Why This Do-It-All Air Humidifier Is the Only One I Use

When I think of humidifiers, the first thing that comes to mind is a huge, cumbersome item that clashes with both the space and aesthetic of my Brooklyn apartment. But as someone with sensitive, eczema-prone skin and seasonal allergies, an air humidifier is one non-negotiable part of my wellness routine—especially in the winter—leading me to embark on the hunt for the perfect one.

The power of a humidifier has always been clear to me, since I see a marked difference in my skin, but dermatologist Paula Bourelly, MD, of Olney Dermatology, explains why the machine can be helpful particularly as the seasons change. “As the weather gets colder the ambient air becomes drier. This can have negative consequences for those with dry skin and atopic dermatitis [aka eczema],” she says. “Humidifying the air can help skin retain water.” Some devices do double duty as air purifiers, which has added benefits: “Air purifiers can help remove allergens from the air,” Bourelly notes. “In patients who suffer from seasonal allergies and have atopic eczema, reducing the allergens in their environment can have a profoundly therapeutic effect not only on skin symptoms, but also upper respiratory complaints such as congestion, sneezing and asthma.”

Given all these benefits, I’m thankful I finally found a humidifier that does all this and fits perfectly in my apartment. Canopy comes in four cute colors: white, blue, green, and pink. It doubles as an oil diffuser, which helps me save space and means it gives off a fresh, soothing aroma while also putting much-needed moisture into my air. The result? Supple skin when I wake up, and less allergy congestion. It also helps me sleep with its white noise—though the lavender essential oil I add doesn’t hurt either. (Canopy comes with an essential oil kit from Hyku—though you can use your own—and a filter.)

Canopy also purifies the air: The filter catches unwanted bacteria while the mist-free technology gives out clean moisture. “Any home purifying or scenting device that doesn’t use evaporative technology is problematic because the vapor is not properly filtered,” explains board-certified dermatologist  Dr. Dendy Engelman, “instead it is being forced into the environment.” 

I also appreciate that Canopy is easy to maintain. It avoids mold, which is an issue I’ve experienced with other humidifiers: The system continues to evaporate the water inside of the container until it’s totally dry, so there is no leftover residue that can become contaminated. You can purchase a replacement filter after six months or opt in to the Canopy subscription, which will automatically send you one. The best part? It’s dishwasher safe, so super simple to clean.