There is a lot for people to like about the winter months, but one aspect where it can prove to be nothing but a headache when it comes to taking care of your skin.
Whilst certain in-clinic treatments are more easily done in colder weather due to the like of sun sensitivity, the combination of the lack of humidity in the air on frosty days, winds and rainstorms lashing at your skin and the regular use of heating in homes and public buildings lead to outbreaks of dry skin.
This can be a struggle for any skin type but can be unbearable for dry or sensitive skin, where thicker, gentler products are needed to avoid scaling, redness and irritation.
However, one way to rectify this is through the use of a somewhat unconventional device found most often far away from the rest of the skincare regimen.
A humidifier can be a relatively complex device but it works using the very simple principle of adding water to the air whenever it is too dry, either constantly via a switch or automatically via a series of sensors.
If there is not enough humidity in the air, the humidifier sprays water vapour, which diffuses into the air and evaporates, adding a more pleasant humidity level that is much friendlier to your skin and avoids the risk of dryness.
Alongside the obvious benefit of making the air less dry, humidifiers have the beneficial side effect of also making the room feel warmer, which means that the heating can be turned down, reducing the effects of dry skin and discomfort further.
Generally, they do not need to run too long, as if the air is too humid, it can cause other problems for your skin as well as your general health and the state of your home. Many humidifiers come with a built-in humidity checker but a hydrometer is relatively inexpensive.