Taos Temps: Altitude Sun Stealing Summer Lipids?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

May 25, 2026

The sun in Taos, New Mexico feels different. It’s not just the dry air; it’s the intensity, a palpable force that can leave your skin feeling like parchment after just a short time outdoors. This isn’t your average summer sun; it’s a high-altitude sun, and it demands a different approach to skincare and diet, especially when it comes to protecting those vital skin lipids.

Taos sits at a breathtaking 6,969 feet above sea level. This elevation means less atmosphere to filter out harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. For every 1,000 feet you ascend, UV levels increase by approximately 4-5%. That’s a significant jump compared to sea-level cities.

The real danger lies in the impact of this increased UV exposure on your skin’s lipids. These fats are crucial for maintaining the skin’s barrier function, preventing moisture loss, and protecting against environmental damage. When UV radiation bombards your skin, it triggers lipid peroxidation, a chain reaction that damages these essential fats, leading to dryness, inflammation, and premature aging.

So, how do you fight back against the Taos sun and protect your skin’s lipid layer? It’s a two-pronged approach: dietary adjustments and targeted skincare.

First, let’s talk about food. What you eat directly impacts your skin’s health and resilience. In Taos, a diet rich in lipid-supportive foods is not just a good idea; it’s a necessity.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to incorporating these foods into your high-altitude diet:

1. Embrace Avocados: This creamy fruit is packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, which are excellent for replenishing skin lipids. Aim for half an avocado daily. Try it on toast, in salads, or blended into smoothies.

2. Olive Oil is Your Friend: Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats. Use it liberally in your cooking and as a salad dressing. Opt for locally sourced olive oil if possible, as it may retain more nutrients.

3. Nuts and Seeds for the Win: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds are all excellent sources of essential fatty acids. Snack on a handful of nuts or sprinkle seeds on your yogurt or oatmeal.

4. Fatty Fish, If You Can: While Taos isn’t exactly a coastal town, incorporating fatty fish like salmon or mackerel into your diet a few times a week can provide a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for skin health.

5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: High altitude leads to increased water loss. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Consider adding electrolytes to your water, especially after outdoor activities.

Now, let’s move on to skincare. While diet is crucial, topical protection is equally important in Taos.

Here’s a DIY approach to creating lipid-protective skincare products using ingredients readily available in the Southwest:

DIY Protective Lip Balm:

This recipe focuses on protecting the delicate skin of your lips, which are particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon beeswax
  • 1 tablespoon shea butter
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
  • A few drops of vitamin E oil (optional, for added antioxidant protection)
  • A pinch of zinc oxide powder (for added sun protection, use non-nano)

• Instructions:

  1. Melt the beeswax, shea butter, and coconut oil in a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
  2. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the avocado oil and vitamin E oil (if using).
  3. If adding zinc oxide, make sure it is non-nano and stir it in thoroughly. Be careful not to inhale the powder.
  4. Pour the mixture into small lip balm tubes or containers and let it cool completely before using.

DIY Sunscreen (Use with Caution):

Creating your own sunscreen is tricky, and it’s crucial to understand the limitations. This recipe provides some protection, but it’s not a substitute for commercially available sunscreens with a verified SPF. Always test on a small area of skin first and reapply frequently.

• Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (provides some natural SPF)
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter (moisturizing and soothing)
  • 2 tablespoons zinc oxide powder (non-nano, provides broad-spectrum protection)
  • Optional: A few drops of carrot seed oil (reputed to have SPF properties, but not scientifically proven)

• Instructions:

  1. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler or heat-safe bowl.
  2. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. Slowly add the zinc oxide powder, stirring constantly to avoid clumping.
  4. Add carrot seed oil if desired.
  5. Store in a cool, dark place.

Important Considerations for DIY Sunscreen:

• SPF Testing: There’s no way to accurately determine the SPF of your homemade sunscreen without professional testing.
• Zinc Oxide Quality: Use only non-nano zinc oxide powder. Nano particles can be absorbed into the skin.
• Application: Apply liberally and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
• Patch Test: Always test on a small area of skin before applying to your entire body.

Beyond diet and DIY skincare, it’s important to understand how time spent at elevation impacts your body’s fat content. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high altitude can lead to a decrease in body fat, potentially due to increased metabolic rate and appetite suppression.

This might sound appealing, but it can also have negative consequences for your skin. Less body fat can translate to less subcutaneous fat, which provides insulation and cushioning. This can make your skin more susceptible to dryness and damage from the elements.

Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy fat intake, even if you’re experiencing weight loss at altitude. Focus on incorporating healthy fats from the sources mentioned above to support your skin’s lipid layer and overall health.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:

• Relying Solely on Sunscreen: Sunscreen is essential, but it’s not a magic bullet. Diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in protecting your skin.
• Ignoring Lip Protection: Lips are often overlooked, but they’re highly vulnerable to sun damage. Use a lip balm with SPF regularly.
• Dehydration: High altitude exacerbates dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can strip your skin of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to damage. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.
• Not Reapplying Sunscreen: Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.

Living in or visiting Taos, New Mexico requires a proactive approach to skincare. The high-altitude sun demands that you prioritize protecting your skin’s lipid layer through a combination of dietary adjustments, targeted skincare, and awareness of the impact of altitude on your body. By following these steps, you can enjoy the beauty of Taos without sacrificing the health and vitality of your skin. Remember, consistency is key. Make these practices a part of your daily routine, and your skin will thank you for it.