How to Get the Most Out of Humidifiers in Winter

Along with occlusive and emollient agents, moisturizers are one of the three main types of moisturizing ingredients. Even if you don't know exactly what a humidifier is, you've probably used one in your daily life. Do hyaluronic acid, glycerin or aloe vera do you need anything? 

A humectant is a moisture-attracting ingredient used in skin care to draw moisture to the skin. Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, board certified dermatologist in New York. She explains that moisturizers can get this moisture from deeper layers of the skin or from the environment around you, so this category can be especially helpful during humid summers. 

But what happens during the colder months when your skin is dehydrated and the air lacks moisture - are humidifiers still useful? Here, Dr. Murphy-Rose explains how to get the most out of humidifiers in drier climates and drier times of the year. 

How Humidifiers Work

“By applying a moisturizer to the dehydrated outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, we can draw water from the environment and deeper layers of the skin, and then redirect it to the stratum corneum where we want it,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. . 

One of the most common moisturizers is hyaluronic acid. “This is one of my favorite ingredients,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Other humectants you often see in skin care products are glycerin. propylene glycol and vitamin B5 or panthenol. Aloe vera, honey and lactic acid also have moisturizing properties. 

How to get the most out of humidifiers in winter 

Even when your skin and environment is dry, moisturizers will still work, they may need a little help to give you the best results. 

"It's important to stay hydrated by drinking enough fluids, especially in drier climates," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Another good tip for using a humidifier in winter is to apply it in the bathroom right after a shower, when there is still enough moisture and steam.”

Regardless of the time of year, she says that a moisturizing product containing a combination of moisturizers, occlusives, and emollients will be most effective. Together, these ingredients can help replenish moisture, seal it in, and soften the skin. 

Our favorite moisturizer products 

CeraVe Cream Foam Moisture Cleanser

Moisturizers aren't just found in serums and moisturizers. Cleansers can dry out the skin, so a formula containing moisturizing ingredients can help prevent this. This cream-foam formula contains hyaluronic acid to help retain moisture and ceramides to help maintain the skin's barrier.

Garnier Green Labs Hyalu-Melon Repair Serum Cream SPF 30

This serum-moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid contains hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract to hydrate the skin and smooth out fine lines. Ideal for daytime use for all skin types.

Kiehl's Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum

Containing a form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate eight superficial layers of skin** and an anti-aging adaptogenic complex, this serum helps improve skin hydration and texture while protecting skin from environmental stressors. After the serum, apply a creamy moisturizer to seal in this beneficial effect. ** Based on a clinical study of 25 participants measuring the penetration of the full formula with adhesive tape.