Habit Hack: Preparing Your Skin for Indoor Heating

As the temperature drops, indoor heating becomes a staple in homes and workplaces. While it keeps us warm and comfortable, it can have a significant impact on our skin’s moisture balance. Indoor heating lowers humidity levels, leading to dry air that strips your skin of its natural hydration. Over time, this can cause your skin to feel dry, tight, or even irritated.

Here are some non-skincare strategies to help you protect your skin and maintain its moisture levels, despite the drying effects of indoor heating.

1. Use a Humidifier

One of the most effective ways to counteract the drying effects of indoor heating is by using a humidifier. It helps restore moisture to the air, which in turn helps keep your skin hydrated.

• Set it up in key areas: Place a humidifier in your bedroom or any room where you spend a significant amount of time. This can help maintain a balanced indoor environment, especially while you sleep.
• Monitor humidity levels: Aim to keep indoor humidity between 40-60% for optimal comfort. This range helps your skin retain moisture without feeling too dry or too damp.

2. Stay Hydrated

When indoor heating zaps moisture from the air, it’s easy for your body to become dehydrated, which also impacts your skin’s hydration from within. Make sure you’re consistently replenishing fluids.

• Drink water throughout the day: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water, but increase your intake if you’re spending a lot of time in heated environments.
• Incorporate water-rich foods: Foods like cucumbers, oranges, and leafy greens can also contribute to your hydration levels. Herbal teas are another warming option that can help you stay hydrated.

3. Choose Breathable, Natural Fabrics

Heated indoor environments combined with heavy fabrics can trap sweat and irritate your skin. Opt for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo to allow better air circulation and prevent irritation.

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes: Loose, lightweight fabrics reduce friction and irritation, particularly in sensitive areas like your neck, elbows, and knees.
• Change bedding materials: Switching to natural fibre bedding, like cotton or linen, can prevent skin discomfort during the night, especially if you keep your home heated while you sleep.

4. Take Cooler, Shorter Showers

It might be tempting to take long, hot showers when it's cold outside, but hot water can further dehydrate your skin and strip away essential oils.

• Opt for lukewarm water: Keep the temperature of your showers warm but not scalding. This prevents your skin from becoming overly dry or irritated.
• Limit shower time: Aim for shorter showers—around 5 to 10 minutes. Prolonged exposure to hot water can exacerbate dryness, especially in heated environments.

5. Ventilate Your Space

Indoor heating often creates a closed environment, which can make the air feel stale and dry. Regularly ventilating your space helps refresh the air and reduce the drying effects of heating systems.

• Open windows briefly: Even in colder weather, crack a window for a few minutes each day to allow fresh air to circulate through your home or workspace.
• Create cross-ventilation: If possible, open windows on opposite sides of a room to allow air to flow freely, keeping the indoor environment from becoming too stuffy.

6. Limit Use of Drying Appliances

Indoor appliances like space heaters and hair dryers can further contribute to dryness in your surroundings. While necessary at times, try to limit their use when possible or take measures to minimise their drying effects.

• Turn off space heaters when not needed: Use them sparingly and at a lower temperature to prevent excessive dryness in smaller rooms.
• Air-dry your hair when possible: Give your skin and scalp a break by reducing the use of blow dryers, which can dry out your hair and scalp.