Taos Tans: Altitude Sun Cracking Summer Savings?
By Franklin Everett ShawImagine stepping off the plane in Albuquerque, the New Mexico sun already beating down, and then driving straight to Taos. The air thins, the sun intensifies, and suddenly your skin feels like it’s on fire. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s a potential dermatological disaster waiting to happen, especially if you’re fair-skinned. But fear not! With a little planning and the right products, you can conquer the Taos sun and altitude without turning into a lobster.
Taos, New Mexico, nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, presents a unique challenge to fair-skinned travelers. The altitude, typically around 7,000 feet, means thinner air and less atmospheric protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This, combined with the dry desert climate, creates a perfect storm for sun cracking – those painful, tiny fissures that appear when your skin is severely dehydrated and sunburnt.
The key to preventing altitude-exacerbated sun cracking in Taos is a three-pronged approach: preparation, protection, and repair. Let’s break down each element.
Preparation: Fortifying Your Skin Before You Arrive
This isn’t just about slapping on some moisturizer the morning of your flight. We’re talking about a proactive skincare routine starting weeks before your trip. Think of it as building a fortress for your skin.
Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: Start increasing your water intake now. Aim for at least eight glasses a day. Dehydrated skin is far more susceptible to sun damage. Consider adding electrolytes to your water, especially in the days leading up to your trip. Nuun tablets, readily available at most drugstores, are a good option.
Internal Moisturizers: Consider incorporating foods rich in essential fatty acids into your diet. Think avocados, salmon, and nuts. These help to strengthen your skin’s natural barrier and improve its ability to retain moisture.
Gentle Exfoliation: A few weeks before your trip, start gently exfoliating your skin 1-2 times per week. This removes dead skin cells, allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. Avoid harsh scrubs; opt for a chemical exfoliant like a mild AHA or BHA serum. The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 5% + HA is a good starting point.
Moisturize Like Your Life Depends On It: Invest in a high-quality moisturizer and use it religiously, morning and night. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin, which are all excellent humectants that draw moisture into the skin. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a widely available and effective option.
Protection: Shielding Your Skin in Taos
Now that you’ve prepped your skin, it’s time to arm yourself with the right sun protection. This is where many people fall short, underestimating the intensity of the Taos sun.
SPF is Non-Negotiable: Forget SPF 30. In Taos, you need SPF 50 or higher, and it needs to be broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a popular choice among dermatologists and is available at some pharmacies in Taos, like the Taos Pharmacy on Paseo del Pueblo Sur. It’s lightweight, non-comedogenic, and contains niacinamide, which can help reduce redness and inflammation.
Reapplication is Key: Apply sunscreen liberally 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming. Don’t skimp! Most people don’t use enough sunscreen.
Beyond Sunscreen: Sunscreen is your first line of defense, but it’s not the only one. Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses with UV protection, and protective clothing whenever possible. Long sleeves and pants in light colors can help reflect the sun’s rays.
Lip Protection: Don’t forget your lips! They’re particularly vulnerable to sun damage in the dry Taos climate. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher. Aquaphor Lip Repair with SPF 30 is a readily available and effective option.
Seek Shade: Especially during the peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, seek shade whenever possible. Plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Repair: Soothing and Healing Sun-Damaged Skin
Even with the best preparation and protection, you might still experience some sun exposure. It’s crucial to have a repair strategy in place.
Cool Down: If you feel your skin burning, get out of the sun immediately and cool down with a cool shower or compress.
Hydrate From the Inside Out: Continue to drink plenty of water to rehydrate your skin from the inside.
Soothe and Heal: Apply a soothing after-sun lotion or gel. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula, which have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Look for pure aloe vera gel, without added alcohol or fragrance, at Cid’s Food Market in Taos.
Intense Moisturizing: Apply a thick layer of moisturizer to the affected areas several times a day. Consider using a richer cream or ointment at night.
Avoid Irritants: Avoid using harsh soaps, exfoliants, or fragrances on sunburnt skin. These can further irritate the skin and delay healing.
Hydrocortisone Cream (If Necessary): For more severe sunburns, a low-dose hydrocortisone cream (1%) can help reduce inflammation and itching. You can find this at most pharmacies in Taos. Use sparingly and only on affected areas.
When to See a Doctor: If your sunburn is severe, with blistering, fever, chills, or nausea, seek medical attention immediately. There are urgent care facilities in Taos that can provide treatment.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Underestimating the Sun: This is the biggest mistake. The Taos sun is intense. Don’t think that because it’s not hot, you don’t need sunscreen.
Forgetting to Reapply: Set a timer on your phone to remind you to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Using Expired Sunscreen: Check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Expired sunscreen is less effective.
Not Drinking Enough Water: Dehydration exacerbates sun damage. Carry a water bottle with you and refill it frequently.
Ignoring Early Warning Signs: If your skin starts to feel tight or itchy, get out of the sun immediately.
Specific Product Recommendations for Taos
While you can bring your own products, here are a few readily available in Taos that are well-suited for the climate:
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46: As mentioned earlier, this is a great sunscreen for sensitive skin.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: A classic, effective moisturizer for dry skin.
Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Excellent for healing cracked skin and providing a protective barrier.
Pure Aloe Vera Gel (Cid’s Food Market): Soothes and cools sunburnt skin.
Badger Balm SPF 30 Lip Balm: A natural and effective lip balm with SPF.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Taos without sacrificing your skin. Remember, preparation, protection, and repair are key to preventing altitude-exacerbated sun cracking. So, pack your sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and get ready to explore the Land of Enchantment – safely!