Do Humidifiers Help With Dry Skin? (How to Get Relief Fast)

humidifier dry skin

When the weather cools down, there’s nothing worse than stinging, itching, red and dry skin. While some skin types may be more prone to this than others, you may be looking for a simple and natural way to help alleviate the symptoms. A common question asked is do humidifiers help with dry skin? The quick answer is yes. But let’s look at how humidifiers help with dry skin.

Low Humidity and Dry Skin 

Our skin secretes natural oils to retain its elasticity and firmness. Low humidity, however, causes the skin to secrete these oils in excess, leading to dry and itchy skin. It also draws out moisture from our skin. Signs of dry skin include dullness, itchiness, and flakiness. Dry skin can lead to clogging of pores and breakout of acne. Room heaters, when used in low temperatures, are very much capable of causing this.  

Low humidity brings with it a slew of skin, respiratory, and other issues. This commonly occurs during winter and is caused by a lack of moisture in the air. 

Why Does Low Humidity Cause Dry Skin? 

humidifier good for skin

Low temperatures bring about a significant decrease in humidity. Low humidity means that there is not enough moisture in the air. This dry air tends to draw out the moisture present in our skin, which results in our skin looking flaky and feeling dry and itchy. Dry and itchy skin can also lead to wrinkles. At its worst, itchy skin can draw up blood due to the constant scratching. 

Ideally, humidity should be around 30 to 40 percent, as agreed upon by Dr. Riley Greene, M.D., of the Denver Skin Clinic. Humidity at these levels helps control asthma, allergies, and even dry skin. During weather conditions where there is low moisture in the air, there isn’t much that skin creams can do by themselves.  

Along with using these products, staying hydrated, and avoiding soap-based products (which can dry the skin further), using a humidifier can help replenish the moisture in the top layer of your skin. Humidifiers come in various varieties, depending on how you’d like to use them. Let’s take a look at how humidifiers can help with dry skin. 

Benefits of Using a Humidifier in Winter 

Winter months are notoriously associated with increased dryness of the skin. Humidifiers help by adding moisture to the air and, consequently, alleviating the symptoms which can prevent us from looking and feeling better.  

Humidifiers help our skin stay moisturized, firm, and fresh. A humidifier can help manage the symptoms of dry skin, such as itchiness and flaky skin. With added moisture to the air, you can say goodbye to dry skin! In addition, humidifiers help to remove acne by unclogging pores on our skin. It is, therefore, safe to say that humidifiers can help you on your way to good skin health. 

Benefits of a Humidifier While Sleeping 

humidifier benefits for skin

When used while sleeping, humidifiers help alleviate dry skin and prevent wrinkles. They also help ease the symptoms of allergies, asthma, and sinusitis and help you breathe easier. This ensures that your sleep remains undisturbed.

What’s more, humidifiers also prevent or reduce dry eyes and dry cough. 

What Are the Different Types of Humidifiers Available? 

There are four types of humidifiers available:  

  • Steam vapor humidifiers: These humidifiers heat water to create steam or water vapor which is then released to humidify the air and fix dry skin. 
  • Central humidifiers: Connected to an HVAC or furnace system, a central humidifier controls humidity throughout the entire home. 
  • Ultrasonic humidifiers: Using a vibrating diaphragm, ultrasonic humidifiers propel tiny water molecules into the air to increase humidity. 
  • Cool mist humidifiers: Available either as ultrasonic or evaporative humidifiers, they disperse a fine mist of water molecules without using any heat. This makes them safe for use around children. 

Do Humidifiers Help with Dry Skin? 

Dr. Riley Greene also mentions that room heaters can decrease humidity levels below 10%, leading to dryness on the skin. The skin no longer stays hydrated, and results in flakiness and itchiness on the skin.  

Humidifiers help manage dry skin by adding moisture to the air. This, in turn, keeps your skin hydrated and free from dryness and wrinkles. 

How Long Does It Take for a Humidifier to Help With Dry Skin? 

humidifier itchy skin

While whole-house humidifiers can take up to 24 hours before any effects are noticeable, smaller humidifiers have shown progress in lesser time. Dr. Elyse Love M.D. says that humidifiers help us get rid of dry skin overnight if accompanied by a hydrating skincare routine in the evening. 

It must be noted, however, that too much moisture can be harmful to your health and your skin. This opens up the pores on our skin. This can cause a likely build up of dirt, allergens, and sebum or skin oil. These conditions are likely to cause acne breakout, eczema, and allergic reactions. 

Is a Warm or Cool Mist Humidifier Better for Dry Skin? 

Warm and cool mist humidifiers are equally effective when it comes to taking care of dry skin.  

Is It Okay to Sleep With a Humidifier Every Night? 

benefits of using a humidifier in winter

Sleeping with a humidifier running every night has health benefits and has been shown to help people sleep better. Humidifiers weigh down allergens and dust particles in the air, thereby giving you access to clean air. The moisture in the air allows your breathing passage to function efficiently, reducing the chances of any respiratory discomfort due to lack of moisture. This can, therefore, guarantee a good night’s sleep. 

Where Should a Humidifier Be Placed in the Bedroom? 

Humidifiers should be placed in corners to spread moisture to as many areas of the room as possible.  

However, if you would just like to sleep better, it can be placed beside the bed. The humidifier would immediately replace the air around you, as well as the air that is in direct contact with your body. 

Do Humidifiers Increase Oxygen Levels? 

Humidifiers used in our homes cannot help increase the oxygen levels in the room. At most, they help with weighing down dust particles and allergens which clean up the air. 

The only humidifiers which can increase oxygen levels are medical oxygen humidifiers. These are used only in hospitals. 

Does a Humidifier Increase Temperature? 

does a humidifier help with dry skin

Humidifiers themselves do not increase the temperature of the room. They increase the humidity of the room which, in turn, makes it feel warmer. What we might feel is a perceived sense of warmth. 

Now You Know How Humidifiers Help With Dry Skin

Humidifiers help with dry skin in the most effective ways by ensuring that our skin stays hydrated from the outside in. Buying the right humidifier can help us have good skin and keep acne at bay, too. Humidifiers can help us sleep better, feel better, and enjoy the cooler weather.

Lauren