5 eco-friendly ways to add moisture to the air and keep your skin hydrated

Mention skin hydration and what comes to mind? Drinking lotsa water? Applying a hydrating lotion? Or putting on a facial mask?

Here’s something else to consider: how about humidifying your surroundings especially when the weather turns colder? Because doing so will increase moisture in the air to prevent your skin from looking parched and dry. So exactly how do we go about humidifying?

At this point, some of you are probably thinking about using a humidifier, a device that emits water into the air to increase moisture level.

Well, that’s a possibility. But while many of you are familiar with a humidifier, how many of you actually own one? I’m guessing not many.

Well, not to fret if you don’t. Because today I’m going to show you 5 ways you can still humidify your surrounding naturally without needing to buy a humidifier.

1. Use pine cones
I was watching a recent episode of Get It Beauty and learned how pine cones can help to recharge moisture from the air.

Oh wow…I always thought they were just for home decor. Who knew this mini pineapple look-alike is so useful? And the best part? You can pick some pine cones for free.

To use them, wash them thoroughly before soaking them in water for an hour. The pine cones will shrink as the tiny holes inside them absorb water.

Place the pine cones on a plate or big bowl in your room. When the atmosphere turns dry during colder months, these pine cones will discharge moisture again.

2. Add houseplants
Many of you may already have some houseplants indoors. But perhaps you are not aware that a house plant can add moisture to the air by a process called “transpiration.”

What happens is that when the plant is watered, moisture will travel through the plant from the roots up to the pores that are on the underside of the leaves. These pores release moisture, which will then increase the humidity level in the room.

Obviously, humidity is increased with more houseplants. It’s also best to group them together to create a more humid microclimate.

I also read that putting plants in water-filled pebble trays work to raise humidity. So does regular misting (although some plants with velvety leaves should never be misted as doing so will encourage diseases).

So adding houseplants to your home is great to add moisture to the air. Consider introducing some plants to your desk if you are constantly exposed to cold air from the air conditioner.

The best part is that plants are inexpensive and visually appealing. My only gripe with houseplants is that they need to be cared for regularly to keep them healthy and free from insect breeding.

3. Set up a drying rack
If you’re desperate for more moisture, try hanging some wet clothing in your bedroom to dry overnight. It probably looks unsightly but it’s not such an eyesore considering you’ll close your eyes once you’re asleep.

Should you be traveling, your heater or air conditioner in your hotel room will likely cause your skin to become dryer. Taking along a portable humidifier is probably the last thing on your mind so how can you counter the dryness?

Well, one way is to hang a wet towel near where you sleep. An easy enough tip to follow without you having to try doing anything too hard.

4. Add a bucket of water
Many of you might have heard of this age-old trick to keep the air in your air conditioned room from becoming too dry.

But I think most of you are more familiar with keeping a bowl of water in your room. Instead of a bowl, I’m recommending using a bucket instead. How come?

You see, a bowl of water is probably too little and can’t make much difference. But more water in a bucket will mean more moisture in the air.

5. Keep a fish tank
If preparing a bucket of water every day seems like a chore, consider keeping a fish tank as that’ll work as a humidifier too. It’s not only effective, it’s also visually more appealing than a bucket.

But obviously keeping a fish tank requires some amount of work. You’ll also find it hard to upkeep if you don’t have a natural love for fish.

So there. Five eco-friendly ways to add moisture to the air without having to spend a fortune. If any of you have further tips to add or would like to exchange views about what I’d shared, do comment in the following section.