Effects of Hard Water on Hair and Skin Health

Hard water can have many adverse effects on skin and hair when used for bathing. Some of the most common skin and hair issues associated with hard water include:

• Dryness – hard water can strip your skin of natural oils, leading to increased dryness and flakiness.

• Itchiness – due to its high mineral content, hard water can leave mineral residue on your skin. This residue can cause irritation, leading to persistent itching.

• Dull complexion – the mineral buildup on your skin caused by hard water can also lead to a dull and lacklustre complexion.

• Eczema flare-ups – individuals with eczema often experience more frequent and severe outbreaks due to the skin-drying effects of hard water.

• Soap residue – hard water makes it difficult for soap to lather and rinse off completely. As a result, a residue is left on the skin and may clog pores and cause breakouts.

• Tightness – after washing with hard water, your skin can feel tight and uncomfortable due to the loss of natural oils.

• Increased sensitivity – continuous exposure to hard water can weaken the skin’s barrier function, making it more susceptible to external irritants and allergens.

• Redness and inflammation – the mineral content in hard water can also cause redness and inflammation, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.

As you can see, hard water has many detrimental effects on hair and skin health. Thus, many  families install water softeners to take advantage of the benefits of water softener on skin and hair. When combined with the benefits of humidifiers for skin, water softeners can be life-changing!

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Solution : Water Softeners for Healthier Skin and Hair

Soft water is much gentler than hard water on skin and hair. Therefore, to alleviate the skin health issues families faced, we recommended they install a water softener.

What is a water softener?

A water softener is an appliance that uses ion exchange to remove hardness-causing minerals, like calcium and magnesium, and add sodium ions to your water. A water softener is good for skin thanks to its ability to convert hard water to soft water.

How Water Softeners Work

Here’s a breakdown of how water softeners work:

Inside a water softener is a collection of resin beads. These beads are charged with sodium ions. As water flows over the resin beads, the calcium and magnesium positive ions in the hard water stick to the resin. In response, the resin releases sodium ions to maintain a balanced electrical charge. Thus, the resin removes the minerals that cause hard water, creating soft water for use throughout your home.

 

The Benefits of Water Softeners on Skin and Hair

Why install a water softener? By installing a water softener in your home, like many families, you can take advantage of the many benefits of soft water.

Some of the most significant soft water benefits for skin and hair health include:

• Enhanced moisture retention – soft water helps the skin retain its natural moisture, preventing dryness and flakiness.

• Softer, smoother skin – without the mineral deposits found in hard water, skin feels softer and smoother after washing with soft water.

• Reduced residue – soft water rinses off soap and shampoo more effectively, preventing residue buildup on the skin and scalp. This can help reduce acne and scalp issues.

• Shinier hair – because soft water more effectively washes away shampoo and conditioner residue, it can also make hair shinier and more manageable.

• Prevention of skin conditions – soft water is much gentler than hard water and can reduce the risk of certain skin conditions exacerbated by hard water, such as eczema flare-ups.

• Less irritation – without the harsh minerals found in hard water, skin irritation with soft water is less likely. As a result, soft water is ideal for those with sensitive skin.​