Showering has an uncomfortable side effect for some of us: dry, itchy skin. Experiencing skin irritation after your shower isn't totally uncommon. In general, dermatologists suggest avoiding harsh soaps, high-temperature showers as they tend to dry out your skin. But...did you know that chlorinated hard water can trigger irritation and even make it worse?
HARD WATER
Hard water is water that contains high amounts of minerals. Although these minerals offer great nutritional value to a healthy diet, they can be very problematic for your hair and skin.
A 2017 study from the University of Sheffield and King's College in London showed that "hard water can damage the skin's protective barrier, which increases sensitivity to irritants, such as those found in soap products."
Ever notice the soap scum from your shower basin? Now imagine that on your skin accompanied by dryness and irritation. The heavy metals from hard water clog your pores and cause dry skin. When combined with bathing products, hard water leaves behind a film-like residue on your skin that's hard to wash off.
PH LEVEL
The pH level of hard water plays a role too. Contact with hard water increases the alkaline levels of your skin, which generally has a lower, acidic pH level. This may disturb the skin's natural functions as well.
Dr. Simon Danby from the study explains, "By damaging the skin barrier, showering with hard water may contribute to the development of eczema – a chronic skin condition characterized by an intensely itchy red rash. Patients with eczema are much more sensitive to the effects of hard water than people with healthy skin."
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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Pat dry instead of rubbing your skin with a towel.
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Moisturize your skin while it’s still damp can help lock in moisture.
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Switch to soaps that are more gentle on your skin.
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Add a shower filter to remove chlorine and heavy metals.
ABOUT KLEAN
A KLEAN Shower Filter helps remove the lead contaminants as well as chlorine, water-soluble metals before it enters your shower stream.
Here are some lab reports from our supplier:
- Help remove lead and other heavy metals
- Removes over 90% of chlorine
KLEAN helps you remove impurities in your shower through a process known as Redox. This process transforms chemicals and metal ions such as chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, lead, mercury, iron, and more into harmless substances, and in return, giving you worry-free showers.