The Science of Humidifiers for Dry Winter Skin

Cold winter air retains less moisture than warm air. This, in addition to the use of air conditioners, can result in very dry air indoors. Dry air can damage the skin barrier, leading to a loss of moisture from the skin. Signs of dry skin include:

• Cracks/fissures
• Roughness

Humidifiers can help with signs of dry skin.

Humidifiers Can Help Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels

An optimal humidity level for the skin is approximately 40% to 60%. If humidity levels are too low, there is a risk of damage to the skin barrier. If humidity levels are too high the risk of mold and mildew in a home increases, thereby increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses. The use of a humidifier can help maintain humidity levels within an optimal range. In fact, some humidifiers have monitors that track the humidity of the air, turning on and off automatically within this range. Humidifiers can also be an adjunct to topical skincare products that add and/or retain moisture.

There Are Two Categories of Humidifiers

Broadly, there are two types of humidifiers:

• Cold air, which is room temperature water that is brought into the air using either ultrasonic vibrations or an evaporative wick
• Warm air, in which water is boiled, and warm steam is released into the air

The most appropriate device depends on multiple factors. For example, warm air humidifiers can get hot and burn skin. As a result, they may not be appropriate for homes with small children. Also, warm air humidifiers may have an increased risk of harboring bacteria and fungi, though both warm and cold air humidifiers can harbor bacteria and fungi if not cleaned properly. There are many ways to clean these devices. It is recommended to review the manufacturers for their recommended cleaning regimen. For example, distilled white vinegar and boiling water are two commonly used products for cleaning these devices.