Taos Toxins: Altitude Air Crashing Summer Lips?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe biting wind whips across the high desert, carrying with it not just dust devils, but also a relentless assault on your lips. You’ve tried everything, or so you think. Standard lip balms offer fleeting relief, but the dryness returns with a vengeance. Welcome to the unique challenge of lip care in Taos, New Mexico, where the trifecta of high altitude, intense sun, and arid air conspire to create a chapped-lip apocalypse.
This isn’t your average lip balm commercial. This is a survival guide, tailored for the specific environmental onslaught that Taos throws at your delicate pout. We’re diving deep into locally available solutions, time-tested DIY remedies using ingredients from the Southwest, and lifestyle tweaks that will transform your lip health from cracked and bleeding to smooth and supple.
First, let’s understand the enemy. Taos sits at over 7,000 feet above sea level. This altitude means thinner air, which translates to less moisture. The sun’s rays are also more intense, leading to faster evaporation of moisture from your skin, including your lips. Add to that the naturally dry climate of the high desert, and you have a recipe for chronic chapping.
Now, for the arsenal. Forget the generic, petroleum-based lip balms you find at national chain stores. They often create a barrier that prevents your lips from naturally hydrating. Instead, seek out products with natural, moisturizing ingredients that are readily available in Taos.
Here are some specific product recommendations you can find at local Taos businesses like Cid’s Food Market, Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership, or the Taos Farmers Market:
Desert Essence Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil closely mimics the natural sebum produced by your skin. It’s deeply moisturizing and absorbs quickly, without leaving a greasy residue. You can find this at Cid’s. Apply it liberally throughout the day, especially before and after being outdoors.
Badger Balm Cocoa Butter Lip Balm: This balm contains cocoa butter, beeswax, and essential oils. It provides a protective barrier against the elements while nourishing your lips. Look for it at the Taos Farmers Market during the summer months.
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (with a caveat): While widely available, Burt’s Bees can be irritating for some due to the peppermint oil. However, if you tolerate it well, it’s a decent option for basic protection. Just be mindful of any tingling or burning sensations.
Look for local Taos made lip balms: Many local artisans create lip balms using locally sourced ingredients. These can be found at the Taos Farmers Market or at local craft fairs. These are often made with natural ingredients and are specifically formulated for the Taos climate.
But what if you’re looking for a more natural, DIY approach? The Southwest offers a wealth of ingredients that can be used to create effective lip treatments.
Here are a few DIY remedies using Southwestern ingredients:
Prickly Pear Seed Oil Lip Mask: Prickly pear seed oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. It’s incredibly hydrating and can help repair damaged skin. You can find prickly pear seed oil online or at some specialty stores in Taos. Before bed, apply a generous layer of the oil to your lips and leave it on overnight.
Honey and Sugar Scrub: Raw honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin. Sugar provides gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells. Mix a teaspoon of raw honey with a pinch of sugar. Gently massage the mixture onto your lips in a circular motion for about a minute. Rinse with warm water.
Avocado and Olive Oil Treatment: Avocado is packed with healthy fats and vitamins. Olive oil is a natural emollient that softens and moisturizes the skin. Mash a small piece of avocado and mix it with a few drops of olive oil. Apply the mixture to your lips and leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Aloe Vera Gel: If you have an aloe vera plant, you can use the gel directly on your lips. Aloe vera is soothing and helps to heal damaged skin. Apply a thin layer of aloe vera gel to your lips several times a day.
Beyond products and remedies, lifestyle adjustments are crucial for maintaining healthy lips in Taos.
Here are some key lifestyle changes to implement:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: This seems obvious, but it’s especially important at high altitude. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body and lips hydrated. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
Use a Humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help prevent your lips from drying out. Use a humidifier in your home, especially in your bedroom while you sleep.
Protect Your Lips from the Sun: The sun’s rays are more intense at high altitude, so it’s essential to protect your lips from sun damage. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply frequently, especially when you’re outdoors.
Avoid Licking Your Lips: This is a common habit, but it actually makes your lips drier. When you lick your lips, the saliva evaporates, taking moisture with it.
Breathe Through Your Nose: Breathing through your mouth can dry out your lips. Make a conscious effort to breathe through your nose, especially when you’re exercising or sleeping.
Avoid Irritating Ingredients: Some ingredients in lip balms and other products can actually irritate your lips. Avoid products that contain alcohol, menthol, camphor, or eucalyptus.
Exfoliate Gently: Exfoliating your lips can help remove dead skin cells and allow moisturizing products to penetrate more effectively. However, it’s important to exfoliate gently to avoid damaging your lips. Use a soft toothbrush or a sugar scrub to exfoliate your lips once or twice a week.
One common mistake people make is waiting until their lips are already severely chapped before taking action. Prevention is key. Start moisturizing your lips regularly, even when they feel fine. This will help prevent them from becoming dry and cracked in the first place.
Another pitfall is using too much lip balm. Applying a thick layer of lip balm can actually prevent your lips from naturally hydrating. Apply a thin layer of lip balm as needed, and avoid overdoing it.
Finally, be patient. It takes time to heal severely chapped lips. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Stick with your chosen treatment plan, and you will eventually see improvement.
Let’s talk about a specific scenario: you’re visiting Taos for a ski trip in February. The combination of cold temperatures, high altitude, and wind can be particularly harsh on your lips. Before you even arrive, start hydrating more than usual. Pack a high-quality lip balm with SPF and apply it frequently throughout the day, especially while skiing. Consider using a lip mask at night to provide extra hydration. And most importantly, resist the urge to lick your lips!
Another scenario: you’re a local artist who spends hours outdoors painting the Taos landscape. You’re constantly exposed to the sun and wind. In this case, sun protection is paramount. Choose a lip balm with a high SPF and reapply it every two hours. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun. And consider using a humidifier in your studio to combat the dry air.
Dealing with severely chapped lips in Taos requires a multi-faceted approach. It’s not just about slapping on any old lip balm. It’s about understanding the unique environmental challenges, choosing the right products and remedies, and making lifestyle adjustments to protect your lips. By following these tips, you can keep your lips healthy and happy, even in the harsh climate of Taos, New Mexico.