Taos Tea: Altitude Lies Stealing Summer Skin?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe crisp mountain air bites at your cheeks, a stark contrast to the sun blazing overhead. You’re in Taos, New Mexico, a land of stunning beauty and brutal altitude. But that beauty comes at a price, especially for your skin. The intense sun and dry air at 7,000 feet are silently stealing your summer glow, accelerating aging, and leaving your skin parched, even in the dead of winter. It’s time to fight back and reclaim your radiant complexion.
Taos’s high-altitude climate presents a unique challenge to skin health. The thinner atmosphere means less protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. For every 1,000 feet you ascend, UV exposure increases by approximately 4-5%. That means in Taos, you’re getting roughly 30-35% more UV radiation than at sea level. This increased exposure leads to:
- Premature aging: Think wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
- Sunburn: Even on cloudy days, UV rays penetrate, causing damage.
- Increased risk of skin cancer: Cumulative sun exposure is a major factor.
The dry air exacerbates the problem. Low humidity sucks moisture from your skin, leading to:
- Dryness and flakiness: Your skin feels tight and uncomfortable.
- Irritation and inflammation: Dry skin is more susceptible to irritation from wind and cold.
- Exacerbation of skin conditions: Eczema and psoriasis can flare up.
So, how do you protect your skin from this high-altitude assault? It’s all about adapting your skincare routine.
Step 1: Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable
This isn’t just about slapping on any old sunscreen. You need a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, every single day, regardless of the weather. Look for sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these mineral sunscreens provide the best protection and are generally gentler on sensitive skin.
Product Recommendation: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46. This sunscreen is a favorite among dermatologists for its effectiveness and lightweight feel. It’s also formulated for sensitive and acne-prone skin. You can find it at most dermatologists’ offices or online retailers like Amazon.
Application is Key: Apply sunscreen liberally 15-20 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget often-missed areas like your ears, neck, and the back of your hands. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.
Challenge: Many people underestimate the importance of sunscreen in winter. The sun’s rays are still strong, even when it’s cold.
Solution: Make sunscreen application a non-negotiable part of your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth. Keep a bottle by your front door as a reminder.
Step 2: Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
Combatting the dry air requires a multi-pronged approach to hydration.
Internal Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses. Consider adding electrolytes to your water, especially if you’re active.
External Hydration: Invest in a good moisturizer. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, which help to draw moisture into the skin and strengthen the skin barrier.
Product Recommendation: CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. This affordable and widely available cream is packed with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for most skin types. You can find it at any drugstore like Walgreens or CVS.
Nighttime Hydration: Use a thicker, more emollient moisturizer at night. Consider adding a facial oil to your routine for extra hydration.
DIY Remedy: A simple honey mask can help to hydrate and soothe dry skin. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to your face, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin.
Challenge: Many moisturizers are not effective enough in the extremely dry climate of Taos.
Solution: Layer your skincare. Apply a hydrating serum followed by a rich moisturizer, and then seal it all in with a facial oil.
Step 3: Gentle Cleansing
Harsh cleansers can strip your skin of its natural oils, exacerbating dryness. Opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry.
Product Recommendation: Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser. This classic cleanser is a favorite for its gentle and effective formula. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Available at any drugstore.
Avoid: Cleansers containing sulfates, which can be very drying.
Challenge: Over-exfoliating can damage the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to dryness and irritation.
Solution: Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant with a low concentration of AHAs or BHAs.
Step 4: Protect Your Lips
Your lips are particularly vulnerable to the dry air and sun exposure in Taos. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply frequently.
Product Recommendation: Aquaphor Lip Repair with SPF 30. This lip balm is highly effective at moisturizing and protecting your lips. It’s also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
DIY Remedy: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your lips before bed. Coconut oil is a natural emollient that can help to soothe and hydrate dry lips.
Challenge: Many lip balms contain ingredients that can actually dry out your lips over time.
Solution: Avoid lip balms containing menthol, camphor, or phenol. These ingredients can provide a temporary cooling sensation, but they can also irritate and dry out your lips.
Step 5: Consider a Humidifier
Using a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom, can help to increase the humidity in the air and prevent your skin from drying out overnight.
Recommendation: A cool-mist humidifier is generally recommended, as it’s less likely to promote the growth of mold and bacteria.
Challenge: Humidifiers can be breeding grounds for mold and bacteria if not properly cleaned.
Solution: Clean your humidifier regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
Real-World Scenario: The Taos Ski Valley Skier
Imagine a skier spending all day on the slopes of Taos Ski Valley. They’re exposed to intense sun, wind, and cold. Without proper protection, their skin will quickly become dry, irritated, and sunburned.
Adapted Routine:
- Before hitting the slopes: Apply a thick layer of sunscreen to all exposed skin, including the face, neck, and ears. Use a lip balm with SPF.
- During the day: Reapply sunscreen every two hours. Wear a scarf or balaclava to protect the face from the wind.
- After skiing: Gently cleanse the skin with a hydrating cleanser. Apply a rich moisturizer and a facial oil. Use a hydrating mask to replenish moisture.
By following these steps, you can protect your skin from the harsh effects of the Taos climate and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion. Don’t let the altitude steal your summer skin. Take control and embrace the beauty of Taos without sacrificing your skin’s health.