When you wash your face in the morning and see red on the tissue, it's definitely alarming. Those who have experienced a Denver winter at least once will know exactly what I mean.

And what about your lips? Even after applying lip balm all day, by evening, the corners of my lips are cracked.

At first, I thought it was because my body was weak. But it turns out the cause was quite simple. The air is just too dry.

According to the Denver Health blog, Colorado air is dry year-round, but it gets much worse in winter.

With the high altitude, the pressure and temperature are lower, which leads to lower humidity. The western mountainous areas are said to be even drier than here.

The same article lists common symptoms caused by low humidity, such as nosebleeds, severely dry skin, and constantly chapped lips. Exactly the symptoms we experience.

When the forced-air heating in the house is running, the indoor air becomes even drier. With both the outside and inside being dry, it's literally a desert all around.

So why do nosebleeds happen? According to Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of nosebleeds are dry air and the habit of picking your nose.

That's why nosebleeds are more frequent in the winter when the indoor air is dry due to heating. When the nasal mucosa dries and cracks, small blood vessels easily burst.

Therefore, Mayo Clinic summarizes that keeping the nasal mucosa moist is the best preventive measure. The answer is simpler than you might think, right?

There are three main methods: increasing indoor humidity, moisturizing the inside of the nose, and drinking water frequently.

First, let's talk about humidity. Mayo Clinic recommends setting the indoor humidity between 30 and 50 percent when using a humidifier.

The key point here is not to guess. Buying a hygrometer and placing it in your bedroom will give you a clear reading.

I was a bit surprised when I first set up my hygrometer. Even with the humidifier running, there were days when it didn't reach 30.

On the other hand, if it exceeds 50, you'll have condensation on the windows and concerns about mold. Remember, more isn't always better.

It's most effective to place the humidifier near your bed. The air you breathe through your nose while sleeping is directly from that area.

However, if you don't maintain it, it can actually become harmful. Mayo Clinic advises changing the water daily and cleaning the humidifier every three days.

They recommend using distilled water or water without minerals instead of tap water. Tap water contains more minerals and microorganisms, which can lead to white powdery residue.

The second method is moisturizing the inside of the nose. In a Q&A article from Mayo Clinic, they suggest applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly inside the nostrils with a cotton swab up to three times a day.

Saline nasal sprays are also helpful for moistening dry mucosa. You can easily find them at local pharmacies or grocery store pharmacy sections without a prescription.

If you do get a nosebleed, don't tilt your head back. Sit up straight, lean forward, and pinch the soft part of your nose firmly.

Mayo Clinic recommends holding it for 10 to 15 minutes. If you keep checking in between, it will start bleeding again.

If it doesn't stop after two attempts, then seek emergency care. If you frequently experience nosebleeds, it's also a good idea to consult a doctor.

Now, let's talk about lips. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) emphasizes not to lick your lips when they are dry. Saliva evaporates and makes them drier.

Also, lip balms containing camphor, menthol, or eucalyptus can actually irritate the lips. That cool feeling is actually a trap.

AAD recommends choosing products that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. After hearing this, I started clearing out my mint lip balm from the drawer.

If your lips don't improve after managing them for 2 to 3 weeks, AAD advises seeing a dermatologist.

Lastly, let's talk about water. Denver Health explains that due to dry air, moisture lost while breathing increases, and in cold weather, you feel less thirsty, making winter dehydration more likely.

The key is to drink small amounts throughout the day rather than gulping down a lot at once when you're thirsty. Make sure to drink more on days when you exercise.

If you regularly take medication or experience frequent nosebleeds, consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using petroleum jelly or sprays.

In summary, today's tasks are to place a hygrometer, change the humidifier water daily, and moisturize the inside of your nose before bed. Also, switch to a fragrance-free lip balm and keep a water bottle within reach.

None of this is complicated. Still, I hope these five tips make your mornings easier this winter. I'm planning to check my hygrometer again.