Is Hard Water Destroying Your Skin?

The high mineral content of water makes it difficult for soaps to lather properly instead a soapy layer is left behind on the skin or a film that cannot be washed off. Not only that but the minerals in the water also stay on your skin instead of being rinsed away. All of this can lead to dry skin, irritated skin, or trigger such skin problems like eczema or psoriasis. People with sensitive skin can find hard water to be particularly harmful to their skin. Lastly, the impurities in hard water when left on skin can act as free radicals and cause collagen breakdown aging your skin.

Hard water, as opposed to soft water, is water with a higher-than-normal mineral content. Dry skin is one of the most common effects of hard water on skin. Since hard water makes it more difficult to rinse soaps and shampoos from the skin′s surface, the skin may also become irritated. To prevent hard water from affecting skin, people can limit their exposure to hard water and use less soap on their bodies.

Hard water is a common problem for many households, especially those that use well water. This type of water contains many minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. This occurs when ground water seeps through the soil and rocks. Dry skin is one of the most common problems of prolonged exposure of hard water. When the water comes in contact with a person′s skin, a small portion of the minerals are left behind. These deposits can leach the moisture and natural oils from the skin.

People with sensitive skin or skin conditions will also often have problems when they are exposed to hard water. Psoriasis and eczema sufferers, for instance, will often experience more dryness and irritation after being exposed to hard water. If hard water is the cause of frequent skin problems, avoiding the offending water is often necessary to help clear the skin up.

Hard water also makes it very difficult to rinse most soaps and detergents from the skin. A build up of these products on the skin may also be considered an effect of hard water on skin. This type of buildup can be very irritating, especially for people with sensitive skin. Soap residue can also clog the skin′s pores, which can trap dirt and oil just below the surface of the skin. When this happens, acne and pimples can occur.