Do I need to use a humidifier to rehydrate my dry skin?

Dry skin is a constant, regardless of the season. Most commonly associated with the bitter cold of winter, dry flaky skin is a year-round problem. Dabbing yourself with the right cream oil can help, but a thin layer of lotion can only get you so far if the dry air is constantly drawing water away from your skin.

It is not only the dry air outside that you need to worry about, but also the climate inside your home (or office). "Air conditioning and heating work by removing large amounts of moisture from the air, which can have a drying effect on the skin," says Dr. CoreyL.Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin WellnessDermatology. He adds that while you may not be able to control the weather, you can control the environment of your home.

How Humidifiers Can Help Dry Skin

Humidifiers help restore the humidity levels in the air, providing the skin with the moisture it needs in even the driest climates. She says, "When your skin's protective barrier is damaged, tiny cracks appear in the skin and moisture escapes." Marina Peled, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "Running a humidifier pulls moisture back into the air, which improves dry, itchy skin and keeps it hydrated." Chapped lips, supple hair, itchy skin, and severe allergies are all conditions that can be improved with the use of a humidifier.

However, a humidifier will never replace a skin care routine. Humidifiers take the benefits of good skin care a step further. 'To restore moisture to the skin, it is important to use creams and moisturizers daily. Like moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, humidifiers simply help lock in moisture,' says Dr. Peled.

How to Choose the Best Humidifier

There are many options on the market, from warm mist to cold mist, steam vaporizers to ultrasonic devices. The humidifier you choose will depend largely on the size of the room (personal or travel size humidifiers usually only reach 25 to 100 square feet) and personal preference. For example, Hey Dewy , Noma, probably won't mess up your sleep schedule. By the U.S. National Library of Medicine , cool mist humidifiers are the safest option. Warm mist humidifiers get hot, can burn you if you get too close, and can be dangerous for children and pets.

Are there any concerns associated with humidifiers?

Humidifiers are generally safe to use on all skin types. However, it is important to take the time to clean and maintain the appliance. "If a humidifier is not properly and regularly cleaned, it can promote abnormal growth of bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold, and other organisms that can cause disease and infection, and aggravate eczema, psoriasis, and even acne," says Dr. Hartman.

Likewise, don't run your humidifier for long periods of time. If the air is too humid, mold and mildew can also grow and cause breathing problems. Monitor the humidity level in the room with a hygrometer and make sure it's not over 50 percent , according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

How to use a humidifier properly

To keep your humidifier in top condition, experts recommend filling it with distilled water. If you choose to use water from the tap, be sure to clean the tank once a week to disinfect and remove mineral buildup (a natural byproduct of tap water). "The cleansing process doesn't have to be complicated. For proper cleansing, either soap and water or vinegar will suffice," says Dr. Hartman.

Also, don't feel the need to hold your face directly above the appliance. Dr. Hartman suggests placing the humidifier at least three feet away. Humidifiers," he says, "are meant to release moisture into the air, and you need to be able to feel the effect on the skin all over your body. Dr. Peled also recommends putting a humidifier in a room where you spend a lot of time . The smaller the room, the greater the benefit of using it," he says. The smaller the room, the greater the benefit of using it. Humidifiers help keep your entire body hydrated," he says.