Beware of Excessive Air Conditioning: 7 Health Side Effects from Experts.

From Premature Skin Aging to Allergies and Infections: How Excessive Air Conditioning Affects Your Health.

While monsoon rains arrive in some areas, extreme heatwaves persist in others. Naturally, when temperatures have soared above 40–45 degrees Celsius, air conditioner demand has increased. Many rely largely on air conditioning to help them cope with the extreme heat that persists throughout the day. But you might be surprised to learn that utilizing air conditioning too much is bad for your health.

By lowering the ambient temperature and humidity, air conditioners offer much-needed respite from the intense heat and profuse perspiration. But there’s a price for this pleasure. Long-term exposure to the dry, frigid air produced by air conditioners can cause a number of health problems.

First of all, the dry air can deplete your skin’s natural moisture content, causing dryness, irritation, and early aging. For people who already have skin diseases like eczema, which can get worse with frequent contact to air conditioning, this effect is especially problematic.

Moreover, dust mites, mold, and bacteria can thrive in air conditioning equipment. These airborne allergens have the ability to cause allergic reactions and respiratory conditions including bronchitis and asthma. The abrupt change in temperature from hot outside to cold indoor spaces can also lead to tension headaches and exhaustion, which can worsen general health.

Apart from these problems, air conditioning can lead to stiffness and soreness in the joints, especially for those who have arthritis. The abrupt fluctuations in temperature can worsen joint discomfort, making it more difficult to treat long-term illnesses. Furthermore, because the cool, dry air from air conditioning accelerates the drainage of bodily moisture, its dehumidifying action can cause dehydration.

Lastly, especially for people who wear contact lenses, air conditioning can dry out your eyes, causing irritation, redness, and discomfort.

Even though air conditioning relieves intense heat, it’s important to use it carefully to prevent these possible health hazards. A comfortable and healthy living environment can be maintained by balancing its use with other cooling techniques.

Your skin, hair, nose, and throat can all lose a substantial amount of moisture if you use air conditioning too much. The mucous membranes are impacted by this drying action, which lessens their capacity to defend against dangerous bacteria and viruses. Long periods of time spent in air-conditioned environments may be the cause of recurrent colds, coughs, or weakened immunity.

Your body’s first line of defense against infections may be weakened by the dry air from the air conditioner, which can take away the natural moisture. Long-term use of air conditioning may unintentionally make you more vulnerable to a number of health problems. Maintaining proper hydration and balancing the usage of air conditioners with other cooling techniques will help lessen these impacts.

Additionally, spending too much time in an air-conditioned area can dehydrate you or make you drowsy. Use your air conditioner sparingly and take occasional breaks to keep the air from becoming overly dry in order to avoid these problems.

In an interview with HT Digital, Dr. Radhika Raheja, a dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon at the Radical Skin and Hair clinic in Sector 17, Faridabad, describes the negative effects of using AC excessively. “Dry eyes, lethargy, dehydration, dry or itchy skin, headaches, respiratory issues, allergies and asthma, noise pollution, infectious diseases, and indoor pollutants are among the common health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to air conditioning,” according to her.

Your skin and eyes may get dry and irritated due to the dry air produced by air conditioners. Furthermore, the decrease in humidity can aggravate allergies and asthma as well as lead to respiratory issues. While indoor contaminants circulated by the system might raise the risk of infections, noise pollution from air conditioning machines can interrupt your peaceful moments.

It’s critical to utilize air conditioning sensibly in order to reduce these impacts. To offset the drying effects of AC, take breaks to let fresh air into your living space and stay adequately hydrated. Maintaining a healthier indoor environment can be achieved by balancing the usage of air conditioning with alternative cooling techniques.

Side Effects of Excessive Air Conditioning:

Dry Skin: Prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments can significantly reduce the moisture in the air, leading to dry, flaky, and itchy skin. The dry air pulls moisture from your skin, leaving it feeling parched and uncomfortable.

Dry Eyes: For individuals who already suffer from dry eyes, spending too much time in an air-conditioned space can exacerbate the condition. The lack of humidity in the air can cause increased itching and irritation, making dry eye symptoms more severe.

Reduced Oil Production: Sweating helps maintain the natural oil balance of your skin. However, in air-conditioned environments where sweating is minimized, the skin’s oil production decreases, resulting in dull and dehydrated skin. This lack of natural oils can leave your skin looking lifeless and less radiant.

Exacerbation of Skin Disorders: Continuous exposure to dry air can aggravate existing skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis. The lack of humidity can lead to flare-ups and increased discomfort for individuals with these skin disorders.

Premature Skin Aging: The loss of moisture in the skin due to prolonged air conditioning use can lead to premature aging. As the skin loses its natural elasticity, it becomes more prone to the formation of early wrinkles and fine lines. The skin starts to shrivel, losing its youthful appearance.

Hair Damage: Air conditioning can strip away the natural oils that protect your hair. This can result in dry, brittle hair that is more susceptible to breakage. The lack of moisture can cause hair to lose its luster and strength, leading to increased hair damage and split ends.

Allergies and Infectious Diseases: Air conditioning systems can harbor allergens like dust, pollen, and mold. These particles can circulate through the air, potentially causing skin rashes, urticaria, and other allergic reactions. Additionally, the presence of mold and other pathogens in AC systems can increase the risk of infectious diseases, further compromising your health.

To lessen these adverse effects and encourage better skin and hair, use air conditioning in moderation and incorporate techniques to manage humidity, such as using a humidifier or taking breaks to let fresh air into your area.

Additionally, dehydration rates are higher in air-conditioned rooms, making it essential to stay hydrated. To protect your skin and eyes, take regular breaks from the AC and drink plenty of water. Using air conditioning in moderation and maintaining proper hydration can help mitigate these adverse effects, ensuring a healthier indoor environment.