Winter is the season of cozy knit sweaters, piping hot cocoa, and unfortunately, dry, flaky skin. You can feel it in your lips, and your sinuses seem drier. A lip balm and good moisturizer immediately become your best friends. However, they may be surface-level solutions when your skin feels parched. It might be time to address the root cause in your home — dry air.
Winter air typically holds less moisture. And with your heating system running on full blast to keep you cozy, your skin suffers from the even drier indoor air. It becomes dehydrated, itchy, and often red from irritation. Colder outdoor air can also leave a stingy sensation on your skin. You’ve heard that humidifiers can help with your skin troubles. Is it true? Absolutely. Explore the science behind how a good humidifier can fight dry air and protect your skin.
Fact: Winter Air Dries You Out
The ideal indoor relative humidity to maintain is between 40-60%— any lower and dry air symptoms will start affecting you. Since the air is dry, it will suck moisture from anywhere it can, including your skin. Combined with your heater system’s drying effect, you’ve got the perfect recipe for chapped lips and scaly skin.Another factor contributing to dry air in your home is drafts from leaky sealants around doors and windows and poor insulation, especially in large surface areas like garages and attics. When there’s a gap in the sealants and insulation, cold air seeps through and affects the entire home’s efficiency. In fact, taking care of the gaps and insulation in your house not only helps improve cold air seeping in but also can save you up to 15% in energy bills. Your heating system won’t have to work overtime and your humidifier can combat the neverending circulation of dry air impacting your skin.
Fact: Humidifiers Help Moisturize Your Skin
When your home environment is sufficiently humid, your skin is less likely to lose moisture in the air. That’s how humidifiers support your skin’s natural hydration. Healthy relative humidity alleviates dryness and reduces flakiness. According to dermatologists, the best way to maximize your humidifier’s benefits is to pair it with a consistent moisturizing skincare regimen. For instance:
- Apply hydrating moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.
- Hydrate by drinking enough water throughout the day
- Use your humidifier consistently in the bedroom as you sleep.
Fact: Air Purifiers, Airwashers, and Humidifiers Perform Different Functions
Each of these air-regulating products has its own benefits.
Air Purifiers
As the name suggests, an air purifier improves overall air quality by removing airborne contaminants such as dust, pollen, and paint fumes. Although they may not add moisture to the air, they are especially helpful for people with respiratory issues.
Humidifiers
If your primary goal is to increase humidity, then humidifiers are your best bet. They directly address the root cause of your winter skin blues by adding more water vapor to your room. Quality humidifiers also reduce viral activity by maintaining the perfect humidity of 40-60% in homes. Not all humidifiers are created equal. It’s important to select from reputable brands and ensure there is no bacteria build up in the system.
Airwashers
These two-in-one devices are designed to remove allergens and pollutants and regulate an ideal indoor climate. They wash dirt out of the air and leave clean, optimally moisturized air. Airwasher helps maintain optimal humidity and filters up to 99.99% of air particles ‒ a win-win solution.
Fact: Choosing the Right Humidifier for Your Home Is Vital
There are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect humidifier. Before purchasing one, consider:
- Room size: Choose a device that matches the size of the room you’ll be using it in. Venta offers portable humidifiers are available for rooms up to 1,290 square feet.
- Run time: It’s best to look for a humidifier that runs for at least 8 to 10 hours on a single tank so you don’t have to keep refilling it as frequently.
- Maintenance: Some humidifiers are easier to clean than others. Venta models have fewer parts or and some components are dishwasher-safe to save you the effort.
- Humidification method: While there are various humidification methods, not all humidifiers are created equal.
Fact: It’s Beneficial to Routinely Maintain Your Humidifier
Maintaining a maintenance schedule is crucial to ensure you get the best benefits for your skin. Neglect can lead to your system not operating as it should, which could worsen your air quality instead of improving it. Keep your humidifier in tip-top shape by:
- Cleaning it bi-weekly: We always recommend cleaning your Venta Humidifier or Airwasher every 14 days. rBuildup from the minerals naturally found in tap water can occur, so regular maintenance can help keep for humidifier running for years to come.
- Using distilled water: Tap water often leaves mineral deposits. Opting for distilled or filtered water can combat this issue.
Final Fact: Humidifiers Are One of the Best Solutions to Combat Winter Skin
A humidifier is your new best friend when the harsher winter months arrive. By regulating the moisture quality of the air, humidifiers prevent dryness, flakiness and irritation. Investing in a humidifier may be the key to enjoying softer, healthier skin throughout the cold season.
