The incessant itching on my cheek.
Followed by the fiery hot spot under my skin.
I hadn't had a rosacea flare in a very long time, yet I knew instantly what it was before I even had to look in the mirror.
A bright red welt-like area began lighting up my left cheek and the itch was just too much.
I soon came to realize that sitting in front of a space heater the last few days had finally done it's damage.
All the face flushing caused by hot, dry air pumping out of the vent, created the perfect storm for a rosacea flare.
Are Heaters Making Your Rosacea Flare?
We know that there's nothing better than feeling that first burst of heat after you've been shivering cold, but have you ever considered what those same beloved heaters are doing to your skin?
Simply said, heat dries out moisture.
Think of hanging wet socks next to a heater. That's how they get dry.
So imagine yourself sitting next to a space heater for an hour.
It dries moisture up like it does those wet socks, except it's coming out of your skin, lips, eyes, nose and even your hair.
While your moisturizing cream may prevent some moisture from escaping your skin, eventually it's a losing battle.
Can a Humidifier help Rosacea?
Putting moisture back into the air is supposed to help combat dry skin.
To clarify, by adding moisture to your skin, I don't mean facial steaming. See: why facial steaming is NOT a good idea for Rosacea
Using a humidifier for your skin is not the same as steaming your face.
The only experience I've personally had with a humidifier, was 30+ years ago when my mom ran one in a sick baby's room, and I remember it feeling stuffy and humid in there.
So my question is, how much moisture will be enough to help ease the discomfort of my dehydrated rosacea skin without turning my bedroom into a steamy greenhouse or start to warp our wooden bedside tables?
Using a Humidifier to help Rosacea
According to the National Rosacea Society, and several dermatologists, using a humidifier is recommended to help reintroduce moisture to the air in your home, which can help combat Rosacea dryness and irritation. It's also recommended not to sit too close to your heat source (guilty as charged)!
I also ran across a post by Talonted Lex, a blogger who also has Rosacea, who shared her experience using a humidifier by her bed at night.
After using it a few months, she noticed that her skin didn't feel as tight and was more comfortable in the morning. She also mentioned that when she didn't use it, her throat and eyes seemed much more dry.
That reminds me, using a humidifier may also help with my *ocular rosacea! Bonus!
Knowing that my flaring skin probably won't last a long winter like this, I've decided I will order myself a humidifier and I'll update you about how it goes.
I already follow the 6 Winter Skin Care Tips for Rosacea & Sensitive Skin, so adding a humidifier just makes sense.
Have you tried a humidifier to help your Rosacea?
I'd love to know - just leave a comment below!
Thanks for reading!
xo Shannon
RELATED POSTS:
You might also enjoy listening to our Fairface podcast episode #16, 8 ways to calm Rosacea redness this winter, where I share my experience during a winter power outage. Show notes are also available to read.
As well as episode 21: 6 soothing tips for ocular rosacea
SHOP our soft face cloths for sensitive skin and rosacea-
