Humidifier Skin Benefits: Tip of the Day 4-19-22

If dry skin is giving you grief, try adding a room humidifier to your nightly routine.

Dry air can spark itchy flare-ups, cracked skin, and respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and nosebleeds. Homes with central air conditioning & heating can have a drying effect on skin because they work by removing a large amount of moisture from the air. To put that moisture back, dermatologists say use a room humidifier.

In an interview with RealSimple, dermatologist Marina Peredo says, "When your skin's protection barrier is damaged/dry, it creates small cracks in the skin, causing moisture to escape. Running a humidifier pulls moisture back into the air to improve dry, itchy skin and help it retain that hydration."

Although humidifiers add moisture to the air, they shouldn’t replace moisturizing skincare. Use your night cream at night. Use your moisturizer during the day. Look for products that contain hyaluronic acid while using your humidifier. Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from the air and hydrates your skin with it.

Keep in mind that it’s very important to keep your humidifier clean. Unclean humidifiers can promote overgrowth of bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mold. This can cause infections and worsen eczema, psoriasis and acne.

Also, dermatologists say running a humidifier too much can cause mold and mildew to grow, triggering breathing problems. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests monitoring the room’s humidity with a hygrometer. The agency recommends keeping the room’s humidity level below 50 percent. You can get a hygrometer for around $11 at Target.

Experts recommend filling your humidifier with distilled water instead of tap water. If you do use tap water, a mineral buildup will occur. Clean the humidifier with soap and water or vinegar at least once a week.

Putting your face directly over the humidifier is not necessary or recommended. The smaller the room, the more benefits you'll get from using it.

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