How Water Quality Shapes Your Skin’s Health

5 min readJun 26, 2024

By Shahara Lum

Are you noticing dry skin and unruly hair? It could be your water quality! Hard water, which contains high levels of magnesium and calcium, can wreak havoc on your skin, hair, and even your home. From appliance buildup to faded clothing, hard water can cause a range of issues.

How does this happen? Well, water plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. However, the quality of the water we use for washing can significantly impact our skin. So, let’s explore how water influences the human skin.

Understanding water quality

When we talk about water quality, we’re referring to the chemical, physical, and biological properties of water, which are usually assessed based on how well it suits specific purposes such as drinking, recreational activities like swimming, or agricultural use. In the context of skincare, the emphasis is mainly on the chemical makeup of the water, which includes factors like pH level, mineral content, and the presence of impurities such as heavy metals, chlorine, and microorganisms. It’s important to consider these aspects of water quality as they can directly impact the health and appearance of our skin. [2]

Types of contaminants and their effects

Hard water: Contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which are not harmful to consume but can negatively impact the skin. These minerals interact with soaps and detergents, leaving behind a residue that may clog pores and hinder the skin’s ability to retain moisture. Consequently, this can result in dry, flaky skin and worsen skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. [1]

Chlorine: Used to sanitize water sources, but it has the potential to remove the skin’s natural oils, resulting in dryness and discomfort. Extended contact with chlorinated water can lead to increased skin sensitivity and a greater likelihood of inflammation. However, using moisturizers and protective creams before swimming can help create a barrier between the skin and chlorine, minimizing its effects!

Heavy Metals: Water may contain contaminants such as lead, mercury, and arsenic as a result of industrial pollution and deteriorating infrastructure. These heavy metals can be absorbed into the body through the skin, potentially causing a range of health problems, including skin rashes, discoloration, and in severe cases, systemic toxicity. Thankfully, regular testing and proper water treatment can help mitigate the risks associated with these harmful substances. [1]

Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can contaminate water supplies, leading to infections and skin conditions. For example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, commonly found in contaminated water, can cause folliculitis, an infection of the hair follicles. Yikes!

How does water affect the human skin?

Well, did you know that the water flowing from our taps can have a significant impact on our skin? It’s true! Let’s dive into the details.

The chemicals present in water can be harsh on our skin. Take chlorine, for example. While it’s used to purify water, it can also strip away our skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and irritated, and even leading to skin conditions like eczema. Some people opt for water filters to make the water gentler on their skin, acting as a shield against these harmful effects.

Maintaining the right balance is crucial for healthy skin. Water with extremely high or low pH levels can disrupt this balance, resulting in dryness, redness, and increased susceptibility to skin issues. The ideal water for our skin closely resembles its natural pH, helping to strengthen and retain moisture. Using skincare products with the right pH and avoiding water with extreme pH levels can help keep our skin in great condition.

Minerals in water can also play a role in skin health. While minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium can contribute to skin hydration and overall well-being, an excess of these minerals in hard water can lead to dry and irritated skin. To keep our skin in top shape, we can opt for skincare products containing beneficial minerals or explore ways to mitigate the harshness of hard water on our skin.

Symptoms of water induced skin issues

The symptoms of skin problems caused by poor water quality can vary depending on the type and level of contaminants. Common signs include:

• Dryness and Itching: Skin exposed to hard water or chlorine often becomes dry and itchy due to the loss of natural oils and moisture.

Rashes and Redness: Heavy metals and microorganisms in water can cause rashes, redness, and irritation.

• Acne and Breakouts: The residue from hard water can clog pores, leading to acne and breakouts.

• Eczema Flare-Ups: Individuals with eczema may experience flare-ups when exposed to water with high chlorine levels or hard water.

• Premature aging: Prolonged exposure to polluted water can accelerate the aging process of your skin. This can result in the development of wrinkles, fine lines, and less supple skin due to dehydration

How to prevent unwanted skin issues

Preventing these issues are simple and very effective — all you need to do is understand and follow these five easy steps!

1. Water Softeners: Installing a water softener can help reduce the mineral content in hard water, preventing the formation of residue that can clog pores and dry out the skin.

2. Shower Filters: Using shower filters can remove chlorine and other contaminants, helping to maintain the skin’s natural oils and moisture balance.

3. Regular Testing: Regularly testing your water supply can help identify the presence of harmful contaminants. Home testing kits are available, or you can hire a professional to conduct a thorough analysis.

4. Moisturizing: After showering or washing your face, apply a good quality moisturizer to help replenish the natural oils lost due to water exposure.

5. Limit Exposure: Reducing the time spent in showers and baths can minimize the skin’s exposure to harmful contaminants. Using lukewarm water instead of hot water can also help preserve the skin’s natural barrier.

Aside from the impact of water quality on skin health, it is also important to consider the long-term effects. Chronic exposure to contaminated water can lead to persistent skin problems that are more difficult to treat over time. Addressing water quality is crucial for physical health and overall well-being. Simple measures like installing water treatment systems and being mindful of water’s impact on the skin can lead to significant improvements and a healthier life.

Works Cited

[1] https://www.frizzlife.com/blogs/news/the-impact-of-water-quality-on-your-skin#:~:text=Water%20with%20lots%20of%20minerals,to%20grow%20and%20cause%20acne.

[2] https://crystalclear-systems.com/water-quality-affects-skin/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4529263/

[4] https://ouragami.org/blog/the-hidden-impact-of-water-quality-on-your-skin/

FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skincare-anarchy/id1522162686

Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/298oIu74qjd3pXaaBMDr19

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skincareanarchy/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skincareanarchhy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkincareAnarchy

Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/Skincare_Anarchy/