Benefits of using a humidifier

Reviewed by Karen Gill, MD

Dryness and humidity

Dry air can cause moisture to evaporate from the skin and respiratory symptoms to worsen over time. Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can counteract these problems.

Humidifiers can help people who experience:

• dry skin
• irritated eyes
• dryness in the throat or airways
• allergies
• frequent coughs
• bloody noses
• sinus headaches
• cracked lips

Six humidifier uses and their benefits

Some people experience respiratory symptoms in the summer months, when the weather is hot, and the air contains more allergens. Air conditioners and fans can circulate dry air through the room, and air conditioners remove any moisture from the air. A humidifier may be beneficial during this season.

However, people are more likely to benefit from a humidifier in the cold months, when cold air dries out the lungs, nose, and lips. Also, some types of central heating can dry out the air indoors.

Benefits of a humidifier may include:

1. Preventing influenza

Authors of one study noted that humidifiers might reduce the risk of catching the flu. After adding the influenza virus to the air with a simulated cough, researchers found that humidity levels above 40 percent rapidly deactivated virus particles, making them much less likely to be infectious.

2. Making a cough more productive

Dry air can cause a person to have a dry, unproductive cough. Adding humidity to the air can get more moisture into the airways, which can make a cough more productive. A productive cough releases trapped or sticky phlegm.

3. Reducing snoring

Increasing the amount of moisture in the air can also reduce snoring. If the air is dry, a person's airways are less likely to be sufficiently lubricated, which can make snoring worse.

Adding humidity to the air by running a humidifier at night may help to relieve some symptoms.

4. Keeping the skin and hair moist

Some people notice that their skin, lips, and hair become dry and fragile in the winter.

Many types of heating units pump hot, dry air through the house or office, which can make the skin dry, itchy, or flaky. Cold air outside can also dry out the skin.

Using a humidifier to add moisture to the indoor air may help to reduce the occurrence of dry, cracked skin.

5. Reducing allergy and asthma symptoms

Using a humidifier correctly can also be a good way to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.

People with dry sinuses or airways who are prone to allergic reactions may find that a humidifier relieves their issues.

Authors of a study in the International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Healthfound that teachers exposed to too high or too low levels of humidity in their classrooms had an increased risk of asthma-like symptoms. This increased risk was small, however.

6. Benefits for the home

Moisture from a humidifier can be helpful around the home. Any moisture-loving houseplants may become more vibrant, and wood floors or furniture may last longer. Humidity can also help to prevent wallpaper from cracking and static electricity from building up.

Humid air can also feel warmer than dry air, which could help a person to save money on utility bills in winter months.

Types of humidifiers

While most humidifiers have the same basic function, to add moisture to the air, many types are available:

• Steam vaporizers: These use electricity to create steam, which cools before it leaves the unit. However, there is a risk of burning the skin, and people should avoid using steam vaporizers around children.
• Ultrasonic humidifiers: Instead of electricity, these units use vibrations to vaporize water.
• Evaporators: These produce humidity by blowing air past evaporating water.
• Impeller humidifiers: These are generally child-friendly and use rotating disks, rather than heat, to vaporize water.
• Central humidifiers: A person connects one of these units to the central air conditioning in the home or office to add moisture to the entire space.

Sizes can vary. Console humidifiers are large enough to add moisture to an entire house or office, while personal humidifiers are portable and easy to carry.

Risks

A humidifier can be a great way to add moisture to the air, but there are some risks to consider.

Dirty humidifiers

Humidifiers turn water into breathable vapor in the air. If the unit's water tank is dirty, the vapor a person breathes will also be dirty.

A dark, humid tank is an environment that fosters germs, but regular cleaning can help to prevent any issues.

Always clean a humidifier thoroughly as directed by the manufacturer. Water should not sit in the humidifier for too long. If the humidifier has a filter, be sure to replace it often.

Too much humidity

Some humidity in the air can be a good thing, but excessive levels can make breathing difficult and some allergy symptoms worse. For example, common allergens, including dust mites, mold, and mildew, thrive in damp environments.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor humidity levels should be between 30 and 50 percent. Humidity levels above 60 percent are too high.

Anyone using a humidifier should also have a humidity meter, or hygrometer, in the room. Some humidifiers have built-in ways to measure humidity, while others require a standalone meter.

Using hard water or tap water

Many manufacturers recommend using only pure, clean water in their humidifiers. There are a few reasons for this.

Unfiltered tap water can contain higher levels of minerals and other particles than purified or distilled water.

Minerals from hard tap water can build up in the machine, causing it to wear down faster than expected.

The humidifier can also push these minerals into the air, and a person may inhale them. The particles may also settle around the room as dust.

Other risks

Some other risks associated with using a humidifier include steam burns from units that use heat and the growth of mold where moisture has accumulated on walls and ceilings.

Anyone using a humidifier should avoid getting too close to the machine. When using a humidifier in a room with a child, it is important to supervise them.

Basic tips

Basic tips for using a humidifier include:

• keep track of humidity levels
• change the water in the humidifier regularly
• clean the humidifier regularly
• change any filters as instructed
• use only distilled or purified water that does not contain minerals
• exercise caution when using a humidifier around children
• follow the manufacturer's instructions

Takeaway

Humidifiers can benefit people with skin issues or respiratory problems 

who live in areas with low humidity.

It is essential to remember that humidifiers cannot treat underlying 

conditions, such as asthma. They may be beneficial, but they should 

not replace medical treatment.

Anyone experiencing new or worsened symptoms when using a 

humidifier should turn it off and contact a doctor.

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10 Effective Ways To Moisturize Your Skin Naturally

By Kushneet Kukreja

ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition

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Dry skin can make you look dull and old. It is absolutely essential to provide your skin hydration so that it looks healthy. But it is not just the people with dry skin who need to do this. Not many know that even people with normal, combination, and oily skin must also moisturize their skin.

No matter the season, a moisturizer is essential for beautiful skin. Using a moisturizer every day can make your skin glow and provide deep hydration. The sun’s UV rays, along with seasonal changes in weather can cause a lot of damage to the skin, making it very dry. This dryness further leads to itching, dry patches, and many other skin problems. If you want your skin to stay free of these problems, you’ll need to moisturize it daily.

Although there are many moisturizers available in retail shops and online stores, you could do with some ingredients found right at your home. These homemade moisturizers contain fresh nutrients and can provide amazing results. Here they are!

How To Moisturize Skin Naturally At Home

1.   Oils

2.   Honey

3.   Aloe Vera Gel

4.   Milk Or Buttermilk

5.   Avocado

6.   Cocoa Butter

7.   Shea Butter

8.   Mango Butter

9.   Cucumber Juice

10.    Beeswax

Get Soft Skin With These Natural Remedies

1. Moisturize Skin With Oils

You Will Need

Coconut oil OR baby oil OR olive oil OR castor oil OR jojoba oil OR Mineral oil OR sesame oil. You can pick whatever is available at home.

What You Have To Do

1.   Apply the oil all over your body and massage for a minute or two. By massaging, the oil will get quickly absorbed into the skin and not stain your clothes.

2.   You can leave it overnight and take a shower early the next day morning for fresh skin, or use it after taking a shower.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week.

Why This Works

Dry and itchy skin requires deep hydration and what better than natural oils to do the trick? The many oils mentioned above offer excellent soothing effects for all skin types. They are very rich in vitamin E, vitamin A, and fatty acids. They lock in moisture and also supply the skin with essential nutrients for optimum skin health (1). With regular application, you’ll soon notice a smoother and softer skin. 

2. Moisturize Skin With Honey

You Will Need

Organic honey

What You Have To Do

1.   Apply a layer of honey on the affected area, for example, your face or your arms.

2.   Leave the honey on for 15-20 minutes.

3.   Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a week or more often if you have very dry skin.

Why This Works

Honey is one of the best natural moisturizers for skin. It is natural emollient and humectant. It penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin to moisturize it. It also helps in cleaning up your skin pores and restore the dull skin to it natural glow with its antioxidants (2, 3).

3. Aloe Vera Gel

You Will Need

An aloe vera leaf

What You Have To Do

1.   Peel off the outer part of the leaf and remove the inside stem that secretes the gel.

2.   Extract this gel and make sure you mash it nicely and apply it soon as possible.

3.   Allow it to dry for 10-12 minutes and then wash off with warm water.

You can store the remainder of the aloe vera gel in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for a few days.

How Often You Should Do This

You can repeat this once in every 2-3 days.

Why This Works

Keep an aloe vera plant on your balcony. It grows very quickly and within no time, you’ll have a home moisturizer at your disposal! Aloe vera gel has plenty of nutrients like vitamin E and vitamin A that are great for the skin. It also contains plant steroids that have anti-inflammatory property (4). This will help to relieve the itching sensation seen with dry skin.

4. Milk Or Buttermilk        

You Will Need

Cold milk or buttermilk

What You Have To Do

1.   Apply it generously on the affected area.

2.   Keep it on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse with lukewarm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Do this twice a week before taking a shower.

Why This Works

Dry and dull skin can really make you look haggard. But the solution is in your fridge! Both milk and buttermilk are effective ways to hydrate all skin types. They are quickly absorbed into the skin pores. Additionally, they can help in keeping away wrinkles as well (5, 6).

Caution

If you are allergic to milk and other dairy products, do not use this remedy.

5. Avocado As Moisturizer

You Will Need

An avocado

What You Have To Do

1.   Cut open the avocado and remove the pulp present inside.

2.   Gently mash this so that no lumps remain.

3.   Apply this on the affected area and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

4.   Rinse with warm water.

How Often You Should Do This

Repeat this twice a week.

Why This Works

All your dry and flaky patches will soon be gone with this home remedy. Avocado contains plenty of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals such as fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamin C, and vitamin E. These will nourish your skin and also protect it from free radical damage. Vitamin C aids in collagen and elastin synthesis leaving your skin firm and young-looking (7).

6. Cocoa Butter

You Will Need

Cocoa butter

What You Have To Do

1.   Shave the cocoa butter and rub into the skin gently. The butter will melt with the friction and spread over your skin.

2.   Leave it on.

If you have difficulty melting the butter, place a few pieces in a double-boiler for a couple of minutes and then apply on the skin.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this to moisturize your skin twice a week.

Why This Works

This natural butter extracted from cocoa seeds increases the skin’s elasticity and moisturizes it. This is due to the saturated fats present in it (8). The polyphenols in cocoa possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help in reversing the damage caused by UV exposure and have anti-aging effects (9).

7. Shea Butter

You Will Need

Organic shea butter

What You Have To Do

1.   Take a small dollop of shea butter and rub it in between your hands to melt it.

2.   Apply this all over the affected area.

3.   Massage for a few minutes so that it is absorbed into the skin.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this every night, before going to bed.

Why This Works

Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for the skin as it is rich in saturated fatty acids. It also has healing and anti-aging properties (10).

8. Mango Butter

You Will Need

Mango butter

What You Have To Do

1.   Apply the butter all over the skin and massage it in.

2.   Leave it on.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this daily or every alternate day.

Why This Works

Rich in antioxidants and compounds that moisturize the skin, mango butter is fast becoming the next big thing in the skin care industry (11). It is easily absorbed into the skin and does not leave a greasy residue.

9. Cucumber Juice

You Will Need

·         1 large cucumber

·         8 oz. paraffin wax

·         2 oz. carrier oil (almond oil works best)

What You Have To Do

1.   Peel the cucumber and cut in half along the length.

2.   Remove the seeds and blend the remaining cucumber pieces into a puree.

3.   Heat the paraffin wax in the microwave for 90 seconds to melt it.

4.   To this, add the carrier oil and cucumber puree. Mix thoroughly.

5.   Use this to massage the skin and moisturize it.

Store the rest of the mixture in an air-tight container.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this every night.

Why This Works

Cucumber is majorly water, and when used in a skin moisturizer, it hydrates the skin. It is a soothing agent that replenishes and rejuvenates the skin.

10. Beeswax

You Will Need

·         1 cup olive oil

·         1/2 cup coconut oil

·         2 oz. Beeswax

·         5-6 capsules Vitamin E oil

What You Have To Do

1.   In a glass container, put both the oils and the beeswax.

2.   Now, heat all these ingredients in a double boiler over medium heat. Mix every few minutes to get an even mixture.

3.   Once all the beeswax has melted and mixed well with the oil, take the container out and let it cool.

4.   Before the mixture solidifies, add the vitamin E oil from the capsules and stir well.

5.   Apply this beeswax lotion on the skin and massage well.

6.   Leave it on overnight.

Close the glass container with a tight lid and store for future use.

How Often You Should Do This

Use this every alternate day.

Why This Works

Beeswax softens the skin and also improves its elasticity. Coconut oil and olive oil are excellent moisturizers as well. They also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These cost effective, easy to make moisturizers can keep you looking beautiful and young. Why spend a fortune on chemical laden products when you can get the same benefits at a much lesser cost!

Here are some tips you should keep in mind when moisturizing your skin and taking care of it.

Tips For Moisturizing Your Skin

·         Use a gentle moisturizer on a daily basis. You can use richer moisturizers during the winter months to counteract the dryness caused by the cold temperatures.

·         While taking a shower or washing your face, ensure that the water is lukewarm and not hot. Hot water can sap moisture from the skin.

·         Do not use harsh soaps or body washes as these can make your skin dry and dull.

·         Use a moisturizer that is universal for all skin types or is for your specific skin type.

·         Every part of your body is important. You need to use both facial and body moisturizers.

·         Use a moisturizer with SPF in it or a sunblock on top of the moisturizer to protect your skin from UV damage.

·         Knowing what suits your skin and what doesn’t is essential. Conduct a patch test if you are unsure about any ingredient in the home remedies.

Risks Of Moisturizers

It is important to know if the moisturizer you are planning to use contains ingredients that are safe to use. When purchasing a product from the market, read the label carefully to know exactly what it contains. When it comes to the home remedies, the ingredients listed above are all safe to use and suit most skin types. As mentioned above, a patch test will remove any doubts from your mind about experimenting with a new ingredient.

Say goodbye to dull, dry, and unhealthy skin with these remedies and tips. Including them in your skin care routine is vital for a soft and glowing skin. It is never too late to start!

Now that you know how to moisturize skin naturally at home, what are you waiting for? Have you used any of these home remedies for moisturizing your skin? Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

 January 8, 2018

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