Taos Toilets: Altitude Lies Drying Summer Skin?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

January 5, 2026

The dry air whispers secrets of discomfort in Taos, New Mexico. It’s a place of stunning beauty, but the high altitude and arid climate can wreak havoc on your skin. But the real culprit, often overlooked, might be lurking right in your bathroom: your toilet.

The combination of Taos’s dry air and the constant flushing of standard toilets creates a perfect storm for moisture loss, exacerbating dry skin. This article will explore this often-ignored connection and provide actionable solutions to combat altitude-induced dryness in your Taos home.

Let’s dive in.

The Problem: Toilets and Taos’s Dry Air

Taos sits at a high altitude, typically around 7,000 feet above sea level. Higher altitudes mean lower air pressure, which leads to faster evaporation of moisture from your skin. The arid climate compounds this issue, pulling even more moisture into the already dry air.

Standard household toilets contribute to the problem in two key ways. First, each flush introduces a significant amount of water into the home environment. This water evaporates, increasing the humidity briefly, but ultimately contributing to overall dryness as the air struggles to hold the added moisture.

Second, the water used in toilets is often sourced from municipal supplies, which, while safe, can contain chemicals like chlorine that further strip moisture from the skin. Think of it as a double whammy: dry air pulling moisture out, and the very act of flushing adding to the problem.

The Science of Skin and Dry Environments

Your skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, acts as a barrier, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental aggressors. In dry environments like Taos, this barrier is constantly challenged.

When the air is dry, it draws moisture from the stratum corneum, leading to dryness, flakiness, and even cracking. This compromised barrier makes your skin more susceptible to irritation and infection.

The flushing of a toilet, while seemingly innocuous, adds to this cycle. The brief increase in humidity is quickly offset by the overall dryness of the environment, leading to a net loss of moisture from your skin.

Solutions: A Multi-Pronged Approach

Combating dry skin in Taos requires a holistic approach that addresses both the environmental factors and your personal skincare routine. Here’s a breakdown of actionable steps you can take:

1. Strategic Humidification: Don’t just buy any humidifier. Consider a whole-house humidifier if possible. These are integrated into your HVAC system and maintain a consistent humidity level throughout your home. For smaller spaces, opt for a cool-mist humidifier with a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60%.

   • Challenge: Over-humidifying can lead to mold growth.
   • Solution: Regularly clean your humidifier and monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer.

2. Desert-Specific Skincare: Your skincare routine needs to be tailored to the Taos environment.

   • Moisturizers: Look for thick, emollient creams containing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Apply immediately after showering to lock in moisture.
   • Cleansers: Avoid harsh, foaming cleansers that strip the skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers.
   • Sunscreen: The high altitude in Taos means increased UV exposure. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days.
   • Example: A Taos resident with eczema might benefit from a cleanser like Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, followed by a moisturizer like CeraVe Moisturizing Cream.

3. Water-Saving Toilet Modifications: This is where we directly address the toilet issue.

   • Dual-Flush Toilets: These toilets offer two flushing options: a full flush for solid waste and a half flush for liquid waste. This reduces the amount of water used per flush, minimizing moisture loss.
   • Low-Flow Toilets: These toilets use significantly less water per flush than older models. Look for WaterSense-certified toilets, which meet EPA standards for water efficiency.
   • Toilet Tank Fill Cycle Diverters: These devices redirect some of the water that would normally refill the tank to the bowl, reducing the amount of water used per flush.
   • Example: Replacing an old toilet that uses 3.5 gallons per flush (GPF) with a WaterSense-certified toilet that uses 1.28 GPF can save a significant amount of water and reduce moisture loss in your home.

4. Hydration and Diet: Internal hydration is just as important as external hydration.

   • Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
   • Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content into your diet, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and spinach.
   • Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: These substances can dehydrate your body.

5. Shower Habits: Your shower routine can also impact your skin’s moisture levels.

   • Short, Lukewarm Showers: Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils. Keep showers short and use lukewarm water.
   • Moisturize Immediately: Apply moisturizer immediately after showering to lock in moisture.
   • Pat Dry: Avoid rubbing your skin dry with a towel. Pat it gently to retain some moisture.

Case Study: The Rodriguez Family of Taos

The Rodriguez family, long-time residents of Taos, struggled with dry skin for years. They tried various lotions and creams, but nothing seemed to provide lasting relief. After learning about the connection between toilets and dry air, they decided to make some changes.

They installed a dual-flush toilet in their master bathroom and started using a cool-mist humidifier in their bedroom. They also switched to a gentler cleanser and began moisturizing immediately after showering. Within a few weeks, they noticed a significant improvement in their skin’s hydration levels.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Ignoring the Toilet Factor: Many people focus solely on skincare and humidification, overlooking the impact of toilets on indoor humidity.
• Using the Wrong Humidifier: A humidifier that’s too small or doesn’t have a hygrometer won’t be effective.
• Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can damage the skin’s barrier and worsen dryness. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week.
• Not Drinking Enough Water: Internal hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin.
• Using Harsh Soaps: Harsh soaps strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

The Long-Term Benefits

Addressing the root causes of dry skin in Taos, including the impact of standard toilets, offers long-term benefits beyond just immediate relief. By maintaining proper hydration and protecting your skin’s barrier, you can prevent premature aging, reduce the risk of skin infections, and improve your overall comfort and well-being.

Investing in water-saving toilet modifications also benefits the environment by conserving water resources in the arid Southwest. It’s a win-win situation for your skin and the planet.

In conclusion, don’t underestimate the impact of your toilet on your skin’s health in Taos. By combining strategic humidification, a desert-specific skincare routine, water-saving toilet modifications, and healthy lifestyle habits, you can combat altitude-induced dryness and enjoy healthy, hydrated skin year-round. It’s time to take control of your environment and reclaim your skin’s natural radiance.