If you're wondering whether a humidifier helps with dry skin, the answer is a resounding yes. Models and beauty experts alike tell us that the device is just as essential to their skincare routines as a night cream. The reason it's so effective is that it directly counteracts the very cause of our skin's dehydration. A humidifier works in an altogether unique way, drawing moisture from the surrounding environment to counteract dry air. As a result, humidifiers are often associated with treating allergies, chapped lips—and, of course, dry skin. Ahead, we spoke to four skincare experts about the best way to use a humidifier and the benefits they can provide to dry skin.
How It Works
Humidifiers transform water to water vapor, increasing the humidity in a room and making it more moist. As an effect, the skin and sinuses are less dry, as well. "A humidifier is designed to put moisture back in the air, which helps reduce the potential for dry skin," says Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at Cornell. "By putting moisture in the air, a humidifier helps to keep the skin hydrated; as we know, the skin can become dry and irritated in a low humidity environment."
"Low humidity and dry climates draw moisture out of the skin," adds Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of AziMD Skincare. "Humidifiers release water vapors into the air allowing us to better control the way our skin responds. The skin holds onto water more effectively in a humid environment and stays more hydrated."
Who It's For
"While anyone can use a humidifier, it is especially helpful for those with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin," says Dr. Garshick. Dr. Shirazi adds that those who live in dry climates with less than 60 percent humidity and those in extremely cold climates where you're constantly running the heat can also benefit from a humidifier. "A home in the winter can drop to a 15 percent humidity level, but a humidifier can boost this up significantly," says celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau. And if you're in a particularly hot region where you spend most of your time indoors with air-conditioning, you could benefit from one, too.
The Benefits
- Hydrates skin, lips, and hair: "Humidifiers can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin and hair, including cracked or chapped lips," says Dr. Garshick. "When we keep our skin hydrated and moisturized, it achieves a healthy balance. Those with aging skin may notice more fine lines and wrinkles when their skin is drier, so they may find improvement in their skin quality overall when using a humidifier."
- Reduces flare-ups of eczema and rashes: By adding more moisture into the surrounding area, Dr. Shirazi notes that humidifiers can reduce flare-ups from conditions like eczema.
- Strengthens the microbiome: "Humidifiers are also beneficial to support the skin’s moisture barrier," says Dr. Shirazi. "[They] can strengthen the skin’s defense against microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, and protect against environmental damage."
- May reduce breakouts: "Dehydrated skin can cause our oil glands to overproduce sebum so your skin can be dehydrated (lack of water content) and oily at the same time," says Dr. Shirazi. "This can flare up conditions like acne and seborrheic dermatitis, resulting in dry flaky skin in the T-zone.
How to Use
You can use a humidifier, like Honeywell Mistmate Cool Mist Humidifier, any time, day or night, though celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas advises going the nighttime route. "Sleep with a humidifier in your bedroom," she says. "It will add just enough moisture to give your skin the chance to do some real healing.” Dr. Shirazi agrees, noting that you'll get the best results if you use your humidifier overnight while you sleep, typically between six to eight hours. "A humidifier can be placed in the bedroom or any room where you may be for an extended period of time," adds Dr. Garshick.
"In general, many people find humidifiers especially useful in areas of low humidity and during the cold winter months," Dr. Garshick tells us. "Additionally, for patients who have an impaired skin barrier or dry skin, this can be an issue in all seasons, so it may be useful to have a humidifier all year round." And if you want to up the hydration, slather on a serum, oil, and moisturizer before turning on the device.
Byrdie Tip
In order for your humidifier to yield the best results, keeping it clean is key. Humidifiers are prone to breeding yeast, fungi, and bacteria, Dr. Shirazi tells us. She recommends washing them regularly (read: every three days) with soap and water or distilled white vinegar.
The Results
Despite the benefits of adding a humidifier to your bedroom, it cannot perform on its own; a solid, dermatologist-recommended skincare routine is even more important. "A humidifier can help to keep the skin hydrated, but is not the only answer or solution for dry skin," says Dr. Garshick. "Using moisturizing creams in addition to a humidifier can be helpful to address dry skin. Especially in dry environments or in the cold winter months, it may be recommended to keep the humidifier on regularly and use it is as needed, which may be daily."
We recommend applying Grown Alchemist's gloriously thick Hydra-Repair Cream and Rouleau's Moisture Infusion Toner after cleansing. "If you leave your skin bare for more than 60 seconds, moisture will start to evaporate out of the skin, leaving it tight and dry," explains Rouleau. "Perform your skincare routine quickly, so the moisture in your skin stays put."
Byrdie Tip
Take extra care in the winter to immediately moisturize your complexion after cleansing it, preferably with an alcohol-free toner followed by a cream or serum to lock moisture in.
The Final Takeaway
Skincare experts agree that humidifiers can be incredibly useful for those dealing with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin. However, they should not be used as a standalone solution. Make sure you're using a dermatologist-backed skincare routine for dry skin coupled with a humidifier for the best results.