Is Hard Water Bad for Your Skin?

How does your skin feel as soon as you step right out of your shower? What would you describe it as, squeaky clean or silky smooth? The water you use in your house can have significant effects on your skin. In fact, what is surprising is that it may all boil down to one simple factor: is the water in your home soft or hard water? Hard water, in particular, is known to have various effects. So, is hard water bad for your skin? Hard water is not preferred for your skin due to the various reasons listed below:

Why Hard Water Is Not Good For Your Skin

Hard water comprises of dissolved minerals such as magnesium and calcium. It is these minerals that make it difficult for the water to form a solution with soap, subsequently leaving behind what is known as scum.

If your home has hard water, you will notice that your bathroom fixtures have white soap scum all over them. Hard water also leads to the clogging of your plumbing, and your shower heads subsequently reducing the pressure.

Other Effects of Hard Water on Skin

1. Clogs Your Pores

Similarly with your bathroom fixtures, hard water also leaves a film of scum on your skin too. As opposed to getting that nice lather, you are unfortunately leaving behind a residue which clogs your pores.

Usually, clogged pores can result in breakouts and even further aggravate skin conditions such as eczema or acne. Your body produces natural oils which are distributed through the skin pores. If these pores get clogged, these oils get trapped, leading to the formation of blemishes.

2. Results in Dry Skin

Besides clogging your skin, the scum from hard water can also cause you to feel irritated, itchy, and dry. The natural minerals present in hard water can strip moisture off your skin, while consequently preventing the natural oils produced by your body from carrying out their job of retaining moisture and lubricating your skin.

Other than causing dry skin, hard water can also lead to numerous other secondary skin conditions such as acne, or even dermatitis.

3. Causes Skin to Age Faster

Surprisingly, hard water may also be causing your skin to age more quickly. According to numerous dermatologists, most of the impurities present in hard water such as magnesium and iron can result in the formation of free radicals which damage healthy skin cells. This can usually result in wrinkles and fine lines. Damage from free radicals can even further result in collagen breakdown.

Is There a Solution to This Problem?

Are you experiencing the adverse effects of hard water on your skin? There are several recommended steps that you can take to remedy the effects of hard water on your skin including:

•  Installing a water softener in your home or consider installing water softening shower heads, which can filter out the natural hardening minerals.
•  Use a gentle cleanser rather than soap for cleaning your skin. Soap usually binds with the oils in your skin, subsequently stripping your skin of its natural protective layer.

Summary

Is hard water bad for your skin? Unfortunately, it is. Hard water contains high amounts of natural minerals such as calcium and magnesium which don’t properly dissolve detergents, soap, or any other cleansing products. Therefore, leaving the soap residue on the skin which causes sensitive, dry skin and clogged pores. However, with the right additions to your home, you can effectively remedy this problem. Clear Water Concepts offers a variety of water softening and water filtration devices that can help provide softer water throughout your home.