It is one of the odd contradictions of a Southern summer. Outside, the air is so thick with moisture that your skin feels damp within minutes. Inside, under the steady breath of the air conditioner, your hands feel tight, your lips feel dry and your skin can feel almost wintry by the end of the day. If you spend long hours moving between the two, your skin is adjusting all the time.
Why air conditioning dries the air
An air conditioner does two jobs at once. As warm indoor air passes over its cold coils, the air is cooled and some of its water vapor condenses into liquid, which drains away. That is why an air conditioner drips and why a cooled room feels less muggy. It is also why air that has been conditioned for hours, especially in offices, stores and cars with vents aimed right at you, can feel noticeably dry.
A steady stream of cool, dry air moving across your skin can leave it feeling tight. Many people also notice dry lips, rougher hands and eyes that feel a bit scratchy after a long day in a cold office.
Gentle habits for skin that lives indoors
- Keep showers lukewarm. Hot water can leave skin feeling stripped, even in summer.
- Moisturize after washing, while skin is still slightly damp. A light lotion or gel cream suits the daytime, and something a little richer can feel good at night.
- Carry a small hand cream and a lip balm. Frequent handwashing plus dry indoor air is a recipe for rough hands.
- Redirect vents. Angle office, car and bedroom vents so the air is not blowing straight onto your face or bed.
- Drink water through the day. It will not transform your skin, but it is a simple comfort when the air feels dry.
Finding a comfortable indoor humidity
Indoor air does not need to be humid to feel pleasant, but it should not feel parched either. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency generally recommends keeping indoor humidity below 60 percent, ideally somewhere between 30 and 50 percent, which helps discourage mold while keeping the air comfortable. An inexpensive humidity monitor can tell you where your home sits.
If your bedroom feels very dry, a small humidifier may help it feel more comfortable. Clean it often and follow the manufacturer’s directions, since standing water in a humidifier can grow mold and bacteria. In a Georgia summer, many homes will not need one at all, so check the numbers before adding moisture.
Moving between two climates
Sudden shifts from a hot parking lot to a chilly lobby can feel jarring. A light cardigan or wrap in your bag lets you adjust without cranking the thermostat, and it keeps cold air off your arms and shoulders. Take a minute in the shade before walking into a cold building, and try not to blast the car’s air directly at your face.
Pay attention to how your skin feels at the end of the day, and adjust your routine to match. If dryness, itching, redness or eye discomfort persists despite these changes, talk to your doctor, a dermatologist or an eye doctor. Most of the time, though, a lighter touch with hot water, a little extra moisture and a mindful eye on the vents will keep your skin comfortable in both climates.