## Vegas Vegans: Desert Air Drying Cycles Faster?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 9, 2025

The neon lights of the Las Vegas strip might be dazzling, but they don’t do much for your skin, especially if you’re a vegan navigating the Mojave Desert. The dry air saps moisture faster than a blackjack dealer takes your money. But fear not, fellow plant-based desert dwellers! Achieving radiant, hydrated skin in Vegas while sticking to your vegan principles is entirely possible. It just requires a strategic approach, combining the right dietary choices with a targeted skincare routine.

The key is understanding that veganism, while fantastic for your health and the planet, can sometimes lead to deficiencies if not carefully planned. Certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, crucial for skin health, are often found in animal products. In Las Vegas, the already challenging environment exacerbates these potential issues.

Let’s start with the inside. What you eat directly impacts your skin’s ability to retain moisture. A diet rich in hydrating foods and essential nutrients is your first line of defense.

Here’s a sample week-long meal plan designed to boost hydration and skin health for Vegas vegans:

• Monday:
  • Breakfast: Oatmeal with berries, chia seeds, and almond milk.
  • Lunch: Large salad with leafy greens, cucumber, bell peppers, avocado, and a lemon-tahini dressing.
  • Dinner: Lentil soup with whole-wheat bread.
• Tuesday:
  • Breakfast: Green smoothie with spinach, banana, mango, and coconut water.
  • Lunch: Tofu scramble with black beans and salsa in a whole-wheat tortilla.
  • Dinner: Vegan chili with cornbread.
• Wednesday:
  • Breakfast: Chia seed pudding with berries and nuts.
  • Lunch: Leftover vegan chili.
  • Dinner: Roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes) with quinoa.
• Thursday:
  • Breakfast: Whole-wheat toast with avocado and everything bagel seasoning.
  • Lunch: Salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing.
  • Dinner: Vegan pasta primavera with whole-wheat pasta.
• Friday:
  • Breakfast: Tofu scramble with spinach and mushrooms.
  • Lunch: Leftover vegan pasta primavera.
  • Dinner: Homemade vegan pizza with plenty of vegetables.
• Saturday:
  • Breakfast: Pancakes made with whole-wheat flour and topped with fruit.
  • Lunch: Veggie burger on a whole-wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion.
  • Dinner: Vegan sushi with avocado, cucumber, and carrots.
• Sunday:
  • Breakfast: Waffles made with whole-wheat flour and topped with fruit.
  • Lunch: Leftover vegan sushi.
  • Dinner: Vegetable curry with brown rice.

Notice the emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These are packed with water and essential vitamins.

Key Dietary Adjustments for Vegas Vegans:

• Hydration is King: Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it constantly. Infuse your water with cucumber, lemon, or mint for added flavor and benefits.
• Omega-3 Power: Incorporate flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds into your diet. Consider a vegan omega-3 supplement derived from algae, readily available at stores like Whole Foods Market on Las Vegas Boulevard.
• Vitamin D Boost: Vegas is sunny, but many people are still deficient in Vitamin D. Spend 15-20 minutes in the sun daily (with sunscreen!) or take a vegan Vitamin D supplement. Check out the options at Sprouts Farmers Market on Sahara Avenue.
• Hydrating Foods: Prioritize water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, celery, and spinach. These contribute to overall hydration and provide essential nutrients.
• Limit Sodium: Vegas restaurants often use a lot of salt. Be mindful of sodium intake, as it can dehydrate you. Cook at home more often to control sodium levels.

Now, let’s move on to the external defense: your skincare routine. The dry Vegas air demands a proactive approach.

A Week-Long Skincare Regimen Example:

This routine focuses on hydration and protection, using products readily available in Las Vegas.

• Morning:
  • Cleanse: Gentle, hydrating cleanser (e.g., Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash, available at Target).
  • Serum: Hyaluronic acid serum (e.g., The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, available at Ulta).
  • Moisturize: Rich, vegan moisturizer (e.g., Derma E Hydrating Day Cream, available at Whole Foods).
  • Sunscreen: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (e.g., Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, available at CVS).
• Evening:
  • Cleanse: Double cleanse if you wore makeup. Use a cleansing oil followed by a gentle cleanser.
  • Serum: Retinol serum (use only 2-3 times per week, start with a low concentration).
  • Moisturize: Thicker, more emollient night cream (e.g., Acure Radically Rejuvenating Night Cream, available at Sprouts).
  • Facial Oil: Apply a facial oil (e.g., rosehip oil or jojoba oil) to lock in moisture.
• Weekly:
  • Exfoliate: Gentle exfoliation (e.g., Acure Brightening Facial Scrub) once or twice a week.
  • Mask: Hydrating face mask (e.g., Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Rosewater Mask, available at Whole Foods).

Specific Skincare Tips for Vegas:

• Hyaluronic Acid is Your Best Friend: This humectant attracts moisture from the air and binds it to your skin. Apply it to damp skin for maximum effectiveness.
• Layering is Key: Apply products in order of thinnest to thickest consistency. This allows each product to penetrate properly.
• Don’t Forget Your Body: Use a rich body lotion after showering, while your skin is still damp. Look for ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and ceramides.
• Humidify Your Home: Consider using a humidifier, especially in your bedroom, to add moisture to the air.
• Protect Your Lips: Use a hydrating lip balm with SPF throughout the day.
• Avoid Hot Showers: Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils. Opt for lukewarm showers instead.

Challenges and Pitfalls:

• Over-Exfoliation: The dry air can make you feel like you need to exfoliate more often, but overdoing it can damage your skin barrier. Stick to gentle exfoliation once or twice a week.
• Ignoring Sunscreen: The Vegas sun is intense. Sunscreen is non-negotiable, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, especially when outdoors.
• Using Harsh Cleansers: Avoid cleansers with sulfates or alcohol, as they can strip your skin of its natural oils.
• Not Drinking Enough Water: It’s easy to get dehydrated in Vegas, especially when you’re busy exploring the city or hiking Red Rock Canyon. Make a conscious effort to drink water throughout the day.
• Forgetting About Indoor Air: Air conditioning can be just as drying as the desert air. Maintain a consistent skincare routine, even when you’re indoors.

Maintaining Moisture During Outdoor Activities (Like Hiking Red Rock Canyon):

• Hydrate Before, During, and After: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your hike.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Cover as much skin as possible with lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Reapply Sunscreen Frequently: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating.
• Use a Hydrating Mist: Carry a hydrating facial mist to spritz on your face throughout the hike.
• Apply Lip Balm with SPF: Protect your lips from the sun and wind.

Product Recommendations Available at Local Vegas Health Stores:

• Whole Foods Market (Las Vegas Boulevard): Derma E Hydrating Day Cream, Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Rosewater Mask, vegan omega-3 supplements.
• Sprouts Farmers Market (Sahara Avenue): Acure Radically Rejuvenating Night Cream, vegan Vitamin D supplements.
• Target (Various Locations): Pacifica Sea Foam Complete Face Wash.
• Ulta (Various Locations): The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5.
• CVS (Various Locations): Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen.

By combining a carefully planned vegan diet with a targeted skincare routine, you can combat the dry Vegas air and achieve healthy, hydrated skin. Remember to listen to your skin and adjust your routine as needed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and ingredients to find what works best for you. And most importantly, stay hydrated! Your skin will thank you for it.