Free tool from Corium 21
Dry Skin Forecast for your ZIP code
See how hard the next 7 days will be on your hands and skin. We use the dew point to estimate how dry the air inside your home gets once the heat is on, because that indoor air is what dries skin out most in winter.
Today
Enter your ZIP code to see today's dry skin level and a tip for the day.
The week ahead
Indoor humidity is estimated for a home heated to 70°F, using each day's outdoor dew point. Weather data comes from the National Weather Service.
How the forecast works
The humidity on the weather report describes the air outside. On a cold day, that number can look fine. But when cold air comes indoors and is heated, it holds the same amount of water while the temperature climbs, so its relative humidity drops sharply. Air with a dew point of 20°F, heated to 70°F, ends up around 15% relative humidity.
The U.S. EPA says indoor humidity is ideally between 30 and 50 percent. Below that, skin loses water faster, and hands that are washed often or work outdoors feel it first. Our forecast estimates the indoor humidity for each day, then raises the level by one for strong wind, which chafes exposed skin.
| Level | Indoor humidity, heated to 70°F |
|---|---|
| Low | 40% or higher |
| Moderate | 30–39% |
| High | 20–29% |
| Very high | Below 20% |
On warm days, when the heat is off, we use the outdoor humidity instead.
Tips for dry days
- Moisturize within a few minutes of washing your hands or showering, while skin is still slightly damp.
- Use lukewarm water instead of hot, and pat skin dry instead of rubbing.
- Run a humidifier in the bedroom, and aim for 30 to 50 percent.
- Wear gloves outdoors and for wet work like dishes or cleaning.
- Keep a jar of cream at the sink, in the truck, and at your workstation, so you actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my skin get drier in winter?
Cold air holds very little water. Once it's heated indoors, its relative humidity falls, often below 20 percent, and that dry air pulls moisture from the outer layer of your skin. Hot showers and frequent hand-washing add to it.
What is dew point, and why use it instead of humidity?
Dew point is the temperature at which air would become saturated. It measures how much water is actually in the air, no matter the temperature. Relative humidity changes as air warms or cools, so the dew point is a better way to estimate how dry the air will be indoors.
What indoor humidity is best for skin?
The U.S. EPA says indoor humidity is ideally between 30 and 50 percent. Many people with dry or eczema-prone skin find a bedroom humidifier helps during the heating season.
Does the forecast work outside the US?
Not yet. It uses National Weather Service data, which covers the United States and its territories.
Is this medical advice?
No. The forecast is a general guide to weather conditions that can dry out skin. If you have a skin condition, talk with your doctor or dermatologist.