When it gets cooler outside and the heat is turned on more often indoors, the indoor climate changes as well. The air can suddenly feel drier, and you might even experience a tight feeling on your skin or mucous membranes. What causes this?
Humidity is often a key factor. In the fall and winter, many living spaces have relatively low humidity, and this can affect your well-being. In our latest blog post, you’ll learn what the optimal indoor humidity level is and how you can regulate it.
The most important points at a glance: optimal humidity
- Aim for 40 to 60 percent: According to the German Federal Environment Agency, this range of relative humidity is considered ideal for living spaces.
- Effect on the skin: Dry, heated air can cause the skin to feel tight. Regularly checking the humidity with a hygrometer provides certainty.
- Regulating it properly: Ventilating the room thoroughly quickly lowers excessively high levels. Plants, humidifiers, or damp cloths help when the air is too dry.
- External care: SILICIUM SKINEFFECT skin care oil helps the skin retain moisture and stay supple.
What is the optimal humidity level?
For living spaces, the Federal Environment Agency recommends a relative humidity of between 40 and 60 percent. Of course, this is merely a guideline. Minor fluctuations throughout the day are completely normal, and deviations do not need to be corrected immediately. Over the long term, however, the humidity should remain within this range.
What is relative humidity?
Relative humidity indicates how saturated the air is with water vapor at a given temperature. A value of 50 percent, for example, means that the air contains half the maximum amount of water vapor it could hold at the current temperature. Temperature plays an important role here: Warm air can hold more water vapor than cold air.
How can you measure humidity?
A hygrometer can be used to determine whether the indoor air is actually too dry or too humid. Simple analog or digital devices are usually sufficient for everyday use. Such a hygrometer is simply placed on a wall or a surface and then displays the relative humidity.
What effects does excessively dry air have on our well-being?
Humidity is an important component of indoor climate. Very dry indoor air, for example, can be dry or rough skin and dry eyes. However, humidity is only one of several contributing factors. Room temperature, drafts, working at a computer screen, or individual skin type and skincare routines can also play a role. Many people, however, find that when the air is very dry, they don’t really “feel comfortable in their own skin.”
Our tip: Pamper your skin with SILICIUM SKINEFFECT skincare oil! It contains valuable MCT oil from coconuts, as well as almond oil, orange oil, vitamin E, and our original SAM silicon. With this carefully formulated combination, you’ll help your skin retain moisture and stay noticeably supple.
How can you increase humidity?
If the humidity is too low, a humidifier can be a good option. However, be sure to clean the device thoroughly and regularly, and continue to monitor the humidity!
Houseplants also release moisture into the air and can help you bring the humidity level into the optimal range.
As a quick fix, you can also hang damp towels over the radiator or place a bowl of water on top of it.
What problems can excessive humidity cause?
Even consistently high humidity is not ideal. If it remains above 60 percent for an extended period, moisture can accumulate—especially on cool walls, in room corners, or in window recesses . This can create conditions that promote mold growth.
It’s therefore worth paying a little more attention to the issue of humidity.
How can you lower the humidity in your home?
If the humidity is too high, regular bursts of ventilation are especially helpful. During the cold season, even just a few minutes with the windows wide open can make a big difference. Especially after showering, cooking, and drying laundry, you should make sure that the moisture generated can escape quickly. By the way, windows left tilted open all the time aren’t very effective for this.
Optimal humidity is just one of many factors that can contribute to your well-being in the fall. Treat yourself to some soothing skincare, and don’t forget to stay hydrated and get regular exercise outdoors—even during the colder months! This is important for your whole body and your overall well-being.
