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On a recent Zoom call, one of our directors shared a surprising discovery: on a whim, she started running a humidifier at night to combat skin dryness. Within just a few days, she noticed not only a boost in hydration, but skin that looked noticeably plumper and healthier. She admitted with a laugh that she couldn\u2019t stop catching her reflection in the mirror\u2014and she\u2019s far from alone in being impressed by the skin-boosting results.<\/p>\n
Ahead, we\u2019re breaking down everything you need to know about the benefits of humidifiers for skin, from barrier support to glow-boosting hydration.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with the basics. Humidifiers are devices that turn water into vapor or steam to increase moisture in the air (aka humidity). By adding moisture back into dry indoor air\u2014especially during winter or in air-conditioned spaces\u2014they can help support skin hydration and barrier function.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re often confused with air purifiers, which clean the air by removing pollutants but don\u2019t add any moisture.<\/p>\n
Dermatologists have recommended humidifiers to dry-skin patients for years, but many people stop using them after a short time. New York dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, says she sees this often in her own practice. \u201cFor years, I have recommended humidifiers to my clients who suffer from skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis. I\u2019d ask them if they had a humidifier, and they\u2019d say yes. But then I\u2019d ask, \u2018Do you use it?\u2019 and they\u2019d say no. And I know why. My son has eczema, and my husband and I used to fight over who had to clean it.\u201d<\/p>\n
To solve the frustrating cleaning problem, a brand called Canopy created a dishwasher-safe water tank with anti-mold properties. \u201cBack in April 2020, I was introduced to the team at Canopy,\u201d says Dr. Engelman, who consults with the brand. \u201cThey had completely redesigned the humidifier and the consumer\u2019s experience with it. It\u2019s easy to clean, it\u2019s not an eye sore and its evaporative technology makes it a great tool for supporting skin health and overall wellness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Miami dermatologist Annie Gonzalez, MD says that if you\u2019ve committed to keeping your skin dewy with the help of a humidifier, you should make sure to keep it clean. \u201cIf the water or the device is dirty, so will the vapor that you inhale and let penetrate your skin. A dirty humidifier also fosters mildew, mold and other germs, but regular cleaning and frequent replacement of filters can prevent this from happening.\u201d<\/p>\n
Charlotte, NC dermatologist Gilly Munavalli, MD also recommends filling your device with \u201cdistilled water to avoid any collection of hardness in the machine or any aerosolization of other compounds that may be present in tap or well water. The Miro NR08M humidifier is good for larger rooms, has a great misting system and can be broken down completely for thorough cleaning, which is highly recommended on a regular basis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Humidifiers are an asset for many people year-round, but they can be especially helpful during the winter months when the air is drier (Kang notes that blasting AC in the summer can create the same effect). \u201cDry air can cause moisture to evaporate from the skin, leading to dry, cracked skin, the worsening of eczema and chapped lips. Adding moisture to the air can counteract these problems,\u201d Dr. Gonzalez explains. Because of this, dry and dehydrated skin types benefit most from extra humidity, as well as \u201cpatients who suffer from atopy, including atopic dermatitis (eczema) or seasonal respiratory allergies (hay fever), which can be related,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n
However, according to New York dermatologist Doris Day, MD, those who naturally sweat a lot most likely don\u2019t need a humidifier. \u201cYour sweat makes natural moisturizing factor (NMF), and that helps keep your skin well-hydrated.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Engelman says there are two main ways optimal humidity levels support skin health. One is through our skin\u2019s barrier function: \u201cThink of your skin like a brick wall, where the skin cells are bricks and the mortar\u2014ceramides, lipids and cholesterol\u2014is what holds the cells together,\u201d she explains. \u201cThe job of our skin barrier is to keep harmful pathogens out while retaining cell moisture. If you don\u2019t have optimal humidity, then your environment is actually pulling moisture out of your skin. Using a humidifier supports your body maintaining a healthy skin barrier, and in turn, you will notice less dryness, flaking, redness, and even breakouts.\u201d<\/p>\n
The other way humidity impact skin is through reducing transepidermal water loss as we sleep. \u201cIt is a little-known fact that our body temperature fluctuates as we sleep\u2014it\u2019s why you find yourself kicking off the covers in the middle of the night\u2014and we lose water trying to regulate our body temperature,\u201d Dr. Engelman says. \u201cIn sub-optimal humidity environments, we can experience major transepidermal water loss because the environment is pulling moisture from our skin. But, while we\u2019re sleeping, the body\u2019s hydration rebalances, encouraging skin metabolism and cell turnover and repair, so it is critical to support skin during this time, and humidifiers are a great tool to do that.\u201d <\/p>\n
Though these devices are great skin-care tools, it\u2019s important to understand that they are a complement to topical products, not a replacement. \u201cDry skin seems to benefit from humidifiers, but they are no substitute for a good emollient or moisturizer, which is best applied after a bath or shower,\u201d says Dr. Munavalli. Additionally, one of the reasons Kang created Hey Dewy is because mist is a great addition to a skin-care routine. \u201cDamp skin acts like a sponge, quickly absorbing any products and ingredients you put on it. So, if you mist during your regimen, you are maximizing the performance of your serums, oils and creams. Then humidify again overnight while skin is in repair mode.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLike anything, even humidity in excess can cause some harm,\u201d says Dr. Gonzalez. \u201cExcessive moisture levels indoors can make breathing difficult and worsen allergy symptoms because common allergens like dust mites and mold thrive in damp environments. A humidity meter can measure the levels in your home or space\u2014aim for 30 to 50 percent.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re not ready to get a humidifier, or you want to experiment with the impact of humidity levels on your skin before purchasing a device, Dr. Day says \u201cyou can place a glass bowl or pot with room temperature water on a heater or shelf. The water will naturally evaporate and add moisture into the air. I would boil the water for 10 minutes or so, and then let it cool to room temperature before using it for this purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n