Next to acne, having dry skin is one of the most common skin conditions that affect Americans. This skin problem is most prevalent in the winter, impacting roughly two-thirds or 65% of the population, according to a recent survey. As a result, the market is flooded with different types of moisturizers, creams, emulsions, masks, lotions, and serums, all promising to give you healthy, hydrated skin.
Those who are experiencing tight, itchy, and flaky skin have turned to these products for relief, and in 2017, it was recorded that 24.17 million individuals used facial moisturizer 14 times or more within a week. But if you want a better solution to address your skin condition, you may want to consider using a humidifier to hydrate your skin from within. If this device is currently collecting dust and cobwebs in your home, clean it and bring it out now—you’ll want to use it after learning how a humidifier can improve and beautify your skin.
Best Humidifier to Buy
The range of humidifiers on the market can make finding the right one for your skin difficult. However, they come at a range of price points so you can consider your budget when looking at the options available. When looking to buy the best humidifier for your needs, keep in mind what you are expecting to get from your new gadget. It has the potential to improve your skin and improve the hydration of your body overall.
Humidifiers come in different models and your requirements will influence the choice you make. For example, smaller portable humidifiers are a great choice for anybody who is frequently on the go, travels for business and needs access to an effective humidifier that can easily be packed. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a device to use just at home there are larger all-in-one humidifier units which can sit on your dressing table or bedside cabinet. There are humidifiers specifically designed for use in the bedroom as well as those which need their filters changing, which could be something you’re hoping to avoid, to keep the use of the product as simple as possible. The more questions you ask yourself before buying your humidifier will help ensure you buy the right one for your needs.
Some humidifiers come with additional functions too. There are dual-use humidifier and oil diffuser units which have become particularly popular and can bring the relaxing benefits of essential oils as well as the beautifying benefits of a humidifier for your skin. Other considerations you might have could include energy efficiency, noise the unit makes when in use and general design. Some humidifiers on the market do have a clinical appearance which you may want to avoid but there are plenty of sleek modern designs too. The wide range of high quality humidifiers means there is an option for everyone.
Humidifiers are Not Just for Allergies
Humidifiers release steam into the air to make it easier to breathe in during the cold months. This is why those with allergic rhinitis can’t imagine living without one as this device is often used to treat the symptoms of this condition by improving nasal congestion and irritation. But apart from being a tried-and-tested way to manage allergies, having a humidifier in your home can also help to keep your skin moisturized, which can result in younger-looking skin.
How Humidifiers Work to Improve Your Skin
You don’t have to wait for winter to use a humidifier to protect your skin. If you live in low-humidity cities such as Las Vegas or Phoenix, using the device can help to soothe your chapped lips and parched complexion. As it adds moisture to the air, it can make your skin feel better by easing the tightness or itchiness associated with dry skin. Moreover, it helps to keep the skin’s moisture barrier hydrated, even while you sleep.
Board certified dermatologist Ava Shamba spoke with Teen Vogue, explaining how using a humidifier can beautify the skin. The expert said that as steam can open pores to let water back into the skin, it can result in skin that has “a beautiful sheen to it.”
Meanwhile, Park Avenue dermatologist Neal Schultz told You Beauty that a humidifier can possibly help to plump up the skin to improve wrinkles. However, the expert says that it may take high levels of moisture in the air to make this happen.
“For it to get that high, you’d probably be uncomfortable and your sheets would be damp,” said Schultz. “So theoretically, yes, but practically, we’ll pass on that.”
What Type Of Humidifier Should You Get for Your Skin?
If you have yet to get this device for your bedroom or your home, you may be confused as to whether to pick a warm or cool mist humidifier. Most experts recommend a cool mist humidifier to soothe dry skin. Keeping the heat low or at a moderate temperature can also help to avoid increasing the dryness in the air. Remember to use distilled water whenever you’re using the device and give it a thorough cleaning every few days to keep it free from mold and bacteria.
Try These Tips To Hydrate Your Dry Skin with a Humidifier
While using a humidifier can be a low maintenance way to have beautiful skin, having a good skincare routine is also key to getting that gorgeous glow. Use a moisturizing facial wash to cleanse your skin in the morning, then follow with a hydrating toner, essence, and moisturizer before smoothing on your sunscreen or before makeup application.
At night, do a double cleanse by using an oil-based cleanser, then follow with a foaming facial wash. Apply toner, essence, and moisturizer. If your skin is feeling especially dry, try using a sleeping mask, which is usually thicker and richer than a night cream. What it does is it moisturizes all the dry patches on your skin so you wake up with a refreshed and glowing complexion.
Having dry skin can be a bother, but it can be managed. Apart from having a good skincare routine and using moisturizing products, try using a humidifier to improve and protect your skin. You can enjoy having healthy, radiant, and glowing skin all throughout the year.
Resources & Further Reading:
https://www.vogue.com/article/how-to-get-rid-of-dry-skin-winter-eye-cream-face-serum-mask-scrub
https://www.bustle.com/p/the-9-best-korean-sleeping-masks-for-maximizing-your-beauty-sleep-65122
https://unsplash.com/photos/hcs5KxfmVnQ
https://unsplash.com/photos/QZCMiplCm7Q
https://unsplash.com/photos/GyU5bulRFnw