Whenever that crisp winter air—or even a blast of AC—hits, my skin goes wild. We’re talking dry patches, flakes, breakouts, redness, irritation, and all-around chaos.

Turns out, when your skin gets too dry, your skin barrier (aka the thing keeping your face smooth and happy) starts freaking out. And no matter how much moisturizer you slather on, it can only do so much when the air is literally pulling water from your skin.

The fix? Time to level up your skincare game and get yourself a humidifier. It won’t replace your routine (and it shouldn’t), but adding one to the mix is an easy way to fight off dryness and irritation. Think of it as the final step before bed—no extra effort required.

And the best part? There’s a humidifier for everyone—compact ones for your desk, powerful ones for your whole room, and whisper-quiet ones that won’t disturb your beauty sleep. To save you the search, we rounded up the best humidifiers for keeping your skin hydrated all winter long—plus a few things to consider before you hit “add to cart.”

How Does a Humidifier Help Your Skin?

When temperatures drop—or when you’ve got the heat or AC blasting—humidity levels take a nosedive, leaving your skin dry, flaky, and irritated. According to NYC dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, that’s because low humidity strips moisture from your skin’s outer layer.

Enter: the humidifier. By releasing moisture into the air, it helps bring your space to that ideal 40-60% humidity range, giving your skin a fighting chance against dryness. The move? Set one up in your bedroom, slather on a solid moisturizer (Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion is a great pick), and let the hydration work its magic.

How to Clean Your Humidifier

For the best results (and to avoid any gross buildup), always fill your humidifier with distilled water. If you’re using tap water, make sure to clean the tank weekly—just fill it up, give it a good shake with white vinegar, and rinse to remove any mineral buildup.

And whatever you do, don’t let water sit for days. Stagnant water can turn into a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can end up in the air you breathe (hard pass). Swap out the water daily to keep your humidifier—and your skin—happy.

AND NOW: THE TOP-RATED HUMIDIFIERS

Want to wake up with hydrated skin and a full night of uninterrupted sleep? This quiet, no-bright-lights humidifier is perfect for light sleepers. Just plug it in before bed, and let it do its thing—no noise, no distractions, just better air and happier skin.

Cleaning your humidifier is a must, but this Dyson makes it way easier. With built-in ultraviolet light technology, it helps kill bacteria and other pathogens before they become a problem. It’s about as close to a self-cleaning humidifier as you can get—and yes, the price tag is steep, but totally worth it.

Need a humidifier that can handle bigger spaces? This Levoit model has both warm and cool mist settings, customizable humidity levels, and enough power to cover large bedrooms or living rooms with ease. No wonder it’s racking up all those five-star reviews on Amazon!

Love the benefits of a humidifier but hate the mist? Same. That’s why this Canopy humidifier is a game-changer. It delivers clean, hydrated air without any annoying mist blowing in your face. Plus, it’s designed with no-mold technology and is dishwasher safe, so cleaning it is basically effortless.

Warm vs. cool mist? There’s not a huge difference, but warm mist is especially nice in colder months—if you don’t have kids or pets around. This Vicks humidifier not only helps with dry skin but also soothes congestion and coughs while making your room feel a little cozier.

Good things do come in small packages—like this compact, antimicrobial humidifier with a built-in filter. It’s completely wireless, so you can take it anywhere for an instant skin hydration boost, no matter where you go.

The standout feature? A built-in slot for your favorite essential oils, so you can enjoy hydration and aromatherapy without worrying about damaging your humidifier. If you love diffusing oils, this one’s a must-have.

While most humidifiers aren’t too loud, this one takes quiet to the next level—it’s practically whisper silent. Perfect for light sleepers (or little ones), it also features a 360-degree adjustable lid to ensure every corner of your space gets the hydration it needs—minus the noise.

This compact gem may not be completely wireless, but its USB compatibility means you can plug it in just about anywhere. Small enough for your desk, nightstand, or even your car, it’s the perfect pick for keeping tiny spaces hydrated.