## Taos Tap: Altitude Lies Stripping Skin Barrier?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 3, 2026

The dry, cracking feeling. The constant itching. It’s a familiar story for many who call Taos, New Mexico home. It’s not just the high-desert climate; the very water flowing from your tap could be sabotaging your skin.

Taos tap water, while generally safe, often contains a high mineral content, particularly calcium and magnesium. This “hard” water, combined with the already arid, high-altitude environment (over 7,000 feet!), creates a perfect storm for stripping your skin’s natural oils and disrupting its protective barrier. The result? Dryness, irritation, and even exacerbation of conditions like eczema.

But don’t despair! You don’t have to resign yourself to a life of perpetually parched skin. With a targeted approach and readily available products, you can combat the effects of Taos tap water and altitude.

First, understand the enemy. Hard water minerals react with soap to form a “scum” that clings to your skin. This scum prevents moisturizers from penetrating effectively and further dries out the skin. The altitude, meanwhile, pulls moisture away from your skin at an accelerated rate.

Here’s a step-by-step routine tailored for Taos residents, using products you can find at local stores like Cid’s Food Market, Smith’s, or even the Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership.

Test Your Tap Water: Before you overhaul your routine, know what you’re dealing with. Purchase a simple water hardness test kit from a hardware store like Lowe’s in Taos. These kits typically use test strips that change color to indicate the level of hardness. Knowing your water’s hardness level will help you adjust your routine accordingly. High levels of calcium and magnesium are the primary culprits.
Gentle Cleansing is Key: Ditch the harsh, foaming cleansers. Opt for a soap-free, pH-balanced cleanser. Look for ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid. A great option available at Smith’s is CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser. It’s gentle, effective, and won’t strip your skin. Avoid sulfates (SLS/SLES) as these are harsh detergents.
Consider a Water Softening Shower Filter: This is a game-changer. A shower filter, easily installed on your showerhead, removes chlorine and some of the hard water minerals. This reduces the amount of irritating substances your skin is exposed to during your daily shower. You can find these at Lowe’s or online retailers that ship to Taos.
Hydrate Immediately After Showering: The “3-minute rule” is crucial. Within three minutes of stepping out of the shower, while your skin is still damp, apply a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid. This ingredient acts like a moisture magnet, drawing water into the skin. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, available online, is a budget-friendly and effective option.
Lock in Moisture with a Rich Emollient: After the serum, apply a thick, emollient moisturizer. Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, or petrolatum. These create a physical barrier, preventing water loss. Aquaphor Healing Ointment, readily available at any pharmacy in Taos, is an excellent choice, especially for very dry areas. For all-over body use, consider Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable: The Taos sun is intense, even in winter. UV radiation further damages the skin barrier and exacerbates dryness. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days. Look for mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as they are generally less irritating. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, while often found online, is sometimes available at local dermatology offices.
Humidify Your Home: Combat the dry air by using a humidifier, especially in your bedroom. This adds moisture back into the air, helping to hydrate your skin while you sleep. You can find humidifiers at Walmart in Taos.
Internal Hydration Matters: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. While this won’t directly counteract the effects of hard water, it’s essential for overall skin health. Consider adding electrolytes to your water, especially if you’re active, to improve hydration.
Targeted Treatments for Problem Areas: If you have particularly dry or irritated areas, such as your hands or elbows, consider using a thicker balm or ointment specifically for those areas. Lanolin is an excellent ingredient for severely dry skin.
Exfoliate Gently (But Not Too Often): While it might seem counterintuitive, gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells, allowing moisturizers to penetrate more effectively. However, over-exfoliating can further damage the skin barrier. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, using a gentle chemical exfoliant like lactic acid or a very soft physical exfoliant.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:

Over-Exfoliating: As mentioned above, this is a common mistake. Less is more when it comes to exfoliation in a dry climate.
Using Hot Water: Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm water when showering or washing your hands.
Ignoring Ingredients: Pay attention to the ingredients in your skincare products. Avoid harsh chemicals and fragrances, which can further irritate dry skin.
Not Being Consistent: Consistency is key to seeing results. Stick to your routine, even when your skin feels better.
Assuming All Water is the Same: Taos tap water is unique. What works for someone in, say, Santa Fe, might not work for you.

Testing Your Water: A Deeper Dive

While a basic hardness test is a good starting point, consider a more comprehensive water analysis if you’re experiencing persistent skin problems. You can send a water sample to a certified laboratory for testing. These tests can identify specific minerals and contaminants that may be contributing to your skin issues. Contact the New Mexico Environment Department for a list of certified labs in the state.

Beyond the Routine: When to Seek Professional Help

If your dry skin is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like redness, swelling, or pain, consult a dermatologist. They can help you identify any underlying skin conditions and recommend more targeted treatments.

Living in Taos offers unparalleled beauty and a unique lifestyle. Don’t let dry skin hold you back from enjoying it. By understanding the challenges posed by the local water and altitude, and by implementing a targeted skincare routine, you can achieve healthy, hydrated skin and embrace all that Taos has to offer. Remember, consistency and the right products are your allies in this high-altitude battle against dry skin.