Google Trends reports often inform us of what people are searching for online at any given time, and ever since winter’s chill has set in, a hugely popular search has been humidifiers and the benefits of them for your skin.
Humidifiers can have a positive impact on your skin, but there can also be some negative side effects. We spoke to four dermatologists and one aesthetician to understand the pros and cons.
Dry winter air can wreak havoc on your skin (and not just the way it looks).
Dry air, which is quite common in certain geographic locations in the winter, can severely affect skin health. Dr. Howard Sobel, a clinical attending cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, said dry air strips the skin of its natural oils, degrading the moisture barrier and leading to peeling, cracking or flaking of the skin.
Plus, dehydrated, peeling skin and a damaged moisture barrier can create issues with protection of the skin against bacteria and pollutants, as well as transepidermal water loss, inflammation and sensitivity.
The air moisture levels can be an issue in both summer and winter, as central heating and air conditioning equally dry out the skin; depending on your location and humidity levels, you might need a humidifier year-round.
What do humidifiers do for the skin?
A dry, hot indoor environment can cause dehydration and itchy skin on the face and body, including the hair and eyes. According to Elizabeth Manessis, aesthetician and owner of Zeta Aesthetics in New York, people with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea suffer the most.
“The ideal humidity for skin health is between 40% and 60%. This can help prevent water loss, which leads to dry, flaky skin,” said Dr. Jordan Staples, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology.
Maintaining the optimal indoor humidity levels can also support the skin’s barrier. “It allows the skin to retain sufficient moisture to maintain its barrier function without becoming overly dehydrated. Too little humidity can cause dryness, while excess humidity could create an environment for microbial overgrowth,” said Dr. Aleksandra Brown, a board-certified dermatologist and managing partner at River Ridge Dermatology.
How close do you have to be to the humidifier to make a difference for your skin?
First, follow the instructions for your own humidifier. The experts recommend keeping it in the room you spend the most time in, like your living room or bedroom. You don’t have to be very close to it as long as you purchase one according to the square footage of your room.
“They should be placed at least 3 feet away and in a room where you spend most of your time,” Staples said.
Using a humidifier overnight while you sleep (for six to eight hours) may be beneficial, Staples added.
“The skin’s repair and hydration mechanisms are most active overnight,” Brown added.
Can a humidifier improve hydration for all skin types?
Generally speaking, humidifiers can help people of all skin types, but they may be particularly beneficial for combating dry skin, eczema, psoriasis and sensitive skin. “These conditions love dry environments, so increased humidity can alleviate symptoms and minimize flare-ups and discomfort,” Manessis said.
“Indoor humidity levels between 40 and 60% can reduce eczema flares by up to 30%. Even normal skin shows improved barrier function in properly humidified environments,” said Dr. Kunal Malik, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist.
In terms of wrinkles and fine lines, although a humidifier doesn’t directly get rid of them, it can minimize them thanks to the addition of moisture in the skin.
Does the type of water used in a humidifier (distilled vs. tap) affect its impact on the skin?
Distilled and demineralized water is preferred to ensure the humidifier works well and doesn’t exacerbate any skin conditions.
Tap water may not be safe to use, as minerals can form white dust that irritates sensitive skin or lungs. “Minerals from hard water may also clog the humidifier, reducing its effectiveness,” Brown said.
What type of humidifier do I need?
The ideal type of humidifier depends on a few factors. The experts agreed that cool mist humidifiers are the best solution to hydrate the skin and are generally easier to clean and regulate. Warm mist humidifiers are equally beneficial but may lead to burns if tipped over, as they use boiling water, hence they aren’t that safe around children or pets.
Finally, Manessis noted that a multipurpose humidifier, which is a style that’s popular in Europe, may also be a good choice. “They have multiple functions, such as humidifier, air purifier, HEPA filters all in one and can adjust the humidity levels in the room as well as detect dust particles and bacteria in the air,” she said.
How often is it supposed to be cleaned, and what are the side effects of not cleaning your humidifier?
The experts agreed that cleaning the device often is very important to avoid adverse reactions to your skin and lungs. After daily use, you can simply empty and rinse it. Deep clean it weekly with a vinegar-based solution, and ideally every three days.
“If humidifiers aren’t regularly cleaned, you can get a buildup of bacteria or fungus in the device, which can lead to worsening allergies or asthma,” said Staples.
Check out this great detailed guide on how to clean a humidifier.
Is there any reason to be cautious about using a humidifier to help your skin’s moisture?
Experts said it’s broadly safe to use a humidifier, but you should be more careful if you have allergies, asthma or seborrheic dermatitis.
“If it is hot and humid outside, it is not beneficial to run a humidifier indoors as this can lead to mold and mildew growth” Staples added.
Mold, bacteria, dust mites and fungus can create respiratory infections, skin irritations and breakouts, as well as asthma or allergies.
Anyone with severe asthma or allergies should consult a doctor before using a humidifier, Malik warned.
“Over-humidification (above 60%) can create an environment that promotes dust mites and mold growth. Additionally, using contaminated water can lead to microorganisms in the air,” he added.
“People with severe allergies or mold sensitivity should monitor the humidity level to prevent overuse,” Manessis said.
But overall, if you clean your humidifier regularly and keep the humidity levels under 60%, you’re in good shape.
Looking for a new humidifier? These are all highly reviewed.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Best option for small spaces
Lowe’s
Pure Enrichment MistAire 0.4-gallon tabletop humidifier
Made for spaces up to 250 square feet, this tabletop humidifier is great for bedrooms or offices. With an auto shut-off feature, the 1.7-liter tank can run up to 25 hours between fills. It’s a straightforward machine with two-speed settings and a mist nozzle that gives 360-degree coverage of your space.
Promising review: “I’ve got to say, this humidifier has been a game-changer for me. It’s like a breath of fresh air, literally. My allergies have been way more manageable since I started using it, and I’m sleeping like a baby again. Especially I’m from Denver which is a Mile High city, has less oxygen and almost no humidity in the air, it is very difficult for people as they suffer with nose bleeds and constant irritation. This humidifier outright removed this issue. Plus, my dry skin feels so much better. And I’ve noticed my plants are thriving too, which is a nice bonus. Definitely worth the investment.” — Bharath
Best for large spaces/whole house
Amazon
Lacidoll 5.3-gallon large room humidifier
Offering cool and warm mist, this large-format humidifier holds a whopping 5.3 gallons of water, working to up to 3,000 square feet with either cool or warm mist. Choose how humid you want your space for up to 12 hours, with a variety of levels and mist modes. An essential oil diffuser makes this machine a little more fun, letting you fill your space with spa-like aromas. It’s a top-filling design, so you don’t have to worry about leaks or pulling out a water box to refill and the brand offers a one-year warranty and 24-hour tech support.
Clip the on-page coupon for extra savings at checkout.
Promising review: “I recently purchased this great humidifier, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! This product has truly transformed my indoor air quality. The setup was incredibly easy, and I appreciated the sleek design that fits perfectly in any room. One of the standout features is its adjustable humidity settings, which allow me to customize the humidity level according to my preference. The whisper-quiet operation is a huge plus, making it ideal for use during the night without disturbing my sleep. Not to mention, the tank capacity is impressive, providing hours of continuous mist without frequent refills. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in overall comfort since I started using it. If you’re considering getting a humidifier, I highly recommend this humidifier. It delivers excellent performance and has quickly become an essential part of my home. Truly a five-star product!!!” — WaltM
Best bang for your 50 bucks
Amazon
Dreo smart bedroom humidifier
Clocking in at $49.99 — and even less if you hit the 10% off coupon — this Dreo smart humidifier gives you plenty of bells and whistles at the best price. It’s a smart humidifier that you can control and adjust via the app on your phone or with voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant. The 4-liter tank can run up to 32 hours with a nightlight feature to boot.
Just be sure to clip the on-page coupon before adding to cart. Savings will show up at checkout.
Promising review: “I have this in multiple rooms and love them! They are reasonable priced and have lasted me years!! Super quite. Easy to maintain and clean. The perfect amount of mist and I love how I can control everything with my phone! With a wood burner in the house, these are a must! Super quiet as well!” — erika
A solid option with smart control and other fun features
Target
Levoit 4.5 liter warm and cool humidifier
Known for its home appliances, Levoit makes quality air purifiers, fans and of course, humidifiers. This superstar option has nearly every feature you could want from smart control via the Levoit app, from essential oil diffusing to warm and cool mist options. The handy top-fill design lets you easily fill the 4.5-liter tank and use the auto mode to set your space to your preferred humidity level automatically.
Promising review: “This humidifier works quietly and efficiently. It features an auto mode that stops operation once the set humidity level is reached. You can also choose warm mist if desired. By installing the app, you can access more detailed settings, and the app installation process is quick and straightforward. Cleaning is also convenient. Overall, I highly recommend it. It definitely deserves a high rating.” — Angela
For babies and kiddos
Amazon
Frida Baby 3-in-1 cool mist humidifier with diffuser and color changing nightlight
A humidifier, diffuser and nightlight make this baby-friendly device a great addition to any nursery or kid’s room. The single knob is easy to control, with a half-gallon tank that can run up to 24 hours covering up to 320 square feet. The color-changing nightlight brings a soothing energy to a space and the auto-stop feature gives you extra peace of mind.
Promising review: “I love this in my nursery. It has been super helpful when my baby is congested. You can control the steam. There is a nightlight on it that you can use or not. You can adjust the direction you would like that steam to go. The humidifier is super quiet along with easy to clean.” — Abigail Vandeventer
A straightforward machine with an aroma diffuser
Amazon
Levoit 3 liter humidifier with oil diffuser
Another Levoit option, reviewers praise this model for being a simple, straightforward humidifier that’s easy to use, easy to sleep with and super quiet. The 3-liter tank works for 25 hours, covering up to 290 square feet. Add a drop of your favorite essential to the bottom for a peaceful aroma.
Promising review: “This humidifier is fantastic. It has a knob to control the amount of humidity it releases. It is very easy to put together and use. With a wider opening cleaning it is a breeze.” — Lis
If you want a humidifier and air purifier combo
Amazon
Afloia 2-in-1 air purifier and humidifier
Looking to consolidate home appliances? This option from Afloia gives you an air purifier with a detachable humidifier. The air purifier has three stages of filtration that clean air up to five times an hour in rooms up to 438 square feet, while the humidifier holds a half-gallon of water and can work continuously with the purifier for 12 hours. Clip the coupon for $15 off. Savings will show up at checkout, not in your cart.
Promising review: “I love this Afloia HEPA Air Purifier with Humidifier! Our house is super dry because of winter and having the heat on all the time! Was looking at getting a purifier and humidifier and found this during my search and it’s amazing. Super quiet and we have it in our living room and already notice a huge difference with the air quality.” — Misha Stange
A stylish, splurgy and internet-famous option
Amazon
Carepod Cube X50 stainless steel cool and warm mist humidifier
At first glance, this option may look more like a storage container or ottoman than a humidifier. Yet, from the brand Carepod, this TikTok-loved cube-shaped humidifier offers cool and warm mist with a 4.2-liter tank. Easily break it down into three parts (that are all easy to clean), with an automatic shut-off when the water is low.
Promising review: “This humidifier is the best! Firstly, it is easy to clean with only three parts to wash, making maintenance a breeze. Additionally, it is dishwasher safe for added convenience. Secondly, the warm mist it emits is incredibly beneficial during the winter nights, unlike most other humidifiers that tend to circulate cool air, leading to increased heating costs. Lastly, its sleek design makes it a stylish addition to any room in your house, instantly enhancing the decor while serving its purpose effectively.” — Gaheon Kim
A portable optional you can travel with
CVS
CVS Health mini top-fill humidifier
Holding 33 ounces, this portable humidifier is smaller than a Stanley 40-ounce cup and can run up to four hours between fills. It has an easy timer setting with an automatic shut-off with four mist settings. Great for traveling, small spaces or folks that need a lightweight, easy-to-move option.
Promising review: “Bought this for my mother in law to have in her assisted living apt. It’s just the right size, and easy for her to handle and refill.” — Doretta
A bedside option from a smaller brand
Canopy
Canopy bedside humidifier 2.0
Created to inhibit mold with parts that can go in the dishwasher, this option from Canopy sells itself. The 2.5-liter tank can run up to 36 hours and is suited for rooms up to 500 square feet. It has a special filtration system to deter mold buildup, a warm reading light, a white noise machine and an aroma diffuser all in one. The perfect bedsi de companion, this baby will earn its spot on your nightstand. Find it in a bunch of cute colors too.
Promising review: “We are so happy with this! We live in VT and rely on wood stove heat all winter. Using other brand machines we are refilling every 6-8 hours of use. This one, on highest level, lasts at least 12-15 hours. We love that it doesn’t spew a thick cloud and still is noticeably different in our living and dining room, both. Worth the money for that, the easy to clean tank (why is that not the standard ?!?) and the time it lasts on.” — kassandra S.
Finally, an $8 add-on that will help you use a humidifier properly
Amazon
ThermoPro TP49 digital indoor hygrometer and thermometer
While proper humidity is the goal, Brown says you want to be sure not to overdo it, as over-humidifying a space can actually make it harder to breathe and can encourage mold to grow. Per the EPA, you want the humidity level in your home to be ideally around 30-50%. How the heck can you tell if you’ve achieved that? A hygrometer is basically a thermometer for humility and tells you the percentage. This highly-rated option also gives you the temperature of your home, allowing you to really be in tune with what’s happening. While some of the fancier models on our list have humidity sensors built-in, this is a great add-on if you’re buying a budget model with fewer features, and you can use it in your home year-round.
Promising review: “This takes up little room, and I can move it about from room to room. It is accurate. Well worth the few dollars to buy.” — Susan Clare
