How Does Hard Water Affect Your Skin?

Hard water—it makes our linens stiff and leaves our showers covered in soap scum, but did you know it can also affect our bodies’ largest organ? Our skin doesn’t exactly take kindly to hard water minerals, and the after-effects of prolonged use can cause skin irritation, too!

So, what does hard water do to your skin?

Hard Water and Dry Skin

Have you ever walked out of the shower and felt itchy? The minerals found in hard water make it difficult for soap to do its most essential job: clean your skin of dirt, oils, and residue from the day. When these minerals build up, they block soap’s ability to bind water and grim to wash away dirt, creating soap scum. The result? Irritated, dried out skin that can crack, peel or even bleed over time. And if that wasn’t bad enough, soap scum can leave behind a film on your skin that may compromise your skin’s protection from germs.

Can hard water cause rashes? Yes. When calcium builds up and settles on your skin, it can cause redness, itchy skin, and rashes. This is especially true if you have a pre-existing skin condition. Though hard water does not cause skin issues like rosacea or dermatitis, it can make these conditions worse.

Hard Water and Acne

You may be thinking, “wait a minute… how can dry skin be acne-prone?” When your skin dries from hard water, it becomes deprived of its natural oils. And when this happens, it starts to overproduce oil, which can clog pores and leave your skin more prone to acne breakouts.

Hard Water and Dandruff

Your face and body aren’t the only areas susceptible to dryness from hard water. Your scalp is, too. White flakes all over your hair can be embarrassing but an itchy dry scalp can be unbearable.

Hard Water and Sunburn

We know that it’s not exactly the sunshine season in Wisconsin and Minnesota, but that doesn’t mean the sun’s UV rays are harmless. Skin damage from the sun can occur at any time of the year, and hard water can make it worse. Insoluble minerals like magnesium and calcium break down collagen and elastin, leaving your skin more vulnerable to burning.

Have you or your family ever experienced these skin issues? It’s possible your home is using hard water. If you’re looking for a simple, safe, and effective solution to protect the health and safety of your skin, expand the lifespan of your appliances, and enjoy the delicious, crisp taste of softer water, it’s time to consider the installation of a quality Kinetico water softener.

Contact Aquarius for a Free Water Analysis

Fed up with common hard water problems, like dry and damaged skin? Contact our team to help you find an affordable solution. Testing for hard water is easy, and at Aquarius Water Conditioning, we offer a complimentary water analysis, so we can identify the issue at the source and help you find the best water softener that fits your home’s water supply needs.

We believe everyone has the right to clean, crisp water, and we’re here to provide it! Say goodbye to dry, itchy skin for good and get your free quote today!

Laura Schara

Kinetico is an essential part of my home because I care about my health.  Kinetico K5 drinking system removes 99% of contaminants, including chlorine, out of my drinking water.  Not only can I taste the difference, but I feel good knowing that I am only consuming clean pure water.  When you have kinetico, less plastic water bottles are used, which is beneficial to our environment.  

Laura Schara

MN Bound

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