Dry Air Can Negatively Impact Your Health — Here’s What To Do About It

Whether you’re lounging poolside in the desert or walking in a winter wonderland, one thing’s for sure: Your body’s feeling the effects of all that dry air. From fly-away hair to scaly skin, an arid climate can really wreak havoc.

But did you know that dry air also can make you vulnerable to illness?

We asked family medicine specialist Josue Limage, MD, why dry air is harmful to your health and what to do about it.

Why dry air is a problem

Breathing dry air can cause respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and nosebleeds. It can also cause dehydration.

“When the air is too dry, your sinuses dry out, too,” says Dr. Limage. “The mucus that’s normally gooey and thick gets too dry. That makes it a less effective trap for germs. You’re more likely to get a cold when the air’s dry because your mucus doesn’t catch things that you breathe in as often as usual.”

But dry air doesn’t just impact your respiratory system. It can also cause other health issues, like:

• Red, itchy and irritated eyes. Both dry air and dehydration (another side effect of low humidity) can leave you without the tears you need to protect your eye.
• Sore throat. Dry air means less mucus coating your throat. The result: A scratchy, inflamed throat.
• Headaches. Irritated sinuses and dehydration are a nasty combination that often results in headaches.
• Dry mouth (xerostomia). When the air you breathe in is too dry, it sucks up the moisture you’re harboring in your mouth.
• Earaches. Did you know there are mucous membranes in your ears, too? Welp, there are! And when they’re dried out, they pitch a fit just like all the others.
• Tight, irritated, scaly skin. When the humidity’s low, the climate draws water from the top layers of our skin. The result is uncomfortable — and sometimes, even leads to a rash.
• Chapped lips. The skin on your lips is thinner, more sensitive, and lacks the oil and sweat glands you have on the rest of your body. So, it’s little wonder that they withier quickly in dry conditions.
• Constipation. It’s probably not the first thing you think about. But it’s true: When your body’s dehydrated, so is your poop!

Dry air can also exacerbate health issues you already have, such as eczema or seasonal allergies.

Believe it or not, dry air may even be linked to stress. It’s a cumulative thing. Dry skin might not be enough to provoke a stress response, for example. But add in a nasty cough and a scratchy throat, and now your body’s feeling the pressure. That can cause a cascade of problems. You don’t sleep as well, which can mean you’re less likely to feel like exercising. And as a result, your heart rate variability (HRV) goes up.

What to do about it

Whether you’re surrounded by sand dunes or snow drifts, dry air can really cramp your style. But depending on where you live and what season you’re in, it may not be the only reason your body’s parched.

“The furnaces that heat our homes also contribute to the problem by pumping our living spaces full of hot, dry air,” Dr. Limage explains. It’s a dryness double whammy.

He recommends a few simple steps to feel your best when the climate isn’t cooperating.

1. Purchase (or make) a humidifier

Investing in a humidifier can do wonders for your health. You can buy either a small, portable one or a whole-home humidifier that will works with your HVAC system.

Humidifiers make it easy to up the moisture content of the air in your home. But they aren’t the only game in town. Placing large bowls of water around your house works, too. The water evaporates and adds moisture.

However you address the dry air in your home, keep in mind that humidity levels should stay between 30% and 50%, according to Dr. Limage.

“Don’t overdo the humidity. Too much can cause mold growth and encourage dust and possibly cause respiratory issues,” he notes.

2. Drink more water

The best way to keep yourself hydrated is also the simplest: Drink more water!

As a general rule, experts recommend you drink 64 ounces of water a day. But you may need more based on factors like your activity level or the medications you take.

If dry air’s got you feeling thirsty inside and out, give it the extra hydration it’s craving. For an extra boost, Dr. Limage suggests adding some electrolytes into the equation.

3. Consider taking an omega-3 supplement

Like drinking water, certain supplements may help keep you hydrated from within.

“Omega-3 supplements may help normalize the fat in your skin cells, which helps keep the moisture trapped and helps keep the oils on the surface of your skin,” Dr. Limage explains.

They’re a great option for some people. But they aren’t advisable if you have certain health conditions. They can also interact with medications. So, talk to your provider about whether taking an omega-3 supplement is a good idea for you before you start taking it.

4. Take short, warm showers

There’s nothing more luxurious than a steaming hot bath or shower — especially when it’s cold outside. But hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, robbing it of the moisture you need when the air’s dry. It can also make your skin more sensitive.

Dr. Limage recommends taking short showers in warm (not hot) water. As for the bathtub? Skip it altogether, if you can.

5. Moisturize your skin

If you tend to get dry, flaky skin when the humidity dips, lotion probably isn’t enough to keep your skin barrier healthy. Instead, apply an emollient like an ointment or a cream before getting out of the shower. It will form a protective film, trapping the moisture on top of your skin.

If that isn’t doing the trick — or you have a chronic condition (like eczema or rosacea — Dr. Limage recommends seeing a dermatologist. You may need more than a moisturizer to repair your damaged skin barrier.

Final thoughts

It’s easy to underestimate the very real impact the climate can have on our health. Dry air can do plenty of damage. But a little hydration can go a long way. So, be sure to incorporate it into your self-care routine. You may be surprised by how much better you feel.