Does your skin itch regularly, and have you developed a condition like acne, allergies, or a seasonal skin condition? Do you feel that the hard water you use daily might be the culprit?
Although most local water treatment companies remove toxic chemicals from water before supplying, most public water systems do not remove hardness from the water they supply to customers.
Hard water can make your skin itch because of the hard mineral deposits left behind that can clog your pores or irritate your skin. The presence of deposits on your skin can cause dermatitis or exacerbate conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Hard water isn’t something that will greatly affect your health, but many people experience irritation from it.
If hard water causes itchiness and irritation for you, keep reading to find out why that may be happening and how you can easily avoid it.
Related articles:
8 Harmful Effects of Hard Water on Your Skin
Does Hard Water Cause Eczema?
Can Hard Water Cause Dandruff?
Why Does Hard Water Cause Itching?
85% of American households are supplied with hard water, so your skin might be in contact with hard water daily.
Here are some explanations as to why hard water may cause itching:
1. Minerals Clog Your Pores
Hard water is rich in minerals, such as magnesium. When washing, small particles of hard water are left on your skin after contact. This leads to clogged pores, making moisturizing difficult.
Clogged pores lead to tight skin, which creates more dryness and an itchy sensation.
If you have sensitive skin, then hard water may aggravate acne and cause breakouts.
2. Soap Scum Damages the Skin
Soap reacts to the minerals in hard water and creates what many call “soap scum.” This is a film of soap that makes its removal difficult and is left on the skin and scalp.
Soap scum will trap your natural oils and create blemishes. You might experience difficulty in rinsing the soap off, which makes the skin itchy and flaky.
3. pH Imbalance
Your skin’s optimal pH level lies between 4.7 and 5.75, but hard water’s alkalinity could increase your skin’s pH above normal levels.
As the moisture dries up, and your pH balance is tampered with, you may often feel irritation on your skin’s surface.
A more alkaline pH will distort your skin’s natural protection function, and you may be more exposed to infections. This underlying reason could have caused the itchiness you feel.
4. Damage to Your Bathroom Suite
Hard water combined with soap will leave a sticky film also known as soap scum in your bathtub that will keep on building with time.
You may notice a white film on your taps, sink, shower head, or washroom door. That’s the combination of fatty chemicals in your soap and shampoo. When you touch these affected appliances, your skin may react and cause irritation.
Using appliances alongside these chemicals, the skin is ultimately affected by the hard water minerals, causing skin diseases such as eczema.
Your skin isn’t the only part affected by hard water and soap scums on bathroom equipment. You may even experience increased dandruff, tight skin, amplification of skin reactions or symptoms, and increased sensitivity.
Incidentally, many people may even be unaware that they are using hard water as they have had little to no reaction. On the contrary, studies have shown that repeated hard water consumption can positively affect your health.
How To Fix the Problem of Hard Water?
If your skin is continuously exposed to hard water, and you haven’t been sufficiently moisturizing, then you will be prone to itchiness and irritation.
Fortunately, we have three simple suggestions you can choose from to avoid this problem:
1. Water Softener
One of the most common and effective methods of reducing hard water in your home is by using a filtration system such as a water softener. This removes the hard minerals and replaces them with sodium ions.
2. Routine Changes
Certainly, you can make some small, easy-to-follow changes in your routine to save you from the effects of hard water.
Reducing the time spent showering is the first simple step. Moreover, buying better quality soap-free cleansers will be gentler on your skin.
3. Regular Moisturizing
A highly recommended method is to apply moisturizers after showering. This will cancel out hard minerals’ effect on your skin and save you from dryness.
Fill your shopping cart with those rich moisturizing lotions that protect your skin and enhance your natural glow.
FAQs
How do you Treat Hard Water on Your Skin?
The quickest solution is to moisturize your skin. However, if you want to cut the problem at its source, then installing a water softener would be a better option.
Does Soft Water Also Make Your Skin Itch?
Soft water is less likely to cause itching, irritation, and dry skin. However, if you have installed a water softener, you could experience some itching due to the absorption of chemicals in your skin and body.
Final Thoughts
Hard water can be a nuisance for many homeowners, and its effects relate to bathroom issues, clogged pores, bathtub issues and more. Loading up on hydrating lotions is fundamental in keeping itchy skin at bay. However, contact your local water suppliers if hard water in your home persists.
