Dry air in the house in winter: skin, sleep and what to do

Dry air in the house in winter is a classic in homes with central heating. Cold outdoor air holds little moisture, and as it warms up indoors it gets even drier. The result: dry skin and lips and a gritty feeling in your eyes in the morning.

The good news: you can fix it with simple steps — a hygrometer, a humidifier, smart ventilation and skin care.

Below we look at how to tell the air is too dry, why it's unpleasant for your wellbeing and how to humidify the air without harming yourself or your home.

What causes dry air in the house during winter?

It all comes down to heating and closed windows. Radiators warm the air but don't add moisture, so the relative humidity drops (WebMD).

It's especially noticeable at night, when we spend 7–8 hours straight in the bedroom. That's why the bedroom is the place to start.

The longer the windows stay shut and the hotter the radiators, the drier the air gets by morning.

How to tell if the air in your house is too dry?

The most accurate way is a hygrometer: if humidity is below 30%, the air is too dry. But your body sends signals too.

• Your skin feels tight after washing, your lips get dry and chapped.
• Your mouth is dry and your throat scratchy in the morning.
• Your eyes get tired and feel gritty.
• Your hair gets staticky, and door handles give you a shock.

Look at the signs together: one dry day after a long walk in the cold doesn't mean much, but dryness every morning is a reason to check the humidity.

Dry air in house: symptoms in winter

Skin, mucous membranes and sleep suffer most often. Dryness by itself is usually unpleasant rather than dangerous, but it lowers your comfort day and night.

• Skin becomes dry and sensitive, especially on the hands and face.
• A dry throat and lips make it hard to sleep peacefully.
• Eye discomfort gets worse during long hours at a screen.

It's felt most by people who spend a lot of time at home or work remotely, and by people with sensitive skin. If you have small children, keep a particularly close eye on the humidity in the nursery.

Dry air in the house in winter: what to do?

Measure the humidity with a hygrometer and aim for 30–50% — the range Mayo Clinic considers optimal (Mayo Clinic). Above 50%, there's already a risk of condensation and mold.

• Turn the heat down slightly in the bedroom if you have a thermostat — cooler is better for sleep too.
• Drink water throughout the day: tips in "How much water do you really need to drink a day?".
• Use a rich cream for your hands and a balm for your lips: more in "Hand care in winter".

How to fix dry air in the house in winter?

The most reliable way is a humidifier in the bedroom, but it needs care. A dirty humidifier can spray bacteria and mold into the air (Mayo Clinic).

Choose a unit that's easy to clean, and place it so the mist doesn't blow directly onto the bed or furniture.

• Change the water every day and use distilled or demineralized water.
• Clean the unit every three days, as Mayo Clinic advises, and replace filters on time.
• Watch your windows: if condensation appears on the glass, the humidity is already too high.
• Air out rooms briefly and thoroughly rather than keeping a window cracked open all day.

Even without a device you can help a little: dry laundry indoors, place containers of water near radiators, get some houseplants.

How to care for your skin and sleep in winter?

For your evening skincare routine in winter, there's Alavida Night cream — a richer texture for the evening; more in "Alavida Nightly Restore". And to relax more easily in the evening, many people add Silent Nights — according to the company, it's a patch for relaxation and sleep without melatonin. More ideas in "Evening rituals for solid sleep".