How to Deal With Low Humidity in Las Vegas

Use a waterproof moisturizer to keep skin well hydrated.

Las Vegas, Nevada was determined to be the state with the least amount of humidity in the United States by Everyday Health in 2008. The dry, hot weather and low humidity in Las Vegas becomes a problem for residents when they begin to experience health problems, such as dry, chapped skin, nosebleeds and itchy, watery eyes. To prevent these health problems from interfering with everyday life, use a variety of techniques to ease the symptoms caused from low humidity.

Things You'll Need

• Lukewarm water
• Moisturizing body wash
• Towel
• Moisturizing lotion
• Humidifier

Instructions

Bathing Behaviors

1. Use lukewarm water to take baths and showers. Resist using hot water, because it robs skin of moisture, which can lead to dry, irritated skin, especially when the humidity is low. Your body needs to retain as much moisture as possible to prevent your skin from becoming too dry.

2. Avoid using antibacterial body washes. These washes contain powerful ingredients that strip the skin of natural oils. Instead, use moisturizing soap or body washes containing lotions.

3. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing the towel over your entire body. Everyday Health states that when you use a rubbing motion, you remove natural oils in the skin. By pat-drying, you conserve these natural oils.

4. Apply moisturizing lotions after you get out of the shower or bath. Net Wellness states that the best time to apply lotion so that it effectively moisturizes the skin is immediately after getting out of the shower or bath, when your skin is still warm and moist.

Using a Humidifier

1. Use an air humidifier to provide your living quarters with adequate levels of moisture. Since Las Vegas has incredibly low humidity and hot, dry temperatures, a humidifier helps provide extra moisture to the environment to help you feel more at ease.

2. Place the humidifier in an area of the home that lacks moisture. If your entire house lacks moisture, place it in the middle of the house.

3. Leave the humidifier on during the summer months. Humidity levels tend to drop during the cooler months.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink plenty of water when humidity levels are low. The water supplies your body and organs with plenty of hydration and keeps your skin effectively moisturized during this time.

• Use water-resistant moisturizers to effectively moisturize your skin. If your hands feel dry after you wash them, this is a telltale sign that your lotion may not be water-resistant. Switch brands or buy a heavy-duty lotion that locks in moisture.

• Regular maintenance of the air humidifier is required to ensure proper working condition. Air humidifiers cause health problems when they emit too much moist air into the environment, which can lead to the growth of mold and bacteria within the home.

• Mayo Clinic suggests cleaning the air humidifier on a regular basis to prevent bacteria, dirt and mold from growing and festering inside the humidifier, which can cause a variety of health problems, such as allergies and asthma.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Humidifiers -- Air Moisture Eases Skin, Breathing Symptoms
• Everyday Health: Fifteen Cities that are Tough on Skin
• Net Wellness; Moisture Is Key to Keeping Skin Healthy in Winter; Pranav Sheth, M.D.; December 2006.