Want Plump, Hydrated Skin This Winter? Stock Up On These 9 Houseplants

You don't have to scroll through Instagram's #JungalowStyle hashtag very long to realize that a few well-placed houseplants can transform a room from fine and functional to a transcendental green oasis. But beyond their aesthetic appeal, houseplants are a legitimate boon to our overall health, with research showing1 that simply being around them can decrease our pain perception and boost mood.

But the real clincher that's going to make you want to hit up a greenhouse STAT? Houseplants—not some fancy, overpriced serum—may be one of the best natural moisturizers money can buy. One recent study2 suggests that plants with higher transpiration rates (the rate at which they lose water through their leaves) may add enough moisture to the air to combat dry winter skin. Think of them as nature's humidifiers. A peace lily, for instance, can transpire a small teacup's worth of water in a day. So, even adding a few plant babies to your collection could make a meaningful difference. 

Even cooler? The study found that plants with higher transpiration rates are often the best at purifying and removing toxins from indoor air. Additional studies reveal that plants are particularly great at reducing indoor air levels of formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—toxic compounds found in common household items (mattresses, paints, candles, etc.) that can promote oxidative stress3 and accelerate the aging process.  

Plant enthusiasts aren't surprised by the notion that more plants equals better skin and overall health. "I get compliments on my good skin a lot, and to be honest, I have a very simple skin care routine that doesn't require 15 steps or expensive products," says Bryana Sortino, COO of Brooklyn-based plant subscription service Horti and proud parent to 100-plus plants. "And taking care of all these babies is definitely adding to my overall sense of nurture and calm."

"Snake is actually an all-around winner as it does well in low light plus it's one of the few plants that releases oxygen in the night, so it's ideal for your bedroom," says Sortino. "I have one that's about 5 feet tall now!"

Research shows that ivy is one of the absolute best picks for increasing the relative humidity2 of a room. Satin Pothos and Philodendron Brasil are also great high-transpiration plants if you're into the vine-covered bookshelf look, says Sortino. 

Not only do spider plants release a decent amount of moisture, but they've been specifically shown to remove dangerous toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Spider plants thrive in moderate, indirect sunlight and somewhat cooler temperatures. They're also great for propagating, so you can spread the love to every room in your house!