To begin with, there are no scientific studies that prove how chlorinated and hard water affect those with sensitive skin and hair. When you compare showering in hard chlorinated water to soft chlorinated water, most individuals can tell the difference right away.
WHAT MAKES TAP WATER BAD FOR OUR HAIR AND SKIN
- 1. HARD WATER
Hard water can raise the likelihood of developing eczema, a painful skin condition that affects one in every five people, according to recent studies comparing post/zip codes all across the world. Stress, chemical detergents, soaps, and fragrances, as well as diet and food, can aggravate the condition, which results in red, itchy, inflamed, cracked, and irritated skin.
- 2. CHLORINE
River water, groundwater, and water from large reservoirs are the principal sources of tap water in India.This water is frequently contaminated with dirt and microorganisms.To eliminate microorganisms, municipal corporations and other water-supply firms clean the water with chlorine.Chlorine purifies water by removing life-threatening microorganic contaminants such as bacteria and viruses. The same chlorine, though, can harm your skin and hair. The chemical harms your skin and hair by ripping off the natural oils that protect them.
EFFECTS OF TAP WATER ON SKIN
Tap water clogs your pores, it can cause dryness, irritation, and even outbreaks. It can also aggravate psoriasis and other skin conditions.Because the minerals in the water are too heavy for most individuals, they damage our skin's natural barrier, leaving it vulnerable. It exposes the skin to additional hazardous elements, as well as causing moisture loss from within. It may also hasten the loss of collagen in your skin. These heavy metals can trigger oxidative reactions, resulting in the formation of more free radicals, which can eventually contribute to the breakdown of elastic tissue and collagen, which are two of the most critical factors in keeping our skin appearing healthy, firm, and youthful.Chlorine has also been linked to cancer by some scientists. It is possible to get cancer from chlorinated water, whether you drink it or use it to clean your skin and hair.
EFFECTS OF TAP WATER ON HAIR
It's becoming increasingly difficult to keep a healthy mane. Hair loss is exacerbated by hard water, pollution, an unhealthy lifestyle, and a poor nutrition. While we may not be able to control everything in our immediate environment, we can control the quality of the water we use for our hair.
Hard water's effects on our hair might be long-lasting. Chlorine, mineral salts, calcium, and a slew of dust and sand particles are injected into it. While it is typically recommended to avoid using hard water to wash your hair, it is sometimes unavoidable.When this treated water is mixed with shampoo, the minerals in the water react with the soap to generate a salt. This salt leaves a deposit on the scalp and hair roots, damaging the porous quality of your skin.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has undertaken numerous research that show a link between hair loss and hard water. Premature greying, hair breakage, and hair damage are all caused by excessive exposure to chemically treated or harsh water. Hair thinning and irreversible hair loss might result if this breakage is not treated promptly.
WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PROTECT YOUR HAIR AND SKIN?
- To begin, determine how hard the water is and whether or not it’ss current quality is permanent. Bicarbonate salt levels in hard water can sometimes be high. This can make the water in your faucets run hard, but only for a short time. Boiling the water will take care of this short abrasion.
- If the hardness of the water is persistent, there are a few steps you may take to avoid hair loss. In your bathroom, you can utilize a shower filter or install a new water filtering system in the main tank. This will not only preserve your hair from breaking, but it will also help to improve your skin and teeth.
- The mineral build-up that occurs when you use hard water is the main cause of hair problems. A natural acidic rinse can also aid in the situation's resolution. Mineral residue can also be removed with moderate hair scrubs.
- Install a Water Softener if you don't already have one.
- To avoid the negative effects of hard water on your skin, you must select the best water softener for your home based on your needs. Installing a water softener removes hardness from the water while also protecting your skin.
- Instead of soap, use a cleanser.Hard water prevents soap from forming a lather, resulting in soap residue build-up on your skin and eventual dryness. Reducing the amount of soap used on the skin also minimizes skin dryness.
- Instead of soap, use cleaning milk or micellar water, which is more moisturizing and nourishing than soap and preserves your skin's natural oils.
- After you've washed your face, don't forget to moisturize it.
- Because hard water causes dryness and itching, use a moisturizer and a heavy body lotion straight after a shower or a facial wash. Warm coconut oil can also be used to hydrate your skin.
