Doesn't Have To Dry Out Your Skin
For many people, the cold clear days of winter bring more than a rosy glow to the cheeks. They bring the opportunity to cozy up in a favorite sweater, donning those new socks and settling in front of a toasty fireplace. Even if you don’t have a skin condition like eczema, your skin needs a little more TLC during the winter months.
Indoor heat sources, whether its wood, oil or electricity ,all eliminate moisture in the air, the humidity. As the air becomes drier, it will try to pull moisture from the nearest source. Unless you are running a humidifier, that nearest source might be you skin, especially your face, hands, and feet. When your skin becomes dry it results in flaking, cracking and itching. This condition even has it's own name, "Winter itch."
Low humidity in your home during the winter season can not only wreck havoc on your skin, it can also lead to worsening allergies, static electricity and increased susceptibility to colds and flu.
Six Simple Solutions
Here are six some simple solutions to add humidity to your home and moisture to your skin.
- Get a portable humidifiers. They are easy to find and easy to operate! Heathy tip: It’s a good idea to use distilled water in any humidifier, to help prevent bacteria from growing in the tank or machine. especially if anyone in your home suffers from allergies.
- Skip the dryer cycle and hang your clothes up to dry wherever you have room. Your damp clothes will add moisture to the air as it evaporates. It takes a little longer but the bonus is it makes your home smell clean and fresh!
- After you step out of that relaxing bath, don’t drain the water right away! Leave the bathroom door open and allow the steaming water to add moisture to the air as the water cools. If you prefer to take a nice, steamy shower, leaving the door open is an easy way to add a little extra moisture to the air in surrounding areas.
- Simmer a big pot of soup or potpourri on your stovetop for a few hours. Switch to a tea kettle instead of relying on the microwave to heat that cup of hot chocolate goes a long way.
- Place a few bowls or a vases full of water around your home. Find a sunny windowsill, or if you have a radiator, set an ceramic or other oven-safe bowl full of water on top of it.
- Add more houseplants. Transpiration is the process by which moisture evaporates from the leaves and stems of plants, adding much needed humidity to the air in your home. Be sure to keep them well watered.
