Does a humidifier help dry skin? Let's take a look~

Whether you struggle with dry skin due to these factors or your skin tends to err on the dry side, there's a good chance you've been on the hunt for something that helps. From lotions and creams to elaborate skincare routines, there are many topical solutions for dry skin - you may also be wondering, can humidifiers help with dry skin? If so, what relief can lifestyle tweaks provide?

Dry air is the enemy of dry skin, so it seems logical that a good humidifier would help relieve the symptoms of dry skin. If you need to eliminate the tight feeling in your skin after a hot shower and leave it radiant, soft and hydrated, then read on.

Image source: Pixabay

We'll explore what humidifiers do and how they work. Then, we'll reveal how they can help you take care of your skin and how humidifiers can be incorporated into your daily routine to take care of your dry skin.

01.What is the function of a humidifier?

Simply put, a humidifier converts water into mist, thereby increasing the humidity of the air in an indoor space. Humidifiers come in many forms: from central humidifiers installed in a building's heating and cooling system to simple steam evaporators that heat water to create steam, then cool it and discharge it into the air. The goal of each of these devices remains the same: to increase humidity levels.

In addition to central humidifiers and steam vaporizers, types of humidifiers include:

◆ Evaporative humidifiers – They blow air through a fan system and then release the humidified air into the atmosphere. ◆ Ultrasonic humidifiers – Create ultrasonic vibrations to form steam which then humidifies the air.

◆ Impeller Humidifiers – These devices use a spinning disk to produce cool steam.

These machines are all designed to add humidity to the air. But how do you know if the air in your space is too dry? The easiest way to track humidity levels in your home is to install a hygrometer (humidity monitor). They are affordable devices that look like a thermostat and measure the air temperature and humidity in a room. According to the Mayo Clinic, ideally you'll be looking for humidity levels of 30%-50%. Let's say you can't find a monitor or want to try another method. In this case, it's recommended to use a glass and some ice cubes to determine the humidity level of the air in your home. You'll need two glasses, water, ice cubes, a resealable zipper storage bag, some paper:

1. Fill two cups half with ice and half with water.

2. Place one of the glasses in the zippered storage bag.

3. Wait for about 20 minutes.

4. Place a piece of paper on the side of the cup that is not in the zipper storage bag.

5. If the paper is wet, it means the air in your room is humid. If the paper is not wet, the air is too dry. If the paper is a little damp, it is correct.

6. To control the experiment, place a piece of paper on the side of the cup in the zipper storage bag. It should be dry.

If you find that the air in your home is too dry, no matter which method you use, you may find that you also suffer from a range of symptoms related to low humidity in the air.

Your skin may feel dry or tight, you may also wake up in the morning with a cough, and if you or a family member has asthma, you may find that their symptoms flare up.

Image source: Pixabay

02. How do humidifiers help dry skin?

Low humidity has been linked to xerosis (dry skin), and artificially increasing humidity with a humidifier can improve symptoms. The findings, published in the journal Investigative Dermatology, explain that humidity below 10 percent can dry out the outer layer of skin in older adults, while humidity above 70 percent can help hydrate the skin. This doesn't mean you need to live in a space with 70 percent humidity all the time to have hydrated skin. It means that if you use a humidifier, you can avoid humidity levels dropping below 10 percent and causing dryness in the first place.

Hydration is the best way to help avoid dry skin and treat it if it has already settled. While moisturizers and other topical treatments can help, many people find that using products can only go so far when it comes to caring for very dry skin. This is evident in the winter, when humidity levels are naturally lower and we spend time getting from the cold outdoors into warm, heated spaces.

Using a humidifier can help soothe dry skin by reducing the chances of air pulling moisture from your skin, which occurs when humidity drops below 10%. Beyond that, exposing your skin to high humidity (over 70%) can help increase moisture levels. Using a humidifier may help relieve uncomfortable symptoms of dry skin, including itching, cracking, and flaking, and may help relieve allergies.

0 3. How to use a humidifier to help dry skin

If you think you need a humidifier, there are a number of ways you can incorporate it into your daily life. First, you need to find the right humidifier for you. Most models on the market use cold water, but some heat the water. These heating devices are often called steam vaporizers. If you have young children or vulnerable people in your home, you may want to avoid using one of these to prevent a dangerous spill.

Once you purchase a humidifier, you will want to look into the type of water you will be using in it. Each manufacturer has its own instructions, so check those before you get started. Humidifiers tend to be difficult to keep clean, so some brands recommend using distilled water instead of water straight from the tap or regular bottled drinking water.

Use a humidifier for a few hours each day, or leave it running overnight. If you find that you often wake up with extra dry skin or a dry throat and cough, leaving a humidifier on overnight in the room where you sleep may be your best option. You can use a humidifier every day, but remember to check the humidity level in your room using one of the methods above: low humidity can affect your skin and overall health, as can too much moisture.

Keeping your humidifier mold-free is essential, so you'll also want to clean it regularly. Make sure to unplug your humidifier when cleaning it, and never put the electronic parts in water. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning and drying your humidifier after each use. Depending on the design of the machine, you may be able to put the non-electronic parts of the device in the dishwasher. Usually, using dish soap with warm water and a soft cloth will do the trick.

Source: Chongqing Tianji Network Co., Ltd.

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