Taos Winter: Furnace Air Crashing Youth Cycles?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe biting wind whips across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, carrying with it the promise of snow and the harsh reality of winter in Taos, New Mexico. While the stunning landscapes offer a visual feast, the dry, furnace-heated air at 7,000 feet elevation extracts moisture from everything it touches, including your skin and lungs. This creates a perfect storm for accelerated aging and respiratory irritation, a challenge unique to this high-altitude desert. But fear not, Taoseños! There are concrete steps you can take to combat these effects and maintain your youthful vitality throughout the winter.
The key to surviving a Taos winter lies in understanding the science behind the dryness. Cold air holds less moisture than warm air. When that cold air is heated by your furnace, its relative humidity plummets, creating an environment that actively sucks moisture from your body. This is exacerbated by the altitude, where thinner air further accelerates moisture loss through respiration and perspiration.
Humidification is your first line of defense. Don’t rely solely on a single, small humidifier in your bedroom. That’s like trying to extinguish a forest fire with a water pistol. Instead, consider a whole-house humidifier integrated with your furnace. These systems maintain a consistent humidity level throughout your home, typically between 30-50%. Aim for 40-50% to combat the extreme dryness.
If a whole-house system isn’t feasible, strategically place multiple humidifiers throughout your home. Focus on areas where you spend the most time, such as the living room and bedrooms. Look for humidifiers with a large tank capacity and automatic shut-off features. Clean them regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth, a common pitfall.
A crucial, often overlooked, aspect is the type of humidifier. Evaporative humidifiers are generally better than ultrasonic humidifiers. Ultrasonic humidifiers can release mineral dust into the air, which can be irritating to the lungs, especially for those with asthma or allergies. Evaporative humidifiers use a wick filter to trap minerals, providing cleaner moisture.
Beyond humidification, your skincare routine needs a serious upgrade. The light, lotion-based moisturizers you used during the summer simply won’t cut it. You need heavy-duty emollients and occlusives to create a protective barrier against moisture loss.
Start with a hydrating serum containing hyaluronic acid. This molecule acts like a sponge, drawing moisture from the air and binding it to your skin. However, in a dry environment, hyaluronic acid can actually pull moisture out of your skin if there isn’t enough ambient humidity. This is where the humidifier comes in!
Follow the serum with a rich, emollient moisturizer. Look for ingredients like shea butter, ceramides, and squalane. These ingredients help to replenish the skin’s natural lipid barrier, preventing moisture from escaping. A great option available at Cid’s Food Market in Taos is the Weleda Skin Food. It’s thick, intensely moisturizing, and readily available.
Finally, seal everything in with an occlusive balm or oil. Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) is a classic occlusive, but if you prefer a natural option, try a balm made with beeswax or a facial oil like rosehip or argan oil. Apply this as the last step in your nighttime routine to create a protective barrier that will last throughout the night.
Don’t forget about your lips! They are particularly vulnerable to dryness and cracking. Use a thick lip balm with SPF throughout the day, and apply a generous layer of a healing ointment like Aquaphor before bed. Avoid lip balms with flavoring or fragrance, as these can actually dry out your lips.
Another common mistake is neglecting sun protection. The high altitude in Taos means you’re exposed to significantly more UV radiation, even on cloudy days. This UV exposure further damages the skin and accelerates aging. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even in the winter.
Beyond external care, what you eat plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin and respiratory function. Focus on incorporating antioxidant-rich foods into your diet. Antioxidants help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are produced by environmental stressors like dry air and UV radiation.
New Mexican cuisine offers a wealth of antioxidant-rich options. Red chile, a staple in many dishes, is packed with Vitamin C and carotenoids, powerful antioxidants that protect against skin damage. Blue corn, another local favorite, is rich in anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Look for local produce at the Taos Farmers Market or the Farmhouse Cafe & Bakery. Incorporate ingredients like:
- Pinto beans: A good source of protein and fiber, as well as antioxidants.
- Squash: Rich in Vitamin A and carotenoids.
- Onions and garlic: Contain sulfur compounds that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Hydration is also key. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin and respiratory system hydrated from the inside out. Consider adding electrolytes to your water to help your body retain fluids more effectively.
A simple, yet effective, remedy for respiratory irritation is to use a saline nasal spray several times a day. This helps to moisturize the nasal passages and prevent dryness, which can lead to nosebleeds and increased susceptibility to infections. You can find saline nasal sprays at most pharmacies in Taos, including Walgreens and Smith’s.
Finally, be patient and consistent with your routine. It takes time to see results, and it’s important to stick with your humidification, skincare, and dietary changes even when you don’t see immediate improvements. The harsh Taos winter demands a proactive and consistent approach to maintaining your health and beauty. By following these steps, you can combat the effects of dry air and high altitude and enjoy a vibrant, youthful winter in the Land of Enchantment. Remember to support local businesses in Santa Fe and Taos when sourcing your skincare and nutritional needs.