**Taos Teens: Altitude Sun Cracking Lip Balm Savings?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe biting wind whips across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and the sun, oh, that relentless New Mexico sun! It’s a beautiful place, Taos, but the altitude and dry air can wreak havoc on your skin, especially your lips. Forget that chapped, cracked feeling – we’re talking full-on desertification. Store-bought lip balms? Often full of petroleum-based ingredients that just sit on the surface, offering temporary relief but ultimately drying you out even more. There’s a better way, a way to harness the power of local ingredients and create a lip balm that truly heals and protects.
Here’s how teens in Taos can ditch the drugstore disappointments and craft their own lip-saving solution.
First, let’s talk ingredients. We’re going local, sustainable, and effective. The stars of our show are beeswax and honey, both readily available in Taos.
Beeswax: This isn’t just some waxy filler. Beeswax creates a protective barrier on your lips, shielding them from the harsh elements. It’s a natural emollient, meaning it softens and soothes the skin. Look for local beekeepers at the Taos Farmers Market. Supporting local businesses is always a win!
Honey: Forget just sweetening your tea. Honey is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air and locks it into your skin. It’s also a natural antiseptic and antibacterial, helping to heal any existing cracks or sores. Raw, unfiltered honey from a local source is best.
Coconut Oil: This adds a creamy texture and provides additional moisturizing benefits. It’s readily available at most grocery stores.
Olive Oil: A staple in many kitchens, olive oil is a fantastic emollient and antioxidant. It helps to nourish and protect the delicate skin on your lips.
Essential Oils (Optional): A few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil can add a pleasant scent and provide additional therapeutic benefits. Be careful with citrus oils, as they can increase sun sensitivity.
Now, for the recipe. This is a basic formula, feel free to experiment!
DIY Taos Lip Balm Recipe
- 1 tablespoon beeswax
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the Beeswax and Oils: In a double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water), combine the beeswax, coconut oil, and olive oil. Heat until the beeswax is completely melted, stirring occasionally. This is crucial; don’t rush it. Uneven melting can lead to a grainy texture.
Remove from Heat: Once melted, remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool slightly for a minute or two.
Add Honey and Essential Oils: Stir in the honey and essential oils (if using). Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. Adding the honey while the mixture is too hot can degrade its beneficial properties.
Pour into Containers: Carefully pour the mixture into small containers. Empty lip balm tubes, small jars, or even clean, empty mint tins work well. You can find empty lip balm tubes online or at craft stores.
Let it Cool and Harden: Allow the lip balm to cool and harden completely at room temperature. This usually takes a few hours. Don’t put it in the fridge to speed up the process, as this can sometimes cause the balm to crack.
The Science Behind the Balm
The effectiveness of this lip balm isn’t just anecdotal; it’s rooted in science. Beeswax creates a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss. Honey acts as a humectant, drawing moisture in. Coconut and olive oils provide essential fatty acids that nourish and repair the skin. This combination addresses both the symptoms (chapped lips) and the underlying cause (dehydration and environmental damage).
Cost Savings: A Real-World Example
Let’s say a typical store-bought lip balm costs $4. A small tube lasts maybe a month, if that, in the Taos climate. That’s $48 a year. With this DIY recipe, you can make multiple tubes for a fraction of the cost. A pound of beeswax costs around $15-$20 and will make dozens of lip balms. Coconut and olive oil are pantry staples. Honey, especially if sourced locally, might cost a few dollars, but a small jar will last a long time. The total cost per tube of DIY lip balm? Probably less than $1. That’s a potential savings of over $40 per year! Think of all the green chile cheeseburgers you could buy with that extra cash!
Challenges and Pitfalls
Grainy Texture: This is a common problem with homemade lip balm. It’s usually caused by the beeswax cooling too slowly. To prevent this, make sure the beeswax is completely melted and stir the mixture gently while it cools.
Separation: Sometimes, the oils and beeswax can separate. This is usually due to not mixing the ingredients thoroughly enough. Make sure everything is well combined before pouring into containers.
Essential Oil Sensitivity: Some people are sensitive to essential oils. If you experience any irritation, discontinue use. Always use essential oils in moderation.
Finding Local Ingredients: While Taos has a strong local food movement, finding specific ingredients like beeswax might require some effort. Check out the Taos Farmers Market, local health food stores, or online directories of New Mexico beekeepers. Don’t be afraid to ask around!
Real-World Application: A Taos Teen’s Story
Maria, a 16-year-old from Taos High, struggled with chronically chapped lips. She tried countless store-bought lip balms, but nothing seemed to work. Frustrated, she decided to try making her own. Using locally sourced beeswax and honey, she created a lip balm that not only healed her chapped lips but also protected them from the harsh Taos climate. She even started selling her lip balm at the local farmers market, turning her problem into a small business.
Actionable Insights
Start Small: Don’t make a huge batch of lip balm until you’ve perfected your recipe. Start with a small batch and adjust the ingredients to your liking.
Experiment with Flavors: Get creative with your essential oil combinations. Try peppermint and vanilla, lavender and chamomile, or even a spicy cinnamon blend.
Consider Adding Sunscreen: For extra protection, add a small amount of zinc oxide powder to your lip balm. Be sure to research safe usage levels.
Package it Nicely: If you’re planning to sell your lip balm, invest in some attractive packaging. Custom labels and cute containers can make a big difference.
Share the Knowledge: Teach your friends and family how to make their own lip balm. It’s a fun and rewarding activity that can save everyone money and improve their skin health.
Making your own lip balm is more than just a DIY project; it’s a way to connect with your community, support local businesses, and take control of your health. So, ditch the drugstore disappointments and embrace the power of natural ingredients. Your lips (and your wallet) will thank you. The Taos sun may be strong, but with this homemade lip balm, you’ll be ready to face it with a smile.