Taos Temps: Altitude Sun Lies Cracking Summer Lips?
By Franklin Everett ShawForget the beach vacation. You’re heading to Taos, New Mexico, a land of stunning landscapes and, unfortunately, notoriously chapped lips. The dry air, intense sun, and high altitude create a perfect storm for lip dehydration. But don’t despair! With the right knowledge and a few local secrets, you can keep your pout perfectly kissable, even in the high desert.
Taos, nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, sits at a breathtaking 6,969 feet. This altitude means thinner air, which translates to less moisture. The sun’s rays are also more intense at higher elevations, leading to faster evaporation of moisture from your skin, especially your delicate lips.
Let’s dive into a battle plan for conquering Taos lip woes.
First, understand the enemy. The combination of sun and altitude strips your lips of their natural oils. This leads to dryness, cracking, and even painful splits. Prevention is key, and it starts with the right products.
Product Powerhouse: A Taos Lip Care Arsenal
Forget your generic drugstore lip balm. You need heavy-duty hydration and sun protection. Here’s a curated list of products you can find in Taos, designed to combat the specific challenges of the environment:
Sunscreen Lip Balm (SPF 30 or higher): This is non-negotiable. Look for brands like Badger Balm SPF 30 Lip Balm (often found at Cid’s Food Market) or Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm (available at most pharmacies). Reapply religiously, every two hours, especially when outdoors. Don’t just swipe it on; really coat your lips.
Intensive Hydration Balm (Nighttime): Before bed, slather on a thick, emollient balm. Aquaphor Healing Ointment is a classic for a reason and readily available at Walgreens in Taos. Another excellent option is Lanolin, often sold in the baby section of stores like Smith’s. It’s incredibly moisturizing and creates a protective barrier.
Local Beeswax Balm: Taos has a thriving community of artisans. Keep an eye out at the Taos Farmers Market or local craft fairs for beeswax balms made with local ingredients. Beeswax is a natural humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Lip Exfoliator (Gentle): Dry, flaky skin prevents moisture from penetrating. Use a gentle lip scrub 1-2 times per week. You can make your own by mixing a tiny bit of sugar with honey or olive oil. Gently massage onto your lips and rinse. Follow with your intensive hydration balm.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Living the Taos Lip-Friendly Life
Products are only part of the solution. Your daily habits play a crucial role in maintaining healthy lips.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drink plenty of water. The dry air will dehydrate you quickly. Carry a water bottle and sip throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily.
Avoid Lip-Licking: It’s tempting to lick your lips when they feel dry, but saliva actually worsens the problem. It evaporates quickly, taking moisture with it.
Breathe Through Your Nose: Mouth breathing dries out your lips. Consciously try to breathe through your nose, especially when sleeping.
Humidify Your Home: Consider using a humidifier, especially in your bedroom. This adds moisture to the air, helping to combat the dryness.
Protect Your Lips from the Wind: Windburn can be just as damaging as sunburn. When hiking or spending time outdoors on windy days, cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or bandana.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to fall into common lip care traps.
Using Flavored Lip Balms: Many flavored lip balms contain ingredients that can actually dry out your lips, leading to a vicious cycle of application and dryness. Stick to plain, unflavored balms with moisturizing ingredients.
Applying Lip Balm Only When Lips Feel Dry: This is like waiting until you’re parched to drink water. Apply lip balm proactively, before your lips start to feel dry.
Forgetting to Reapply Sunscreen Lip Balm: Sunscreen wears off. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
Picking at Dry Skin: This can lead to bleeding, infection, and scarring. Resist the urge to pick! Instead, gently exfoliate and apply a healing balm.
Real-World Scenarios: Lip Care in Action
Let’s look at some specific situations and how to adapt your lip care routine:
Hiking in the Taos Ski Valley: Before you hit the trails, apply a generous layer of sunscreen lip balm. Reapply every hour, especially at higher altitudes. Carry a water bottle and sip frequently. Protect your lips from the wind with a scarf.
Exploring the Taos Pueblo: The open, exposed environment of the Pueblo can be harsh on your lips. Wear a hat with a wide brim to shield your face from the sun. Reapply sunscreen lip balm frequently.
Enjoying a Sunset at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: The wind can be strong at the Gorge. Protect your lips with a scarf or bandana. Apply a thick layer of intensive hydration balm before heading out.
Beyond the Basics: When to Seek Professional Help
In most cases, chapped lips can be managed with proper self-care. However, if your lips are severely cracked, bleeding, or showing signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus), it’s important to see a doctor or dermatologist. They can rule out underlying medical conditions and recommend appropriate treatment.
Taos is a magical place, but its unique environment demands a proactive approach to lip care. By understanding the challenges, adopting the right habits, and using the right products, you can keep your lips healthy and happy, allowing you to fully enjoy all that Taos has to offer. So, pack your sunscreen lip balm, stay hydrated, and get ready to explore!