Hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals tend to leave behind a film on your skin, which can cause dryness and irritation. When these minerals are in the water, they cannot be rinsed off completely. This can lead to a build-up of residue on your skin that can clog pores and cause acne breakouts.
Hard water is full of minerals, including iron, which can cause redness and irritation in the skin. The mineral content in hard water also causes it to be slightly acidic; this can lead to inflammation and redness when it comes into contact with sensitive areas of the body like your face or hands.
Why Hard Water Is Not Good For Your Skin
Hard water comprises 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.
Hard water can cause other long-term problems as well, such as lime scale build-up on shower heads, pipes and kettles. The lime scale build-up can also cause permanent damage to appliances like washing machines and dishwashers, as well as badly effect of hard water on skin and hair if used excessively for bathing or showering purposes.
Other Effects of Hard Water on Skin
1. Clogs Your Pores
Hard water is not only damaging to your hair, it is also damaging to your skin. Water from the faucet can contain minerals like calcium and magnesium which can build up on your skin, leaving a film of scum behind.
This film of scum causes a number of problems with your skin and hair. For example, the minerals in hard water will leave a residue on your bathroom fixtures such as your shower head and faucets. This residue can be difficult to clean off and will eventually cause damage to these fixtures.
2. Results in Dry Skin
Hard water is a common phenomenon in the United States, but it’s also relatively common in other parts of the world. If you live in an area affected by hard water, then you already know that it can cause quite a few problems for your home and your 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.
3. Causes Skin to Age Faster
As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and becomes more susceptible to environmental factors such as pollution and harsh weather. Harsh soaps and cleansers can also cause dryness, irritation and redness in the skin. So, it is important to take care of your skin from a young age. If you have hard water at home, you need to be extra careful about how it affects your skin.
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?
The effects of hard water on the skin can be unpleasant and irritating. Hard water contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and other minerals that build up over time.
The buildup of these minerals can cause a variety of problems including dry skin, itchy skin, redness, rashes and even eczema.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be because your water is hard. The recommended steps to remedy this situation include:
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.
