Air conditioning is a saviour during scorching summers. It helps us sleep better, focus more at work, and feel less cranky in crowded metro rides or traffic jams. But if you’ve ever spent a full day indoors in AC and felt unusually dry skin, a scratchy throat, or even a bit of nasal discomfort, you’re not imagining it. Your beloved air conditioning might be behind it. So, what’s going on here? Why does something that keeps us cool and comfortable also leave us feeling oddly dehydrated?
The Dry Truth About Air Conditioning
Air conditioners not only drop the temperature, but they also remove moisture from the air. That's why they make the air less humid and more tolerable when it's humid outside. But in the process, they also drop the humidity level in your surroundings, sometimes way lower than your body would like.
Normally, the ideal indoor humidity level sits between 30 and 50%. But in heavily air-conditioned spaces, that number can drop much lower. And when the air gets that dry, it starts stealing moisture from you.
Also Read: Is Air Conditioning Good for Newborn Babies? Find Out the Ideal Temperature Range
Your Skin: The First to Suffer
If your skin is tight, flaky, itchy, or simply strangely dull after a day at the office or mall, it might be the AC. Your skin has a built-in lipid barrier that traps moisture. But in dry spaces, water in the outer layer of your skin evaporates more quickly.
This is known as trans-epidermal water loss, and it can disrupt your skin’s balance, worsening conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. Even if you have generally oily skin, AC air can dehydrate the surface while tricking your oil glands into overcompensating, which may lead to breakouts.
Your Sinuses and Airways: Not Happy Either
Have you ever had a sore throat or stuffed nose after hours in an air conditioner? That's not a cold; it could be dry nasal passages. The mucous membranes inside your nose, throat, and even eyes rely on some degree of moisture to remain healthy and protective. When air is dry, these membranes dry out too, which can lead to:
- Irritated or itchy throat
- Dry cough
- Nosebleeds
- Blocked or runny nose
- Increased risk of respiratory infections
Dry sinuses are more prone to inflammation and even make you more susceptible to allergens or pollutants floating around indoors.
Also Read: “I Can’t Sleep Without AC, But It’s Giving Me A Sore Throat?" Here’s Why
Long-Term Exposure Isn’t Ideal
Most of us are in AC practically the whole day. Whether it's at the office, home, the car, the gym, or even public transport, we hardly get a respite from artificially cooled air. And with time, this can play havoc with your body's internal moisture balance.
Your eyes may feel more sensitive or red. Your lips may stay perpetually chapped. And your skin might need heavy moisturising to feel 'normal.' In some cases, dry environments can also aggravate conditions like asthma or sinusitis, especially if you’re prone to allergies.
How to Protect Yourself Without Ditching the AC?
Here are simple ways to balance comfort with health:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during the day. Herbal teas or water-rich fruits, such as watermelon or cucumber, can also help.
- Use a humidifier: If you spend a lot of time in AC (especially while sleeping), a small humidifier can add moisture back into the air.
- Moisturise regularly: Use a good quality moisturiser or facial mist, especially after washing your face or showering.
- Saline nasal sprays: These can help keep your nasal passages from drying out, especially during long office hours.
- Give your skin a break: Step out into natural air when possible. Open a window if the weather allows, or sit on a balcony for a few minutes daily.
- Monitor indoor humidity: Small hygrometers are easily available online. If the air is too dry (below 30%), consider adding some moisture to the environment.
Bottomline
Air conditioning is a contemporary convenience we've all come to rely on, but too much of a good thing can leave you with dry skin and dry sinuses. Dry air is intangible, but its impact is registered on your body every day. By simply becoming a little more mindful and making minor adjustments to your daily habits, you can enjoy the chill without giving up your skin or respiratory system.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]