Dry skin, parched hair, and painful sinuses aren’t just side effects of winter. That’s why finding the best humidifier for your space could be your best beauty buy of the year. Thanks to modern life, our air conditioners and heating systems can keep us dry as a bone all year round. Not to mention the increased sun exposure and environmental stressors that occur during the warmer months, it’s no wonder you feel like your moisturizer isn’t enough. Using a humidifier in your home (or even on the go) combats dry air so you can breathe easier and keep your skin and hair from feeling like leather and straw.
The Best Humidifiers:
Dry air may not seem like the most pressing beauty issue, but according to Suzanne Friedler, MD, clinical instructor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, this change in humidity (or lack thereof) can lead to issues like dry, brittle hair and leathery skin. “At these times when our skin and eyes are already prone to dryness, taking long hot showers and using harsh soaps can further remove the natural oils and moisture from our skin.” Dr. Friedler says. “People who live in dry climates also face a challenge in keeping their eyes and skin hydrated,” so using a humidifier is a helpful way to offset dryness, she says. With all of these at play, you can degrade your skin’s moisture barrier, so you might start to see flaky, cracked skin on your face or body.
If you’ve been alternating between dry, hot air, and cold air, heed this warning. These constant changes can strip your skin of its natural oils, Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City, previously told Allure. Dr. Goldenberg regularly recommends humidifiers to patients managing conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or simply dry skin.
We’ve narrowed it down to the best humidifiers money can buy—paying attention to runtime, ease of use, smart features, and area-coverage capabilities. You’ll find a range of options, whether you want one for your office’s parched corporate air or a design-forward humidifier for your bedroom oasis. One more word to the wise: When used regularly, humidifiers need to be cleaned every week (soap and water or some vinegar will do), otherwise they can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mold.