**Taos Tea: Altitude Air Stealing Lip Balm Gains?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe sting of sunburnt lips is a familiar foe to anyone who’s spent a day scaling the Flatirons near Boulder, Colorado, or pounding the trails around Flagstaff, Arizona. It’s more than just uncomfortable; it’s a sign that your body is losing precious moisture, and that your skin is vulnerable to long-term damage. So, when a product like “Taos Tea” lip balm promises to be the ultimate solution for high-altitude athletes, it’s worth digging deeper than the marketing claims. Does it actually deliver, or is it just another overpriced tube of wax?
Let’s dissect “Taos Tea” and see if it holds up to the demands of intense outdoor activity in harsh environments. We’ll analyze its ingredients, compare it to user experiences in high-altitude training hubs, and even provide a DIY alternative for those seeking a more budget-friendly approach.
First, the ingredient list. This is where the rubber meets the road. A quick glance reveals a mix of familiar players: beeswax, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and a proprietary “Taos Tea” blend. The base ingredients are solid choices. Beeswax provides a protective barrier, while sunflower and coconut oils offer emollient properties, helping to soften and moisturize. Shea butter is a known skin-soother, rich in fatty acids and vitamins.
However, the “Taos Tea” blend is where things get murky. Without a detailed breakdown of its components, it’s impossible to assess its true value. Is it simply a fragrant addition, or does it contain ingredients with proven benefits for sun protection or hydration? This lack of transparency is a red flag.
Many lip balms rely on ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sun protection. These are physical sunscreens, meaning they create a barrier that reflects UV rays. “Taos Tea” doesn’t appear to contain either of these, suggesting it offers minimal, if any, sun protection. This is a critical flaw for athletes training at altitude, where UV radiation is significantly more intense.
Now, let’s consider the experiences of athletes in Boulder and Flagstaff. These locations are magnets for endurance athletes, who subject their bodies (and lips) to extreme conditions. Online forums and review sites reveal a mixed bag of opinions on “Taos Tea.” Some users praise its moisturizing properties and pleasant scent. Others complain that it’s too greasy, doesn’t last long enough, or offers inadequate protection against the sun and wind.
One common complaint is the need for frequent reapplication. This is a significant drawback for athletes who are focused on their training and don’t want to constantly interrupt their workouts to reapply lip balm. A long-lasting formula is essential for sustained protection.
Another issue is the price. “Taos Tea” is positioned as a premium product, and its price reflects that. However, many users question whether the performance justifies the cost, especially when compared to more affordable alternatives that offer similar or even superior protection.
So, what’s the verdict? “Taos Tea” may offer some moisturizing benefits, but it falls short as a comprehensive solution for high-altitude athletes. Its lack of sun protection and relatively high price make it a less-than-ideal choice for those who are serious about protecting their lips from the elements.
Fortunately, there’s a better way. You can create your own high-performance lip balm at home, using readily available ingredients and customizing it to your specific needs. Here’s a simple recipe:
DIY High-Altitude Lip Balm
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons beeswax
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 1 tablespoon zinc oxide powder (non-nano)
- 10 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional, for a cooling effect)
Instructions:
- Melt the beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
- Once melted, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Stir in the zinc oxide powder until it’s fully incorporated. Be careful not to inhale the powder.
- Add the peppermint essential oil, if desired.
- Pour the mixture into lip balm tubes or small containers.
- Let cool completely before using.
This DIY lip balm offers several advantages over “Taos Tea.” First, it provides broad-spectrum sun protection, thanks to the zinc oxide. Second, it’s significantly more affordable. Third, you can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and needs. For example, you can add vitamin E oil for extra moisturizing power, or lanolin for a more occlusive barrier.
One challenge with DIY lip balm is ensuring proper mixing of the zinc oxide. If it’s not fully incorporated, it can leave a gritty texture. To avoid this, use a high-speed blender or immersion blender to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
Another pitfall is using too much essential oil. Essential oils can be irritating to the skin, especially in high concentrations. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking.
Finally, remember that even the best lip balm is only effective if you use it consistently. Reapply frequently, especially before and after outdoor activities.
In conclusion, while “Taos Tea” might have a pleasant aroma and some moisturizing qualities, it doesn’t offer the comprehensive protection that high-altitude athletes need. By understanding the importance of sun protection and crafting your own DIY lip balm, you can keep your lips healthy and happy, no matter how high you climb. Don’t fall for the marketing hype; choose ingredients that are backed by science and proven to work. Your lips will thank you.