Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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My home is primarily heated by a wood stove. In the winter this means super dry air despite the pot of water I try to keep on it to add moisture to the air. This leads to dry/cracking skin in the winter and it doesn't appear to be very healthy for my sinuses. My sinuses are dry and irritated. Being in the ocean less is definitely part of this though.

I keep 3 or 4 houseplants in my room to aid humidity and hopefully clean the air up some but it's not enough. So I was considering sleeping with a humidifier going at night. Is this a good idea or healthy? Are there good additives to put in the water that might make it healthier? I'm also liking the white noise to drown on the constantly on/loud tv in the other room. Tips on brand or type of humidifier?

Also on the dry skin subject, my face soap appears to dry out my skin, advice on a face soap? Switched from alcohol based aftershave to an aloe leaf to help. I also use Vaseline on cracking knuckles and lips.

Thanks!

flag	asked Dec 27 2011 at 0:46 Kyle 1,639●3●15

+1, I've been cursing Colorado's dryness the last couple of weeks. "Home" is Oregon, I miss my humidity. Thanks for asking, I'll be interested to see the answers. – raney Dec 27 2011 at 2:13

Christine · Answer 1 · 2011-12-27 03:09:19Z UTC

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Put a pot of water on the wood stove. Why pay for an electric product. There are lots of cast iron pots and items made specifically for this.

answered Dec 27 2011 at 3:09

Christine
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	OP said that he's been using a pot of water on the stove but it's just not bringing his house to the level of desired humidity. – Nemesis Dec 27 2011 at 3:13
	The pot definitely helps but it is not enough. – Kyle Dec 27 2011 at 4:37
	I'm googling it to make sure I'm not missing something and it's all little kettles like this: northerntool.com/shop/tools/… We use a legitimate big pot that holds probably 5-8+ times the water that thing does, those things would be dry in no time! We run our stove strong all day. – Kyle Dec 27 2011 at 4:44

DeanS · Answer 2 · 2011-12-27 02:30:46Z UTC

I have always used a warm mist humidifier that essentially boils the water and requires no filtration, just periodic removal of mineral deposits. I recommend pre-humidifying your bedroom rather that running a humidifier the entire time you are sleeping if you keep your door closed. Otherwise, you may get condensation on the walls (especially if you have a cold wall) which can lead to mold problems. For noise attenuation, I use earplugs and\or fan or air purifier.

Matt · Answer 3 · 2011-12-27 02:06:11Z UTC

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Dry nasal passages? A cheap bottle of saline (just saline and nothing else) nasal spray should do the trick.

answered Dec 27 2011 at 2:06

Matt
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Chickenosaurus Rex · Answer 4 · 2011-12-27 01:54:41Z UTC

Get a humidifier and be sure to keep it clean. Many of them now come without filters, which cuts way down on the mold and mildew. I prefer a cool mist humidifier to a warm mist one; it's just a personal preference. All I have to do is clean the mineral deposits off for the most part. You don't have to break the bank as there are many affordable ones out there. I eat plenty of fat but I still get dry skin in the winter. Having a humidifier is sure better than waking up with parched mouth and itchy skin.

Dragonfly · Answer 5 · 2011-12-27 01:31:46Z UTC

Eat more fat!

I've recently moved to the high desert of Santa Fe from the rainy Pac NW and have hardly had to use moisturizer, though it did take my sinuses about 6 months to adapt.

Coconut oil is better than petroleum-based Vaseline.

Unless you get really dirty, try cleaning your face with warm water only. If you need a gentle soap, KISS MY FACE Olive/Aloe soap is great & not perfumey.

If you use a humidifier, you need to make sure to keep it mold-free. Lavender essential oil may work, but I would get a second opinion from the manufacturer.

Dry Air and Humidifiers

5 Answers