Taos Teens: Altitude Sun Burning Lips Faster?
By Franklin Everett ShawIt’s a familiar sight in Taos: teenagers with bright red, peeling lips. You might think they’re just careless with sunscreen, but there’s more to it than that. The unique combination of high altitude and intense sun in northern New Mexico makes sunburned lips a surprisingly common and serious issue, especially for active teens.
Taos sits at a high elevation. This means the atmosphere is thinner, filtering less of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
For every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, UV radiation increases by approximately 4-5%. Taos, at nearly 7,000 feet, experiences significantly higher UV levels than lower-lying areas.
This intensified UV exposure is compounded by the fact that snow, a common sight in Taos, reflects up to 80% of UV rays, effectively doubling the sun’s intensity.
Lips are particularly vulnerable. They lack melanin, the pigment that protects skin from sun damage.
This makes them far more susceptible to sunburn than other areas of the body.
The thin skin on the lips also means damage occurs more quickly.
So, what can parents in Taos do to protect their teens? It starts with understanding the specific challenges and choosing the right products.
First, invest in high-quality SPF lip balm. Look for broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF 30 or higher is recommended for daily use in Taos. During skiing or other outdoor activities, SPF 50+ is ideal.
Here are a few specific brands readily available in Taos pharmacies and stores:
Badger Balm SPF 30 Lip Balm: This organic option is often found at Cid’s Food Market and provides good protection with a natural formula.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm: Available at many local retailers, including Smith’s, this balm is known for its moisturizing properties and pleasant scent.
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lip Moisturizer SPF 15: While the SPF is lower, this is a widely available and affordable option for everyday use, especially during less intense sun exposure. It can be found at Walgreens.
Aquaphor Lip Repair + Sunscreen SPF 30: A good choice for very dry or chapped lips, offering both sun protection and healing properties. Available at most drugstores in Taos.
Application is key. Apply lip balm liberally and frequently, at least every two hours, especially when outdoors.
Don’t forget to reapply after eating, drinking, or sweating.
A common mistake is applying lip balm only once in the morning. This provides minimal protection throughout the day.
Teach your teens to make lip balm application a habit, just like brushing their teeth.
Consider a lip balm with a physical sunscreen ingredient like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals create a physical barrier against the sun and are generally considered safer than chemical sunscreens.
However, some physical sunscreens can leave a white cast on the lips. Look for tinted options or formulations that minimize this effect.
Beyond lip balm, encourage preventative lifestyle habits.
Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield the face and neck, including the lips.
Sunglasses are also crucial, as they protect the eyes and the delicate skin around them, which can also be susceptible to sun damage.
Hydration is important. Dry lips are more vulnerable to sunburn. Encourage your teens to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Avoid licking your lips. Saliva can actually dry out the lips and make them more susceptible to sun damage.
Be aware of certain medications that can increase sun sensitivity. Some antibiotics, acne treatments, and even over-the-counter medications can make the skin more vulnerable to sunburn.
If your teen is taking any medications, talk to their doctor or pharmacist about potential sun sensitivity.
Educate your teens about the long-term risks of sun exposure. Repeated sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Early detection is key. Encourage your teens to check their lips regularly for any changes in color, texture, or the appearance of new moles or lesions.
If you notice anything unusual, consult a dermatologist.
Consider a yearly skin check with a dermatologist, especially if there is a family history of skin cancer.
Finally, lead by example. Show your teens that you prioritize sun protection by wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses yourself.
By taking these steps, parents in Taos can help protect their teens from the harmful effects of the sun and ensure they can enjoy all the outdoor activities the region has to offer, without the pain and risks of sunburned lips. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.