How do I protect my skin from dry indoor air?

Does indoor heating dry out your skin?

Yes. Low winter humidity dries skin, and indoor heating can strip away more moisture. Dry skin can feel tight or rough, flake, and itch; severe dryness can cause cracks and bleeding. A warm room can still have dry air, so the thermostat is not a skincare instrument. People aged 65 or older and those who wash their hands frequently are more prone to dryness.34

How do I stop my skin drying out indoors?

1. 1Keep baths and showers to five to ten minutes. Use lukewarm water and a gentle, fragrance free cleanser, rather than hot water and harsh soap.
2. 2Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. Apply moisturizer within about three to five minutes, while skin is still damp, to help trap water in the skin.
3. 3Moisturize in the morning, before bed, after washing your hands, and whenever skin feels dry. Choose products intended for the area you are treating; your face and body can need different moisturizers.
4. 4Before bed, apply petroleum jelly to particularly dry patches. Use lip balm or petroleum jelly for dry lips, and switch lip balms if one causes stinging or tingling.

Choose free and clear laundry detergent and fabric softener to avoid fragrance that can irritate dry skin. Wear gloves for washing dishes or other tasks that repeatedly wet your hands. Loose cotton clothing reduces rubbing, and a cotton or silk layer under rough fabrics helps protect dry, sensitive skin.13

Should I use a thicker moisturizer in winter?

If your skin is dry, choose a cream or ointment rather than a lotion: creams and ointments add more moisture and are more effective for dry skin. Look for ceramides and cholesterol, which help restore the skin barrier, the outer layer that keeps moisture in. Glycerin attracts moisture to skin. Choose fragrance free products, not just unscented ones: unscented products can contain ingredients that hide other odors and irritate sensitive skin. Unscented is not fragrance free, because apparently even the absence of a smell needs fine print.146

Can a humidifier help dry skin?

Yes. Adding moisture to dry indoor air helps skin become less likely to crack, itch, and chap. A portable humidifier in your bedroom can help while you sleep. Use a hygrometer, a device that measures air moisture, to check whether your home falls below 30% humidity. Check levels every few days and keep humidity below 50%; excessive moisture encourages mold and dust mites and can worsen asthma and allergies. Follow the device instructions for running time rather than assuming it needs to run constantly.25

Use distilled water, particularly in cool mist or ultrasonic units, to reduce minerals released into the air. Change the water daily, wash and sanitize buckets or filter systems every two to three days, and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions. A humidifier needs regular cleaning, so buying one also buys you a small recurring chore. Avoid confined spaces where moisture can build up. Do not add essential oils unless the device is designed for them, and never run it with vinegar in the water. Stop using the humidifier and contact a healthcare provider if it seems to affect your breathing or health.27

When should I get help?

Itch from dry skin should improve within a few weeks of simple skincare changes. See a dermatologist if dryness persists or keeps returning, or skin becomes red and itchy. Tell them if moisturizer burns, stings, or irritates your skin. Ask before using an itch relief cream, which can worsen irritation. Very dry skin sometimes needs prescription treatment; do not assume persistent symptoms are only the heating.136