Does Hard Water Cause Dry Skin? The Answer and Solution!

We all want healthy skin! But, are you dealing with dry skin that just won’t seem to go away no matter how many moisturizers and creams you use?

If so, your hard water might be the culprit. But can hard water really cause dry skin?

Today we’re taking a deep dive into this topic to uncover the truth about hard water and its effects on our skin.

What is Hard Water?

Before we get into whether or not hard water causes dry skin, it’s important to understand what exactly “hard water” is.

Hard water - also known as “mineralized” or “alkaline” water - is any type of water that contains a high amount of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.

These mineral deposits are picked up by the water as it moves through the ground and can be found in most municipal areas throughout the country.

While there are benefits to drinking hard water (like its mineral content), it can also have some drawbacks when it comes to our skin health.

What is the Difference Between Hard and Soft Water?

The main difference between hard and soft water is the amount of minerals they contain.

Hard water contains high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other dissolved minerals which can cause deposits to form on plumbing fixtures and create soap scum when mixed with soap or detergent.

Soft water, on the other hand, contains only very low amounts (or no) of these minerals and therefore doesn't leave any residue behind after use.

What are Signs That I Have Hard Water?

You can easily tell if you have hard water by looking for signs such as limescale or mineral buildup on your fixtures and appliances, soap scum on surfaces, or spotting it on glassware when washing dishes.

You may also notice that it takes more soap or detergent to get your clothes clean in hard water than in soft water.

Another way to test for hardness is with a home testing kit designed specifically for this purpose.

These kits measure the amount of various minerals present in the sample of water so that you can determine its hardness level accurately.

How Does Hard Water Affect Skin Health?

So now that we know what hard water is, let’s talk about how it affects our skin health.

Most people who live in areas with hard tap water will notice that their skin feels drier after showering or washing their hands than those who use softer tap water.

This is because the minerals in hard tap water strip away natural oils from your hair and skin barrier, leaving them feeling dry and tight afterwards.

Additionally, these minerals can also interfere with soap's ability to lather properly and create a thick foam - which can leave soap residue on your body after rinsing off instead of being washed away completely.

This residue affects our skin because it causes clogged pores, trapping dirt and bacteria which leads to breakouts and other issues like eczema flare-ups.

Also, hard water can damage healthy skin cells and aggravate skin conditions. So, your water may definitely be the reason you have dry and itchy skin.

Can I Prevent Dry Skin Caused By Hard Water?

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent dry skin caused by hard tap water.

The first thing you should do is install a whole-house filtration system for your home which will filter out much of the calcium, magnesium, and iron from your tap water before it reaches your sink or shower head.

With a water softener system installed, you won’t have to worry about taking harsh showers or using extra soap just to get clean!

Additionally, you should look for products specifically designed for use with hard tap water like sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizers that won’t strip away natural oils from your hair or skin while still getting them clean.

Finally, make sure you always rinse off all soap residue after showering so that none of it gets trapped in your pores. And exfoliate dead skin cells away at least once a week with a great exfoliator.

What if I Live in an Apartment?

If you're living in an apartment, having access to clean, soft water may seem like a distant dream. However, there are a few things you can do to tackle this tough problem.

The most straightforward solution is to invest in a good water filter specifically designed for hard water.

These products can be found online and come with various features depending on your budget and needs.

The easiest to install is the kind that attaches to your shower head to filter the water before it hits your skin. You simply screw on the filter between the shower pipe and shower head.

Another option is investing in a portable water softener. Portable water softeners can help reduce soap scum buildup inside your showers and tubs and filter the water so it's kinder to your skin - the two common annoyances when dealing with hard water!

Finally, if all else fails, there are simple at-home remedies such as adding vinegar or baking soda to your bathtub before filling it up with hot water or using distilled bottled waters instead of tap water while cleaning dishes or doing laundry.

Either way, these are all viable solutions that should help alleviate some of the issues associated with hard water living in apartments.

Here's a solution that YouTuber Hannah Anderson found for the hard water issue in her apartment:

Conclusion

In conclusion, yes – hard water does cause dry skin and skin irritation!

By understanding why this happens and taking steps to prevent it (like installing a whole-house filtration system or using sulfate-free products), you can keep your hair and sensitive skin healthy even if you live in an area with harder tap water than others.

So don't let your irritated skin suffer any longer - take action today against dryness caused by hard water!

If you have dry skin you know if can cause all sorts of problems. Some people experience dryness around their mouth area.

This frustrating condition can be hard to treat. We went looking for the best solutions. Tap the button below to learn how to get rid of dry skin around your mouth.