Humidifiers For Skin: Types, Benefits, Working, Risks, & Uses

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, and that is what you need in dry conditions. Lack of moisture in the air (low humidity) impacts your skin negatively. Using a humidifier helps you balance out humidity levels in your room and prevents the skin from becoming dry and rough. This may even help delay the appearance of aging signs like wrinkles, which may be contributed by dry skin.

In this article, we further discuss the benefits of a humidifier for the skin, how it works, which humidifier to choose, and a few tips on how to use it safely. Keep reading.

Fun Fact

The first indoor humidifier was invented by Robert Banks, an American inventor, in the 1960s.

Benefits Of Using Humidifiers For Skin

Humidifiers are valuable tools in beauty and wellness routines, as they maintain optimal indoor air quality and promote skin health. Here are the benefits of humidifiers for the skin.

1. Helps Reduce Water Loss From Skin

Low humidity levels compromise the skin barrier function (1). Such weather conditions cause the lipids and oils that bind the skin cells together to evaporate and expose the inner layers of the skin to external hazards. This weakened skin barrier function causes more water to be lost from the skin’s surface, making the skin rough and dry (2). The increased dryness may further lead to dry skin disorders (3).

In addition, a study suggests that fine wrinkles may form on the skin if exposed to low humidity levels for short periods (like 6 hours) (4). A humidifier can balance out low levels of moisture in the air and combat dryness that can strip the skin of its natural hydration (5). Low moisture levels not only affect your skin, but may lead to dry hair as well. If you are experiencing dry skin around the nose, using a humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air, preventing further irritation. Moreover, you can use many home remedies to prevent dry skin around the nose, such as using sunscreen, staying hydrated, etc., to get that soft and supple skin.

Zahra, a blogger, shared her experience about using humidifiers to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and suppleness in her blog. She said, “I’ve used humidifiers for the longest time, I love how they keep the air in the room clean, fresh and fragrant but also like how extra beneficial they are in the winter months. I generally use the humidifier almost everyday and really feel the benefits (i).” She added, “It does get extremely warm and toasty in the house and I find this dehydrates me a heck of a lot because the air is so so dry, using a humidifier puts moisture back into the air which the radiator heat dries out and so in turn your skin isn’t feeling as parched.”

2. May Help Manage Skin Disorders

Dry air in air-conditioned rooms can worsen skin conditions like senile xerosis (dry skin) and atopic dermatitis (red, inflamed, and itchy skin) besides making the skin rough (6), (7). Humidifiers add moisture to dry air and may keep such skin conditions from progressing. A study shows that using a humidifier that generates nano-sized water particles may hydrate the skin better, improve the skin barrier function, and reduce transepidermal water loss (8). However, more studies are needed to assess this type of humidifier. Moreover, incorporating winter face care tips, such as using lukewarm water for the skin and staying hydrated, can make a significant difference in preventing skin dryness during colder months.

3. May Prevent Bacterial And Viral Infections

Certain bacteria or viruses thrive at both high and low humidity levels. These microorganisms can cause skin infections that threaten skin health and quality. Research shows that these microorganisms are less likely to survive at a relative humidity level of 30 to 60% (5). A humidifier helps balance out the humidity level, preventing the microbes from affecting the skin.

4. May Protect Skin From Irritants And Allergens

As stated, low humidity levels affect the skin barrier function. As a result, irritants and allergens penetrate the skin (1). This may increase the risk of skin diseases and flare-ups in people with atopic dermatitis(red, inflamed, and itchy skin). A humidifier comes in handy by increasing the humidity levels.

When used in conjunction with moisturizers, these tools can lock in the added moisture, keeping your skin hydrated. Moreover, they also work in tandem with air purifiers that help create a healthy indoor environment and support respiratory health.

What are the types of humidifiers available and how do they work? Let us discuss them in the next section.

Types Of Humidifiers And How They Work

Humidifiers are available in different types. These include:

• Console humidifiers: Ideal for floor use and are encased in cabinets.
• Portable humidifiers: Smaller and transportable.
• Central humidifiers: Built into heating and air conditioning systems. They humidify the entire premises.
• Ultrasonic humidifiers: Create cool mists through ultrasonic sound vibrations.
• Impeller humidifiers: Have a high-speed rotating disk that produces cool mist.
• Evaporative humidifiers: Send moisture into the air using a fan to blow out air through a wet absorbent material like a belt or filter.
• Steam vaporizer humidifiers: Use an electrical heating mechanism to heat water. The warm mist formed is then cooled before exiting the humidifier.

Quick Tip

To choose the best indoor humidifier, consider the size of the room you want it for. You need a balanced humidity level for best results, which should be between 30-50%, according to experts.

How To Use A Humidifier To Improve Skin— Tips To Consider

1. Add water to the humidifier. Use bottled or distilled water as it contains fewer microorganisms and lower mineral content.
2. Clean the humidifier regularly. It may contain microorganisms or dirt particles that may affect your skin and health. Clean portable humidifiers every third day. Empty the tank and use a brush or scrubber to clean them. Remove any scales, deposits, or film formed on the sides of the tank or on interior surfaces. Wipe all surfaces dry. Be sure to unplug the unit while cleaning.
3. Do not use the humidifier in all climatic conditions. Use it only to balance out humidity and moisture conditions.
4. Use demineralized cartridges and filters.
5. The skin becomes dry and rough at low humidity. Switch on your humidifier before you get into the daily skin care routine. This helps your skin retain moisture for longer periods.

Using a humidifier during the day might improve your skin health. But is it alright to keep it running the entire night as you sleep? Read to know more.

Is Sleeping With A Humidifier Turned On Good For Skin?

Using a humidifier as you sleep is perfectly alright.

It might even help you sleep better if you have dry and itchy skin, sinus issues, cold congestions, and cracked lips. A consistent skincare routine for dry skin will work best when paired with regular use of a humidifier to improve skin hydration. Besides, applying your skincare products and sleeping with the humidifier running may promote uninterrupted sleep. It improves skin moisture and may even keep your scalp free of itching or dryness.

It is clear that a humidifier can improve skin health by providing adequate humidification. But it may have some side effects too.

Things To Be Aware Of — Risk Factors

Research shows that the toxicity of biocides (pesticides or fungicides) mixed in the water of humidifiers may cause a particular pulmonary syndrome in pregnant women and children (9). Using a humidifier may also increase the humidity levels, which may support the growth of microorganisms that can cause infections (5). Using humidifiers may also cause thermal discomfort (exposure to either excess heat or excess cold) (6). Water mist sprays can be an effective alternative. They hydrate the skin without the drawbacks of a humidifier.

Stop using a humidifier if you experience any respiratory issues. Contact your doctor immediately.

Infographic: How To Keep Your Humidifier Clean

One of the numerous ways to keep your skin hydrated and healthy is to use a humidifier. However, keep in mind that humidifiers should be free of hazardous bacteria and germs. So, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Check out the infographic below to understand more about keeping your humidifier clean.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Illustration: Humidifiers For Skin: Types Benefits Working Risks & Uses

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

A humidifier adds moisture to the air, making it more comfortable and helping to reduce health issues. Watch the video to know why you need one!

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy.

Read full bio of Dr. Priya Gill

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

Read full bio of Ramona Sinha

Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

Read full bio of Medha Deb