Is Humidity Good For Skin?
- Posted on: Jul 18 2022
Have you ever noticed a difference in your skin while traveling? Maybe you’ve observed a change in your skin’s moisture levels when the seasons change. If so, what you’ve experienced is the different ways your skin reacts to changing humidity levels. Keep reading as we explore if humidity is good for skin.
Is Humidity Good for Skin?
When determining if humidity is good for skin, you should first consider your skin type. Humidity measures the presence of water droplets in the air, which means there’s a lot of moisture in the air when the weather is humid. This can be beneficial if you have dry skin, but high humidity levels can cause skin problems if you have oily or combination skin. Likewise, low levels of humidity can also negatively affect your skin, especially if your skin is dry.
How High Humidity Affects the Skin
High humidity levels provide many benefits that can improve the health of your skin.
Hydration
The increased levels of moisture in the air when the weather is humid prevent your skin from drying out. If your skin is normal or dry, higher humidity levels can help your skin feel soft, supple, and more nourished in comparison to a drier climate.
Increased Cell Turnover
A moisture-rich climate can also promote skin cell turnover and the shedding of dead skin cells. The skin’s regeneration process is stimulated when your skin is adequately hydrated. This encourages the regular shedding of dead skin cells, leaving you with smoother, brighter-looking skin.
Anti-Aging Effects
The effects of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, are more noticeable if your skin lacks moisture and feels dry. So, if you’re concerned about the premature signs of aging, humidity can provide your skin with the moisture it needs to appear more supple and youthful.
Now let’s look at a few of the negative effects humidity can have on your skin.
Increased Sebum Production
If your skin is oily, high humidity can increase sebum production and trap too much moisture in your skin. Although some sebum is essential for healthy-looking skin, an overproduction of sebum causes your skin to feel oily and greasy.
Acne
Excess sebum and oil on your skin caused by high humidity can lead to congestion and clogged pores, resulting in acne, blackheads, and whiteheads. Humid environments can also increase bacteria on your skin, which also increases your risk of acne breakouts.
Heat Rash
Prolonged exposure to humid environments can lead to excessive sweating. This can block the sweat glands and trap moisture under the surface of your skin, causing a heat rash. If you have a heat rash, you’ll notice red, itchy bumps on your skin.
Taking Care of Your Skin in Humid Conditions
Follow these tips to improve the health of your skin and prevent the negative effects caused by high humidity:
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- Exfoliate regularly to encourage the removal of dead skin cells.
- Wear a lightweight moisturizer that hydrates your skin without leaving an oily residue.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove sweat, dirt, and impurities.
- Avoid touching your face.
How Low Humidity Affects the Skin
Low levels of humidity in your environment can also negatively affect your skin. Here’s how:
Dead Skin Cell Build-Up
As a result of low humidity and a lack of moisture in the skin, dead skin cells are not regularly shed. This causes dead skin cells to accumulate on top of your skin, resulting in dull skin. Too many dead skin cells can prevent your skin from absorbing moisture from your skin care products, further drying skin.
Dry Skin
Your skin becomes deprived of moisture when frequently exposed to low humidity levels. This can cause your skin to appear dry, flaky, and chapped.
Skin Looks Older
When your skin lacks moisture, wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots are more visible. Dry skin also appears less supple and elastic, which can make you look older.
Worsening of Skin Conditions
If you have eczema or another chronic skin condition, low humidity can cause flare-ups. This type of environment can also cause skin redness, scaliness, and itchiness.
Skin Care Tips for Low Humidity
These skin care tips can increase your skin’s moisture levels and improve its appearance when you’re in an environment with low humidity.
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- Apply a thicker moisturizer that contains ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin.
- A humidifier can add moisture to the air and prevent skin dryness.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Exfoliate your skin, as directed by a provider, to remove dead skin cells.
The skin care experts at Asarch Dermatology can help you identify the ideal humidity level for your skin type. Schedule your consultation today to learn more about how humidity affects your skin.