You’re supposed to feel squeaky clean after a shower, not even grosser! Little do many homeowners know, hard water is a common problem in many areas, and it can negatively affect your skin and hair.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how hard water affects your skin and hair and what you can do to combat these effects.
What is Hard Water?
Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. These minerals are picked up from the ground as the water flows through rocks and soil before it reaches your tap. While these minerals are not harmful to your health, they can cause problems for your skin and hair.
How Does Hard Water Affect Your Skin?
When hard water comes into contact with your skin, it can leave behind a residue that clogs pores and causes dryness. This can lead to skin irritation, redness, acne breakouts, and even premature aging. Also, hard water can strip away the natural oils on your skin, leaving it feeling rough and dry.
How Does Hard Water Affect Your Hair?
Hard water can also have negative effects on your hair. The mineral buildup in hard water makes it difficult for shampoo to lather properly, preventing you from fully cleaning your scalp. This buildup can make your hair feel rough and brittle while causing split ends over time. Additionally, hard water can cause dandruff-like flakes on the scalp due to its drying effect.
What Can You Do About It?
There are several ways to combat the negative effects of this water issue:
- Install a Water Softener: A water softener system removes minerals from the water before they enter your home’s plumbing system. This will help prevent mineral buildup on your skin and hair.
- Use a Clarifying Shampoo: Clarifying shampoos are specially formulated to remove product buildup from the hair while removing mineral deposits caused by hard water.
- Moisturize Regularly: Counteract the drying effects of hard water by moisturizing regularly with lotions or oils designed for sensitive skin.
- Consider a Shower Filter: Shower filters are an affordable solution that attaches easily onto showerheads to remove impurities like chlorine or heavy metals from the shower stream.
Schedule a Free In-Home Water Test in Mount Airy, MD
If you notice a strange taste in your water or contaminants, Easterday-Wilson Water Services can help. We treat countless water quality problems and eliminate common water contaminants on a daily basis. Call us at 301-831-5170 for additional information and schedule your free water evaluation today.