Normal skin
When humidity is optimal, the natural protective function of the uppermost layer of skin (epidermis) remains intact. The underlying layers are protected from inflammation and disease.
Benefits
An optimal relative humidity of between 40% and 60% prevents the skin from drying out and the harmful effects associated with this.
Fewer complaints
Controlled humidity protects the skin from cracks, itching and inflammation.
Higher performance
Greater well-being with optimal humidity increases performance.
Employer of choice
Health promotion makes employers attractive.
Dry Air Makes the Skin Sick
The skin is the largest organ in the human body and forms an important protective barrier between the environment and our internal organs. Dry indoor air can significantly impair the protective function of the skin. If the humidity is too low, the skin quickly becomes brittle and cracked. Pollutants and allergens can penetrate through cracks in the skin, leading to inflammation, itching and skin diseases such as dermatoses. Chronic skin conditions such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis in particular worsen when the air is too dry. A lack of moisture is particularly noticeable on the forearms, elbows, hands, lower legs and feet, causing tightness and itching. Dry skin in winter is a common problem, as falling temperatures also reduce humidity and increase discomfort. To avoid dry skin, ensure adequate air humidification and proper skin care.
Recognising Dry Skin
The first signs of excessively dry skin are thin flakes and reddish patches. The skin begins to dry out when moisture and oils (lipids) are lost without being replenished. To prevent this, the skin is made up of three layers: the top layer is the multi-layered epidermis, which includes the protective horny layer. The barrier function of the skin is not only to ward off unwanted foreign bodies from the outside, but also to prevent too much moisture from being lost from the inside. The lower layers of skin therefore constantly release fluids to the epidermis. Drinking enough fluids is one of the prerequisites for this. In addition, the lower layers of skin transport lipids upwards. Another protective film of fat on the skin's surface is provided by a mixture of fats produced in the sebaceous glands.
Humidification protects the skin
When the moisture and oil content of the skin decreases, it loses its protective function. The stratum corneum becomes permeable, allowing particles and foreign substances to penetrate and cause skin irritation and inflammation. Dry heated air promotes moisture loss, especially in winter, as the moisture gradient between the skin and the room leads to increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Moisture is then transported out of the body through the epidermis by means of diffusion and evaporation. This process makes the skin parchment-like, cracked and flaky. Studies show that below 50% relative humidity, water loss increases significantly and the skin is less hydrated. Research confirms that even small increases in relative humidity from 35% to 43% have very positive effects on skin health and reduce symptoms.
Dry skin
Dry and cracked skin loses its protective physical barrier function. Microbes and allergens can penetrate the cracks and cause infections and skin diseases.
Healthy skin is beneficial in many industries and applications
Discover Condair in action
Bauhaus
The Bauhaus in Dessau is considered the home of modern 20th century architecture. The building was opened in 1926 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, together with the Bauhaus site in Weimar.First it was built as a university according to the plans of Walter Gropius. In the meantime it has become the headquarters of the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation. The design of the building, which for the first timerelied predominantly on steel and glass, had a lasting impact on the architecture of the last century.The focus is on the principles of functionalism combined with outstanding architectural quality. Condair CP3 steam humidifiers ensure a pleasant interior climate.
JURA Kommunikations-Center, Nürnberg (Germany)
To protect against respiratory diseases and voice disorders, the Jura Customer Communication Centre uses in- room humidification systems.
Amundi Deutschland GmbH, München (Germany)
Amundi Germany is an expert in making the right investments. At its Munich office, the investment company manages assets of 52 billion euros and employs a total of 150 people. "The feel-good factor plays a very important role in the optimal working conditions of our employees," says Klaus Mutzl, Head of Operations Munich.
Robert Koch-Institut, Berlin (Germany)
With the retrofitting of in-room humidification systems, the Robert Koch-Institute protects laboratory staff from health risks and increases their well-being.
Laverana GmbH & Co. KG, Hannover (Germany)
For the natural cosmetics manufacturer in-room humidification pays off twice: protection against dry mucous membranes and respiratory infections, and appreciation for employees.
Jungheinrich Service & Parts AG&Co. KG, Kaltenkirchen (Germany)
Optimal humidity in open-plan office environments. Additional in-room humidification ensures health protection and high employee satisfaction.
Thomann GmbH, Treppendorf (Germany)
In-room humidification is an integral part of air conditioning: for guitars, trumpets, customers and employees. At Thomann Musikhaus, controlled humidity guarantees protection, atmosphere and health.
BHS Bad Homburger Servicegesellschaft mbH, Bad Vilbel (Germany)
To keep the employees healthy, Bad Homburger Inkasso and BHS Bad Homburger Servicegesellschaft were looking for possibilities of subsequent air humidification. As an alternative to humidification in the ventilation system, direct room air humidification was able to meet all requirements for hygiene and operational safety.
Hannover Rück, Hannover (Germany)
Hannover Re is the world's third-largest reinsurer. The IT Service Desk looks after over 3000 employees at the Hanover location on all questions relating to the software and hardware of the workstations.
Precise humidity protects millions of books at Bibliothèque Nationale de France
As one of the most recognisable and symbolically powerful architectural landmarks of contemporary Paris, the Bibliothèque nationale de France (Site François-Mitterrand) sets new standards in cultural design, monumental scale and preservation of knowledge. Condair is proud to contribute to this visionary institution with advanced hybrid humidification solutions that protect priceless collections, ensure visitor comfort and guarantee energy-efficient climate control.
Preserving millions of books, manuscripts, maps and artefacts demands rigorously stable climatic conditions. Optimal relative humidity “crucial for preventing damage to paper, bindings and other organic materials“ is reliably maintained by Condair DL hybrid humidifiers.
Preserving millions of books, manuscripts, maps and artefacts demands rigorously stable climatic conditions. Optimal relative humidity “crucial for preventing damage to paper, bindings and other organic materials“ is reliably maintained by Condair DL hybrid humidifiers.
se-austria GmbH & Co. KG, Schörfling am Attersee (Austria)
With in-room humidification, the indoor climate for employees could be improved without costly renovation of the air conditioning system. For better health and well-being.
Bloomberg
The European headquarters of the media company Bloomberg in London was designed by the architects Foster + Partners and opened in 2017. The building complex is one million square meters in size and has many details that have been the result of months of research and development, such as a ceiling decorated with petals that provides lighting and cooling, but also acoustic insulation.The building consists of two ten-story blocks connected by a bridge. An arcade of restaurants selected by Bloomberg's restaurant critics runs between them. The building uses 70% less water and 40% less energy than conventional office buildings and was even awarded the Stirling Prize in 2018.Condair ME evaporative humidifiers are maintaining the ideal indoor humidity for the preservation of the wooden interiors and a healthy environment for visitors.
Amy Storm Residence, Chicago
Interior designer Amy Storm undertook a year‚ long design/build of her own Chicago‚ area home, Shelter for the Storms, and chose Condair's MN flexible humidification system to tackle the dry winter climate. Presented with the challenge of low indoor humidity that causes discomfort and can damage wood furnishings and artwork, she required a system that could integrate with radiant heating and forced‚ air cooling while preserving her design vision. The Condair MN system uses a mesh‚ nebulizer humidification method without traditional ductwork, providing precise control of indoor humidity in the ideal 40‚ 60% RH range. The result: a home transformed into a sanctuary of comfort and wellness, where art and books are protected, residents feel better, and trust in the ongoing support was affirmed. The installation was tightly coordinated over a nine‚ month construction phase, and the system‚ performance and seamless integration exceeded expectations.
Quotes from our customers
At the end of his professional career, Swiss architect Joe A. Neidhart from Lucerne fulfilled a long-held dream: he built a 250 m² passive two-family house at an altitude of around 2,000 m in Riederalp in the canton of Valais (Switzerland) with views over the Alps and the Matterhorn, which he has been living in himself for 20 weeks a year ever since. Due to the altitude, with very low winter temperatures and low humidity, Neidhart opted for a sustainable 100% solar thermal house for heating and domestic hot water and for a new, innovative system for controlled indoor air humidification.
"In this way, we have achieved a twofold advantage for our employees: health is protected and satisfaction at work is increased. This fits perfectly with the pronounced employee orientation at se-austria."
"With direct room air humidification, we have already set the right course. Especially with the experience from the pandemic, companies should think much more about humidity: Adequate ventilation with more fresh air does not work without additional air humidification. Otherwise, the humidity drops to too low values, which inevitably lead to health problems and complaints."
"Our additional in-space humidification is a great fit, as the positive effect is immediately noticeable and has a direct impact on employee satisfaction and health protection."
"My colleagues are thrilled with how noticeably fresh the indoor climate is now and how it protects health from dried out mucous membranes and respiratory infections."
Frequently asked questions
Does dry air cause skin problems?
What are the symptoms of dry skin?
What is the ideal humidity level for healthy skin?
Why is dry air particularly harmful to the skin in winter?
Can humidifiers improve skin health?
Does humidification help with neurodermatitis and psoriasis?
Get free expert advice
If you want to explore your options for humidity control, Condair's expert sales engineers will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.
Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team are always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.
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