Taos Tap: Altitude Air Stealing Lip Lasers?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 3, 2026

Forget those Instagram filters promising plumped-up lips after a weekend getaway to Taos. The high desert air might be breathtaking, but it’s also a master thief of moisture, especially from your delicate lips. And while the idea of a quick “Taos Tap” laser treatment sounds appealing, let’s dissect whether it’s a genuine solution or just another way to separate tourists from their money.

The core issue in Taos, New Mexico, isn’t just the altitude (around 7,000 feet). It’s the combination of altitude and low humidity. Higher altitudes mean less atmospheric pressure, leading to faster evaporation of moisture from your skin. Low humidity, common in desert environments, exacerbates this effect.

So, what about these supposed "lip-plumping laser treatments"? The truth is, while laser treatments can stimulate collagen production and temporarily plump the skin, their effectiveness in combating the specific challenges of high-altitude dryness is questionable, and the term “Taos Tap” sounds suspiciously like marketing hype.

Here’s why:

Collagen Stimulation vs. Hydration: Lasers primarily target collagen, the protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. While increased collagen can lead to a slight plumping effect, it doesn’t directly address the root cause of dry, chapped lips in Taos: dehydration.
Temporary Results: Any plumping effect from a laser treatment is temporary, lasting weeks or months at best. The constant assault of dry air will quickly negate any benefits if you don’t address the underlying dehydration.
Potential Risks: Laser treatments, even non-ablative ones, can carry risks like hyperpigmentation, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. Exposing freshly treated skin to the intense Taos sun without proper protection could worsen these risks.
Lack of Regulation: The beauty industry is rife with unregulated treatments and misleading marketing. The term “Taos Tap” isn’t a recognized medical procedure, raising red flags about its legitimacy and safety.

Instead of chasing fleeting, potentially risky, and unproven laser treatments, focus on evidence-based strategies to combat lip dehydration in Taos:

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: This is the single most important factor. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. The dry air will wick moisture from your body, so you need to replenish it constantly. Carry a reusable water bottle and aim for at least eight glasses a day.
Humidify Your Environment: If you’re staying in a hotel or rental, use a humidifier, especially at night. This will add moisture back into the air and help prevent your lips from drying out while you sleep. Even a small, portable humidifier can make a big difference.
Choose the Right Lip Balm: Not all lip balms are created equal. Avoid balms containing ingredients like camphor, menthol, or phenol, as these can actually dry out your lips in the long run. Look for balms with occlusive ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, cocoa butter, or petrolatum. These create a barrier that prevents moisture from escaping.
Apply Lip Balm Frequently: Don’t wait until your lips feel dry to apply lip balm. Apply it liberally and frequently throughout the day, especially before and after spending time outdoors.
Protect Your Lips from the Sun: The sun’s UV rays can further damage and dry out your lips. Choose a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply it every two hours, especially when you’re hiking or skiing.
Exfoliate Gently: If your lips are severely chapped, gently exfoliate them with a soft toothbrush or a damp washcloth to remove dead skin cells. This will allow your lip balm to penetrate more effectively.
Consider a Lip Mask: For intense hydration, use a lip mask overnight. Look for masks containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which attracts and retains moisture.
Dietary Considerations: Ensure you’re consuming enough healthy fats in your diet. Essential fatty acids help maintain the skin’s natural barrier function and prevent moisture loss. Foods rich in healthy fats include avocados, nuts, seeds, and oily fish.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:

Over-reliance on Lip Balm: Constantly applying lip balm can become a habit, but it can also mask underlying dehydration. Focus on drinking enough water and humidifying your environment first.
Using the Wrong Lip Balm: As mentioned earlier, avoid lip balms with drying ingredients. Read the label carefully and choose a balm with occlusive and moisturizing ingredients.
Forgetting Sun Protection: The Taos sun is intense, even on cloudy days. Don’t forget to protect your lips with a lip balm containing SPF.
Ignoring Underlying Medical Conditions: In rare cases, severely dry lips can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If your lips are persistently dry despite your best efforts, consult a doctor.

Real-World Scenario:

Imagine you’re visiting Taos for a ski trip. You’re spending all day on the slopes, exposed to the sun, wind, and dry air. You apply lip balm occasionally, but your lips still feel dry and chapped by the end of the day.

Here’s how to apply the above advice:

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty.
Protect: Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours.
Repair: At night, apply a thick layer of lip mask to hydrate and repair your lips while you sleep.
Humidify: Use a humidifier in your hotel room to add moisture back into the air.

By following these steps, you can keep your lips hydrated and protected, even in the harsh Taos environment.

The allure of a quick fix like “Taos Tap” is understandable, but when it comes to combating dry lips in high-altitude environments, there’s no substitute for consistent hydration, proper lip care, and sun protection. Save your money, skip the unproven laser treatments, and focus on the evidence-based strategies outlined above. Your lips will thank you.