**Taos Tears: Is Altitude Sun Cracking D Youth?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe sting of windburn, the crackle of dry skin, the persistent chapping that no amount of regular lip balm seems to fix. If you’ve ever spent a winter day carving down the slopes of Taos Ski Valley or hiking the trails near Red River, you know exactly what I’m talking about: “Taos Tears.” It’s more than just a catchy name; it’s a real phenomenon, a painful reminder of the harsh realities of high-altitude living and recreation. But it doesn’t have to ruin your trip.
“Taos Tears,” or altitude-induced chapped lips and skin, is accelerated aging in fast forward. The combination of intense UV radiation, low humidity, and biting winds at elevations above 7,000 feet (common in Taos and other Rocky Mountain resorts) creates a perfect storm for skin damage. This isn’t just about discomfort; it’s about premature aging, increased risk of skin cancer, and a compromised skin barrier that leaves you vulnerable to infection.
So, how do you fight back? It’s a multi-pronged approach, focusing on protection, hydration, and repair.
First, let’s talk about lip balm. Not all lip balms are created equal. That waxy stick you grabbed at the gas station might provide temporary relief, but it’s likely doing little to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. You need a lip balm with a high SPF, ideally SPF 30 or higher, and broad-spectrum protection (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays).
Look for these ingredients:
- Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide: These are mineral sunscreens that provide a physical barrier against the sun. They are generally considered safer and more effective than chemical sunscreens.
- Avobenzone: A chemical sunscreen that provides good UVA protection.
- Octinoxate or Octisalate: Chemical sunscreens that provide UVB protection.
Avoid these ingredients:
- Camphor, Menthol, or Phenol: These ingredients can provide a cooling sensation, but they can also be irritating and drying, exacerbating chapped lips.
- Fragrances or Flavorings: These can also be irritating, especially to sensitive skin.
My personal recommendation? Badger Balm SPF 30 Unscented Lip Balm. It’s readily available, affordable, and uses zinc oxide for sun protection. Apply it liberally and often, especially before, during, and after outdoor activities. Don’t just swipe it on once in the morning; reapply every hour, or even more frequently if you’re sweating or licking your lips.
Next, hydration. You’re losing moisture through your skin and through respiration at a much faster rate at high altitude. You need to drink more water than you think you do. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least a gallon of water per day, especially when you’re active.
But it’s not just about drinking water. Consider adding electrolytes to your water to help your body absorb and retain fluids. Nuun tablets are a great option; they’re easy to carry and come in a variety of flavors. Avoid sugary drinks, as they can actually dehydrate you.
Beyond lip balm and hydration, a proper skincare routine is crucial. The dry air sucks the moisture right out of your skin, leaving it vulnerable to damage.
Here’s a simple routine to follow:
- Cleanse: Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Avoid harsh soaps or scrubs. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a good option.
- Serum: Apply a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 is an affordable and effective choice.
- Moisturize: Use a rich, emollient moisturizer to lock in moisture and create a protective barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides, shea butter, or squalane. Vanicream Moisturizing Cream is a fragrance-free and non-comedogenic option that’s suitable for sensitive skin.
- Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a popular choice among dermatologists.
Apply this routine morning and night. And don’t forget your hands! They’re just as exposed to the elements as your face. Use a rich hand cream after washing your hands and before going outside. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream is a cult favorite for a reason.
One common mistake I see is people over-exfoliating their skin. While exfoliation can be beneficial for removing dead skin cells, overdoing it can damage your skin barrier and make you even more susceptible to dryness and irritation. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use a gentle exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant.
Another pitfall is neglecting your skin after a day on the slopes. Don’t just collapse into bed without washing your face and applying moisturizer. Take the time to properly care for your skin, and you’ll thank yourself in the morning.
Living in or visiting high-altitude areas like Taos presents unique challenges to skin health. But by understanding the science behind “Taos Tears” and implementing a proactive skincare routine, you can protect your skin from the harsh elements and enjoy all that these beautiful places have to offer. Don’t let chapped lips and dry skin ruin your adventure. Be prepared, be proactive, and keep those “Taos Tears” at bay.