Can a humidifier save my winter skin?

There are a few reasons why the chilly months can be problematic for your skin. Typically, your skin reflects the moisture levels in the surrounding air; cold air holds less moisture and the drier the air, the harder it is for your skin to maintain its optimal level of hydration. If you’re prone to dry skin—or have a skin disorder such as eczema—you’re likely to suffer even more. High temperatures created by central heating, combined with low humidity, do your dermis no favours, either. One fix doing the rounds is to use a humidifier—a device that adds moisture back into the air. But can it stop your skin from drying out?

First, there’s no point investing in a humidifier if your skincare routine isn’t on point. At the start of winter, I recommend swapping light moisturisers for thicker, richer formulas that contain hydrating ingredients such as squalene, glycerin, jojoba oil, ceramides and dimethicone—and using them alongside your usual SPF (UV rays still penetrate your skin during winter). Overnight treatments are a great way to lock in moisture, while a facial oil will help to keep your skin barrier strong, which stops moisture from leaking out. If you have very dry skin, consider ‘slugging’; the (messy!) process involves applying a layer of Vaseline to your face before you go to sleep, to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL—the loss of water from the outermost layer of your skin barrier). If you have acne-prone skin, use moisturisers that contain ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides, as these are options that won’t cause congestion. Support your skin’s moisture levels even further by taking brief, lukewarm (not hot) showers.

If your skin still feels dry, it might be worth investing in a humidifier. By adding moisture to the air, they address the root cause of dry winter skin. Humidifiers turn water into steam or vapour, so running one in your living space over winter can help you maintain an indoor humidity level of 40 per cent to 50 per cent, ideal for preventing water loss in your skin. They can be particularly useful for people with eczema, rosacea or psoriasis, as they can help to reduce flare-ups. The bottom line? A humidifier can play a role, but it’s not the only solution for dry skin. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, when it comes to your skincare, consistency is king.

This piece originally appeared in the December 2023 print edition of Women's Health UK.

Feature image: @aliaabhatt/instagram