Taos Winter: Altitude Sun Stealing Lip Youth?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe high desert of Taos, New Mexico, is a place of stark beauty, but it’s also a harsh environment for your skin, especially your lips. The intense sun, coupled with the altitude, creates a perfect storm for sunburnt, chapped, and prematurely aging lips. Ignoring this reality is a recipe for discomfort and long-term damage.
Taos’ unique climate demands a proactive and informed approach to lip care.
Let’s dive into how to keep your pout perfect in this challenging environment.
The altitude in Taos, typically around 7,000 feet, means thinner air and less atmospheric protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. This increased UV exposure dramatically accelerates the aging process and increases the risk of sunburn, even on cloudy days. Your lips, lacking melanin, are particularly vulnerable.
The dry air at high altitude also sucks moisture from your skin, leading to chronic chapping.
Think of your lips like a delicate leather that needs constant conditioning.
Prevention is Paramount:
Sunscreen is non-negotiable.
Look for lip balms with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply liberally and frequently, especially before and during outdoor activities.
Don’t just slap it on once in the morning and forget about it.
Reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re eating, drinking, or sweating.
Consider a broad-spectrum sunscreen, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays contribute to aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn.
Product Recommendations (Available in Taos):
Badger Balm SPF 30 Unscented Lip Balm: Widely available at natural food stores like Cid’s Food Market and Taos Valley Ace Hardware, this balm uses zinc oxide for sun protection and is gentle on sensitive skin. It’s a physical sunscreen, meaning it creates a barrier rather than being absorbed.
EltaMD UV Lip Balm SPF 31: While you might need to visit a dermatologist’s office like Taos Dermatology or a medical spa like High Desert Aesthetics to find this, it’s worth the effort. EltaMD is a trusted brand recommended by dermatologists, offering excellent sun protection and hydration.
Aquaphor Lip Repair: A readily available option at most drugstores like Walgreens or Smith’s, Aquaphor creates a protective barrier to lock in moisture and promote healing. While it doesn’t contain SPF, it’s excellent for overnight use or when you’re not exposed to direct sunlight. Layer it under your SPF lip balm during the day.
DIY Lip Care with Regional Ingredients:
Taos offers unique opportunities to incorporate local ingredients into your lip care routine.
Honey and Sugar Scrub: Taos Honey, often available at the Taos Farmers Market, is a natural humectant, drawing moisture to the skin. Mix a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of brown sugar for a gentle exfoliating scrub. Gently massage onto your lips in a circular motion for about a minute, then rinse with warm water.
Olive Oil and Beeswax Balm: New Mexico olive oil, while not as common as other regions, can be found at specialty stores like Taos Olive Oil. Combine equal parts olive oil and beeswax (available at craft stores like Taos Mesa Brewing Mothership) in a double boiler until melted. Pour into a small container and let cool. This creates a deeply moisturizing balm.
Chamomile Infused Oil: Chamomile grows wild in some parts of Northern New Mexico. Infuse dried chamomile flowers in a carrier oil like almond or grapeseed oil for several weeks. Strain the oil and use it as a soothing lip treatment. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties, perfect for irritated lips.
Treating Sunburnt and Chapped Lips:
Even with the best prevention, sunburn and chapping can happen.
Cool Compress: Apply a cool, damp cloth to your lips for 10-15 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to rehydrate your body and skin from the inside out.
Avoid Irritants: Skip flavored lip balms, which can contain irritating ingredients. Avoid licking your lips, as saliva evaporates quickly and worsens dryness.
Gentle Exfoliation: Once the initial inflammation subsides, gently exfoliate with a soft toothbrush or sugar scrub to remove dead skin cells.
Overnight Treatment: Apply a thick layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline before bed to lock in moisture and promote healing.
Addressing Thinning Lips:
Sun damage and aging can lead to thinning lips.
While lip fillers are an option, there are also non-invasive ways to improve lip volume and appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid Serums: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the lips temporarily. Look for lip serums containing hyaluronic acid at local beauty stores like Taos Herb Company.
Lip Plumping Balms: These balms often contain ingredients like cinnamon or peppermint oil, which increase blood flow to the lips, creating a temporary plumping effect. Be cautious, as these can be irritating for some.
Facial Exercises: Certain facial exercises can help improve circulation and tone the muscles around the mouth, potentially improving lip volume. Search online for “lip exercises” for examples.
Expert Advice from Taos Professionals:
Consulting with a Taos-based dermatologist or esthetician can provide personalized advice.
Taos Dermatology offers a range of services, including skin cancer screenings and treatment for sun damage.
High Desert Aesthetics provides aesthetic treatments like lip fillers and laser resurfacing.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you have concerns about your lip health.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls:
Ignoring SPF on Cloudy Days: UV rays penetrate clouds, so sunscreen is essential even when it’s overcast.
Using Expired Lip Balm: Sunscreen ingredients degrade over time, so replace your lip balm regularly.
Picking at Chapped Lips: This can lead to infection and scarring.
Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can irritate the lips.
Not Drinking Enough Water: Dehydration exacerbates dryness.
Real-World Scenario:
Imagine you’re spending the day hiking in the Taos Ski Valley. You apply lip balm with SPF in the morning, but forget to reapply throughout the day. By evening, your lips are red, swollen, and painful.
Immediate Action: Apply a cool compress to reduce inflammation. Take an anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen.
Next Steps: Avoid sun exposure. Apply a thick layer of Aquaphor before bed.
Prevention for Next Time: Set a timer on your phone to remind you to reapply lip balm every two hours. Carry a lip balm with SPF in your backpack.
Long-Term Value:
Protecting your lips in Taos is an investment in your long-term health and appearance. By following these tips, you can prevent sun damage, keep your lips hydrated, and maintain a healthy, youthful smile. Don’t underestimate the power of consistent lip care in this challenging, yet beautiful, environment.