Water can be the cause of hair and skin issues?

Experts reveal that the quality of tap water can significantly impact hair and skin due to its mineral content and chlorine levels…

Did you know that the quality of tap water in our homes could be the silent culprit behind many common hair and skin issues? Experts shed light on how minerals and chlorine in tap water are impacting our daily lives.

Plumbworld, a leading expert in bathroom and kitchen products, emphasises the importance of understanding the effects of tap water and offers practical solutions to protect and enhance the health of your hair and skin against these common issues.

1. Impact of Hard Water:
   • Hair: Hard water can cause a build-up of minerals on your hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate the hair shaft. This can lead to hair that feels rough, tangly, and appears dull. Over time, mineral deposits can also weigh down your hair, making it less voluminous and more prone to breakage.
   • Skin: The high mineral content in hard water can leave a film on your skin, which can clog pores and exacerbate conditions like acne and eczema. The inability of soap and shampoo to fully lather and rinse away can further strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and irritation.
2. Effects of Chlorine:
   • Hair: Chlorine can strip the natural protective oils from your hair, leading to dry, brittle strands. Coloured hair is particularly vulnerable, as chlorine can cause fading and a change in colour.
   • Skin: Chlorine exposure can compromise your skin’s natural barrier, leading to dryness, itching, and irritation. For individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, chlorine can trigger flare-ups and worsen symptoms.
3. pH Imbalance Issues:

   The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, which helps maintain its barrier function and protect against pathogens. Tap water, being more alkaline, can disrupt this balance, leading to increased sensitivity, dryness, and irritation.

Solutions and Measures:

1. Water Softener and Filter Solutions:

   • Whole-House Water Softeners: These systems treat the water as it enters your home, addressing hardness at the source. This can significantly improve the quality of water used throughout your home, benefiting not just your hair and skin but also prolonging the life of water-using appliances.

   • Showerhead Filters: A more localised solution, these filters can specifically target chlorine and other harmful substances in your shower water. Some filters are even designed to add back beneficial minerals.
2. Skincare and Haircare Adjustments:
   • Chelating Shampoos: These specialised shampoos are formulated to remove mineral build-up from your hair. Using them once a week can help counteract the effects of hard water.
   • Gentle, Non-Soap Cleansers: For the skin, using gentle cleansers that don’t strip away natural oils can help maintain moisture levels and protect against the drying effects of hard water.

3. Home Remedies and Professional Treatments:

   • Acidic Rinses: Homemade rinses, such as those made with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, can help balance the pH of your hair and scalp, restoring shine and softness.
   • Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular deep conditioning can help replenish moisture and nutrients to hair affected by hard water or chlorine.

   • Dermatological Treatments: For persistent skin issues, consulting a dermatologist for professional treatments can provide targeted solutions, such as barrier-repairing creams or pH-balancing products.

4. Lifestyle Changes:

   • Limiting Shower Time and Temperature: Reducing the time spent in the shower and using lukewarm water can minimise exposure to hard water and chlorine, thereby protecting your skin’s natural oils.

   • Hydration: Internal hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and hair. Drinking plenty of water, especially if it’s filtered or bottled, can help support overall health.

A spokesperson from Plumbworld commented on the findings:

“Keeping your skin and hair healthy in the face of tap water’s challenges starts from the inside out. Choosing a good water filter for your home is a smart move. It ensures the water you drink is clean, which is important for keeping your body hydrated. This hydration is key to keeping your skin and hair looking and feeling good. Pairing this with a diet full of antioxidants is a great idea. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins like C and E helps protect your body from the damage that can be caused by the not-so-great stuff that might be in your water. This kind of internal care helps your hair stay strong and your skin glow, even when the water is full of minerals.

“On the outside, it’s just as important to protect your hair and skin. Adding special products to your routine can help. For hair, look for products that guard against the drying effects of water with lots of minerals. For skin, creams, and lotions that add moisture back into your skin are key. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid are great for this. They help keep your skin from getting dry and irritated. And remember, taking care of your skin and hair isn’t just about what you put on them. Managing stress and getting enough sleep are big parts of keeping your whole body healthy. By taking steps both inside and out, you can combat the effects of tap water and keep your skin and hair looking their best.”