydrating products to penetrate more effectively.
You can use a dedicated lip scrub or simply rub your lips with a damp washcloth. Be gentle to avoid irritation.
In-Flight Hydration Strategies:
The key to combating in-flight dryness is constant hydration, both internally and externally. Drink plenty of water throughout the flight. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you further.
Reapply your hyaluronic acid lip treatment frequently. Every hour is a good rule of thumb, or whenever your lips feel dry.
Consider using a humidifier mask during the flight. These masks create a microclimate of humidity around your mouth and nose, helping to prevent moisture loss.
You can find disposable humidifier masks online or at drugstores. They’re a bit unconventional, but they can make a big difference.
Avoid licking your lips. This may seem counterintuitive, but saliva actually evaporates quickly, leaving your lips even drier.
Post-Flight Recovery Routine:
Once you arrive in Taos, continue your hydration efforts. Drink plenty of water and reapply your lip treatment regularly.
If your lips are sunburned, apply a soothing balm containing aloe vera or chamomile. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce redness and pain.
The Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a classic choice for sunburned lips. Its occlusive formula creates a protective barrier, preventing further moisture loss and promoting healing.
Avoid picking or peeling your lips. This can damage the skin and increase your risk of infection.
Continue exfoliating your lips gently every few days to remove dead skin cells and promote healing.
Consider using a lip mask overnight to provide intense hydration while you sleep.
The Bite Beauty Agave+ Intensive Vegan Lip Mask is a great option for overnight recovery. Its rich formula contains agave nectar, which helps to soothe and hydrate dry, chapped lips.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:
One common mistake is waiting until your lips are already dry and cracked to start hydrating them. Prevention is key!
Another pitfall is using lip products that contain irritating ingredients. Always read the label carefully and avoid products containing alcohol, menthol, or fragrance.
Many people also underestimate the importance of sun protection for their lips. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it frequently, especially when spending time outdoors.
The EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 36 is a great option for sun protection. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and contains zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection.
Finally, don’t forget to hydrate your entire body. Dry lips are often a sign of overall dehydration.
By following these tips, Denver-based travelers can enjoy their Taos Air flights without suffering from dry, chapped, or sunburned lips. Remember, a little preparation and consistent hydration can go a long way in protecting your skin at high altitudes. So pack your hyaluronic acid lip treatment, drink plenty of water, and get ready to hit the slopes!