Does a Humidifier Help With Dry Skin in Winters?

Cold air conveys less moisture, so you might experience dry, rough skin and chapped lips in winter. Using a moisturizer is always a good idea, but what about regulating indoor humidity? Does a humidifier help with dry skin? 

The answer is yes: a humidifier can help your skin feel much more comfortable in winter, especially if you suffer from chronically dry skin or eczema. When you call our heating services in Bow Mar, CO, ask about humidity control solutions.  

How Humidifiers Work

The ideal humidity for homes is about 45%. In Colorado, especially in winter, this number is often much lower. A humidifier adds moisture using a simple process, the specifics of which depend on the type of humidifier. 

Evaporative humidifiers hold cold water in a reservoir and let it flow into a basin. A wick filter absorbs the water. When a fan blows through the soaked filter, some of the water evaporates and increases indoor humidity. As the humidity rises, it naturally slows down evaporation, so this system is self-regulating.

Ultrasonic humidifiers break water into droplets using ultrasonic vibrations. An impeller humidifier does the same with a high-speed rotating disc. Both methods create a cool mist. Ultrasonic models are typically the quietest but also the more expensive choice. 

You may choose a humidifier that covers one room only or a whole-house humidifying solution that connects to your HVAC system. The latter option is pricier but can help you control humidity throughout your house more effectively.

How Does a Humidifier Help With Dry Skin?

In Colorado, excessively dry air is a year-round problem that becomes even worse in the winter months. Low humidity may dry out your skin and turn every day into a bad hair day. Using a humidifier is a simple and affordable solution with immediate perks:

Healthier Skin and Hair

An optimal level of moisture in the air works wonders for your skin. Extra humidity in winter reduces irritation, prevents flaking, and improves elasticity. Your lips will be less prone to chap or crack, and your hair may appear softer and smoother. The difference is even more noticeable in aging skin, which doesn’t retain moisture as effectively and tends to develop lots of fine lines in dry air.

Fewer Rashes and Eczema Flare-Ups

The answer to “Does a humidifier help with dry skin?” is an even stronger positive if you suffer from seasonal rashes or eczema. Adding moisture to the air reduces redness, relieves itching, and can help prevent eczema flare-ups. 

Moreover, healthy humidity levels can help protect skin against pathogens. Properly moisturized skin is less vulnerable to micro-scratches and cracks and thus more resistant to any invading bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Plus, germs move less efficiently through moist air.

Less Acne

Believe it or not, excessively dry air can cause acne breakouts. Dehydrated skin tends to produce more sebum to compensate for the lack of humidity, so you may experience oily skin simultaneously with annoying flaking and itching. Healthy moisture levels help your skin stay balanced and prevent acne and other skin conditions, like seborrheic dermatitis. 

Other Benefits of Using a Humidifier

Using a high-quality humidifier comes with a plethora of other advantages, namely:

• Reduced snoring. Mouth breathers will often suffer from extremely dry throat, especially when the air is dry. Adding humidity helps keep the tissues moist and reduces snoring.
• Weaker allergy symptoms. People who suffer from allergies tend to experience nasal passage and throat dryness. Extra humidity can relieve both of these symptoms.
• Less static electricity. Dry air won’t earth static charge as effectively, which may cause annoying shocks and even damage electronics. Properly moisturized air will naturally dissolve static.
• Increased indoor comfort. A dry home feels colder than it really is because sweat evaporates almost instantly, whicking away your body heat. Correcting indoor humidity levels will help you feel more comfortable and may even lower your heating bills. 
• Protection for house plants, wood floors, and furniture. The right moisture levels will keep your house plants healthier and your wood fixtures and furniture more stable.