The Hard Truth about Hard Water and Your Skin
If you are like 85% of Americans, you have hard water. Have you ever wondered why no matter what you do, your skin still looks in need of help? That could be all thanks to your hard water (water that has a high mineral content). So, what exactly can hard water do to your skin and what can we do about it? Let’s explore!
Dry, Irritated Skin
Ever notice that you use a lot of soap to get a good lather? This is due to the high mineral content in your water. It makes it hard for soaps to lather and it makes it especially difficult to rinse the soap off of your skin completely, which leaves behind a layer of film that can clog pores. This leads to dry, irritated skin and can really be a problem for those with sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis.
Acne
While some might experience dry, irritated skin, others might face acne breakouts. This happens because the minerals in the water interact with the natural oils in your skin and also with any moisturizers you use on your face. The result? The oil changes from a liquid to more of a waxy substance that clogs your pores, leading to acne. If you are prone to acne, when you rinse your face with hard water, you may be doing more harm than good.
So, what’s a girl (or guy) to do!?
- Install a water softener. This is the most effective solution, however it can be costly. If that’s not an option for you, try installing a filter in your shower and faucet.
- After washing your face, use a gentle toner. This will remove any impurities in your skin. Make sure to avoid toners that contain alcohol, unless you have very oily skin because they will be too drying.
- If you have a time where you want exceptionally clear skin (like a wedding, vacation, or family portraits), try washing your face with bottled water leading up to the event.
Have you noticed damaging effects from your hard water? What have you done to reverse the damage? Head over to our Facebook page and let us know!