As the winter chill sets in, the impact of air humidity on human skin becomes a paramount concern for both the general population and healthcare professionals.
Winter, with its biting cold and fluctuating humidity levels, presents a unique set of challenges. You just can’t use a one-size-fits-all approach because every skin type is different and the climate varies from place to place.
Understanding the complicated relationship between environmental conditions such as humidity and skin health is crucial for providing effective aftercare, especially for those in the medical and beauty industries.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the science behind how air humidity influences the skin and provide actionable tips to optimize skin health during the winter season.
Effects of Humidity on Skin
Both low and high humidity levels can trigger skin problems. While there are winter skincare tips and routines to help with the changing weather, you should advise different routines for high and low humidity.
- Low humidity levels during winter reduce natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. These effects of low humidity can compromise the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
- High humidity is challenging for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin. Excess moisture in the air makes it difficult to deal with clogged pores, increases sebum production, and escalates the likelihood of breakouts.
Tips for High Humidity
Understanding whether high humidity is good for the skin is one of the keys to proper skincare. While it aids in keeping the skin hydrated and youthful, it also increases bacteria on the skin, heightening the risk of acne breakouts. The following tips can help:
Humidity-Adapted Skincare Routines
For individuals with sensitive skin, understanding the correlation between humidity and skin rashes is crucial. In humid conditions, the increased moisture in the air can create an environment conducive to skin irritation. Advise patients to opt for lighter skincare formulations.
Avoid Hot Showers
While this tip applies generally, it’s particularly relevant in high humidity. Suggesting lukewarm water helps prevent excessive dryness.
Hydrating Mist
Encourage the use of hydrating mists containing ingredients like aloe vera or rosewater. These mists provide a burst of hydration without heaviness, offering a quick and refreshing pick-me-up in humid conditions.
Tips for Low Humidity
Low humidity affects skin differently, so the following will help:
Regular Exfoliation
Low humidity can lead to dead skin cell accumulation and heightened dryness. Regular exfoliation becomes crucial for promoting healthy cell turnover and maintaining a smoother, more vibrant complexion.
Sun Protection
While sun protection is a year-round necessity, it’s common for patients to only remember it in the summer. It is, however, relevant in low humidity, when the skin may be more susceptible to damage. Reinforce the consistent use of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an appropriate SPF to shield against UV rays.
Hydration From Within
In dry conditions, humidity and itchy skin go hand in hand; thus, internal hydration becomes even more critical. Remind patients of the importance of staying well-hydrated from the inside out. Encourage water consumption and the inclusion of water-rich foods in their diet to support skin health.
Lip Care
We just can’t talk about humidity and skin without mentioning lip care. Low humidity can take a toll on lips, leading to dryness or, surprisingly, excessive moisture.
Combat dryness with a hydrating lip balm made with ingredients like shea butter or hyaluronic acid. For excess moisture, lip exfoliation is great to remove dead skin cells.
Indoor Humidity Control
You can fight outdoor humidity, but you can’t change it. The same is not true for your indoor space. Here’s how to take charge of indoor humidity:
- Invest in a humidifier. During the winter, heating systems can reduce indoor humidity and lead to dry skin. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air, preventing skin dehydration.
- Monitor humidity levels. Regularly check and adjust your home’s humidity levels using a hygrometer. Aim for a relative humidity between 30% and 50%. This range helps strike a balance between preventing dryness and avoiding excess moisture.
- Ventilation is key. Proper ventilation is crucial for controlling humidity. Ensure good air circulation by using exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, open windows when weather permits to allow fresh air in and maintain a healthy environment.
- Choose moisture-friendly houseplants. Certain houseplants can naturally increase humidity levels.
- Seal air leaks. Addressing air leaks in your home helps regulate both temperature and humidity. Proper insulation prevents the influx of cold, dry air in winter and hot, humid air in summer, maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor environment.
- Use dehumidifiers in humid climates. If you live in a humid climate, a dehumidifier is your ally. It removes excess moisture, prevents mold growth, and creates a more skin-friendly environment.
Humidity Effects: Other Health Concerns
Skin issues are not the only adverse humidity effects on the body. Patients might complain about the following:
Respiratory Issues
High humidity levels aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma and allergies, creating an environment conducive to respiratory discomfort. Low humidity may lead to dry nasal passages, increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance
Humidity and perspiration increase the risks of dehydration and potential imbalances in electrolytes by compromising the body’s natural cooling mechanism through sweating. On the flip side, low humidity accelerates water evaporation from the skin, contributing to increased fluid loss and dehydration.
Impact on Joint Health
Fluctuations in humidity levels can affect those with arthritis. Changes in humidity may influence shifts in atmospheric pressure, potentially contributing to heightened joint pain and stiffness.
Beautiful Skin All Year Round
Keeping skin in top shape is more challenging in the winter. Don’t let the season dictate whether your patients’ skin will be wonderful or problematic. Offer tailored advice, recommend appropriate skincare routines, cosmetic products like Sculptra, and address broader health concerns related to humidity. This way, you can empower your patients to thrive in the face of cold weather.
References
- Engebretsen KA., Johansen JD., Kezic S, Linneberg A., Thyssen JP. The effect of environmental humidity and temperature on skin barrier function and dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Feb;30(2):223-49. doi: 10.1111/jdv.13301. Epub 2015 Oct 8. PMID: 26449379.
- Goad N., Gawkrodger DJ. Ambient humidity and the skin: the impact of air humidity in healthy and diseased states. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2016 Aug;30(8):1285-94. doi: 10.1111/jdv.13707. Epub 2016 Jun 15. PMID: 27306376.
- Jang SI., Han J., Lee M., Seo J., Kim BJ., Kim E. A study of skin characteristics according to humidity during sleep. Skin Res Technol. 2019 Jul;25(4):456-460. doi: 10.1111/srt.12673. Epub 2019 Jan 8. PMID: 30620080.
