If you find yourself heading to the pharmacy for skin lotion and eye drops every winter, you’re not alone. Low humidity is among the most common causes of dry skin and eyes. Fortunately, a humidifier may be the simple fix that alleviates your dryness. Here's what you should know about how this device can improve your quality of life during the colder months.

Why Does Winter Cause Dryness?

Dry air leads to dryer skin. During the warmer weather, the air is more humid and holds more moisture, keeping your skin and eyes moist as well. Cold air has a lower capacity for retaining moisture. For instance, air that’s 86 degrees can hold three times the moisture that 50-degree air can. Dryness is especially likely to occur on the lips and legs, which have fewer oil-producing glands than other areas of the body. 

Similarly, the lack of moisture can also lead to dry eyes. In addition to the lower humidity levels both inside and outdoors, factors such as higher winds can increase irritation. While artificial tears and eye ointments from a pharmacy may offer temporary relief, increased humidity can provide lasting results. 

How Does a Humidifier Help?

While you can’t change the weather, you can enhance the quality of your indoor air to reduce wintertime dryness. In addition to reduced moisture from outside, indoor air becomes dryer when you run the heat. 

Fortunately, a humidifier can inject moisture back into your indoor air. Getting a humidifier from the local pharmacy allows you to easily adjust the level to improve the climate in a particular area or room. Aim for 60% humidity, which provides enough moisture to hydrate the skin and eyes.

Whether you’re looking for a humidifier or cold medication to get you through the winter, Hickman’s Pharmacy in Princeton is your source for quality products and personable service. This trusted pharmacy has served customers throughout southern West Virginia since 1947. In addition to offering an impressive selection of OTC products, they also make it easy to fill prescriptions without the long wait times of other pharmacies. Find out more about their services online, or call (304) 425-2188 to ask about their products.