**Taos Air: Altitude Sun Crashing Summer Lips?**
By Franklin Everett ShawEver landed in Taos, New Mexico, after a relaxing vacation in, say, Destin, Florida, only to feel like your lips are suddenly sandpaper? It’s not just you.
The combination of high altitude, intense sun, and dry air in Taos (elevation 6,969 feet) can wreak havoc on delicate skin, especially your lips. This guide is your survival kit for preventing and treating “altitude sun crashing summer lips” so you can enjoy your Taos adventure without the discomfort.
First, understand the enemy. The sun’s intensity increases with altitude. For every 1,000 feet you ascend, UV radiation exposure increases by approximately 4-5%. That Florida sunblock you packed? It might not cut it here.
Windburn is another factor. Taos’s dry climate and frequent breezes strip moisture from your lips, leaving them chapped and vulnerable to sun damage.
Dehydration exacerbates the problem. The dry mountain air pulls moisture from your body, including your lips.
Proactive Hydration: The Internal Defense
Before you even board your flight, start hydrating. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your trip.
Once you arrive in Taos, carry a water bottle and sip consistently throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily, and consider adding electrolytes, especially if you’re engaging in physical activity like hiking or skiing.
Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as they can contribute to dehydration.
SPF Lip Balm: Your External Shield
This is where the rubber meets the road. Your lip balm isn’t just a cosmetic; it’s your first line of defense.
Look for lip balms with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum protection is crucial, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Avoid lip balms with flavoring or fragrances, as these can irritate sensitive skin and encourage you to lick your lips, further drying them out.
Local Taos Retailers: Where to Find the Right Protection
Cid’s Food Market (623 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur): A local grocery store with a surprisingly good selection of lip balms, including brands like Badger Balm and Burt’s Bees, often with SPF options. Check the natural and organic sections for the best choices.
Taos Pharmacy (1384 Paseo Del Pueblo Sur): Your standard pharmacy, offering a wider range of medicated lip balms and sunscreens. Look for brands like Aquaphor and Blistex with SPF.
Op.Cit. Books (516 Taos Plaza): While primarily a bookstore, Op.Cit. often carries locally made skincare products, including lip balms with natural ingredients and SPF. It’s worth checking for unique, Taos-specific options.
Taos Mountain Outfitters (114 Taos Plaza): If you’re planning on hiking or skiing, this is your go-to for high-performance lip balms designed for extreme conditions. Look for brands like Dermatone or Adventure Medical Kits.
Specific Product Recommendations (with Taos Availability):
Badger Balm SPF 30 Lip Balm (Cid’s): Organic, reef-friendly, and effective.
Aquaphor Lip Repair + Sunscreen (Taos Pharmacy): A classic for a reason. Provides excellent moisture and sun protection.
Dermatone Z-Cote Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 30 (Taos Mountain Outfitters): Designed for high-altitude environments.
Application is Key:
Apply lip balm liberally and frequently, especially before and after spending time outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re eating, drinking, or sweating.
Don’t forget to apply lip balm even on cloudy days, as UV rays can penetrate clouds.
DIY Remedies: When You’re in a Pinch
Forgot your lip balm? Don’t panic. Your vacation rental might have the ingredients for a quick fix.
Honey: A natural humectant, honey draws moisture to the skin and has antibacterial properties. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your lips and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off.
Olive Oil: A simple yet effective moisturizer. Apply a small amount of olive oil to your lips to soothe and hydrate them.
Coconut Oil: Another excellent moisturizer with anti-inflammatory properties.
Aloe Vera: If your lips are already sunburned, aloe vera can provide soothing relief. Look for pure aloe vera gel without added alcohol or fragrances.
Immediate Relief Techniques: Combating the Burn
If you’ve already succumbed to altitude sun crashing summer lips, don’t despair. Here’s how to soothe the burn:
Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to your lips for 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation and pain.
Hydrating Mask: Mix a small amount of honey with mashed avocado or cucumber and apply it to your lips for 15-20 minutes.
Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of spicy foods, acidic drinks, and anything that might further irritate your lips.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:
Underestimating the Sun: Many visitors from lower altitudes underestimate the intensity of the sun in Taos. Don’t make this mistake.
Licking Your Lips: This is a natural reaction to dry lips, but it only makes the problem worse. The saliva evaporates, leaving your lips even drier.
Using Expired Lip Balm: Sunscreen ingredients degrade over time, so make sure your lip balm is still effective.
Forgetting to Reapply: One application in the morning isn’t enough. Reapply frequently throughout the day.
Ignoring Early Warning Signs: Pay attention to your lips. If they start to feel dry or tight, apply lip balm immediately.
Real-World Scenario:
Imagine you’re visiting Taos for the annual Taos Pueblo Pow Wow. You’re spending hours outdoors, watching the dancers and enjoying the festivities. The sun is beating down, and the wind is whipping through the plaza. If you’re not diligent about protecting your lips, you’ll quickly find yourself with a painful sunburn.
By following the advice in this guide, you can prevent this from happening and enjoy the Pow Wow without discomfort.
Long-Term Care:
Even after your Taos vacation is over, continue to care for your lips. Exfoliate gently with a sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells, and apply a moisturizing lip balm every night before bed.
The Takeaway:
Don’t let altitude sun crashing summer lips ruin your Taos vacation. By understanding the risks, taking proactive steps to protect your lips, and knowing how to treat sunburn, you can enjoy all that Taos has to offer without the pain and discomfort. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. So, pack your SPF lip balm, stay hydrated, and get ready to explore the beauty of Taos!