Humidifiers have many well-known uses, but did you know they can be good for your skin — especially in the winter? As dermatologist Dendy Engelman told Allure, “Low humidity levels degrade the skin’s natural moisture barrier, which can lead to flaking, cracking, and peeling.” She continued, “Abrasive factors such as indoor heating, strong winds, and hot showers can disrupt the [skin’s] lipid layer, which serves as a barrier [of] protection against bacteria, pollution and other harmful environmental assaults.” 

Basically, if you use a humidifier every day, you can have more control over the air in your home and ultimately, more control over your skin. According to celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau, per Byrdie, “Whenever the air is dry and moisture is not present, the air draws moisture from wherever it can (through osmosis), and sometimes it will be from your skin.” She went on, “Using a humidifier helps counteract the drying air so moisture is less likely to evaporate from your skin.” Board-certified dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, M.D., agreed, telling Bustle, “Adding moisture to the air will [also] help replenish moisture to your skin while you sleep.” 

Here’s what else you should expect to happen if you use a humidifier.

Air humidifiers work almost instantly

The best part about using a humidifier? You should notice a difference quickly, even soon after your first use. “As it immediately changes the quality of the air, humidifiers act very quickly,” cosmetic skin doctor MJ Rowland-Warmann told Glamour. “It will take several hours for the humidity in the room to change but we are taking hours, not days or weeks. Keeping the air constant is important as skin is just as sensitive to fluctuations as it is to extremes.”

However, if you’re going to invest in a humidifier for whatever reason, whether it’s to battle dry skin in the colder months daily or to help ease chapped lips on occasion, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to be on top of cleaning it. “Maintenance is very important with a humidifier and it is important to remember to clean these as directed to prevent build up of bacteria,” New York City-based dermatologist Marisa Garshick explained to HuffPost. So, if you’re someone who’s likely to forget, simply look for a humidifier that self-cleans for ease.

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