How to Minimize Damage from Hard Water

Have you ever experienced mineral buildups and soap scum? Spots on your glassware after washing them? 

Welcome to the world of hard water. 

But have you ever thought about what hard water can do to your skin and scalp? If it causes mineral buildups and soap scum, then what about on our skin? How would it affect our skin?

In today's blog, we're going to look into the (NEGATIVE) effects of hard water and what we can do to minimize it.

 If you're like me and live in Canada, the chances are you have hard water. Here in Canada, hard water is a pretty common, but the extent of hardness can vary from one area to another. 

In general, the eastern and central parts of Canada tend to have harder water compared to the western provinces. Here are some areas in Canada known for having hard water:

1. Ontario: Many areas in Ontario, particularly in the southern part of the province, have hard water. Cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton often experience hard water issues.
2. Quebec: Some regions in Quebec, including Montreal and surrounding areas, have hard water. Water hardness can vary within the province.
3. Manitoba: Certain areas in Manitoba, such as Winnipeg and its suburbs, are known for having hard water.
4. Saskatchewan: Water hardness can be a concern in various parts of Saskatchewan, particularly in cities like Regina and Saskatoon.
5. Alberta: While Alberta generally has somewhat softer water compared to other provinces, some regions, especially in the central and northern parts, may still experience water hardness.
6. British Columbia: Water hardness tends to be lower in British Columbia, especially in areas near the coast. However, some interior regions may have moderately hard water.

Hard water can be particularly damaging if you have dry, mature skin and sensitive skin because it disrupts the skin's natural oil balance, causing dryness, irritation, and the potential for clogged pores. These effects can lead to a range of skin issues, making it important to address hard water concerns, especially for individuals with sensitive or dry skin types.

Let's look at the damage that hard water can do to our skin in more detail.

Stripping Natural Oils 

Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium ions. When you wash your skin with hard water, these minerals can react with the natural oils (sebum) produced by your skin. This reaction can lead to the oils being broken down and removed more readily, effectively stripping your skin of its natural protective barrier.

Dryness and Irritation

As the skin's natural oils are removed or disrupted, the skin becomes more prone to dryness. This can lead to flakiness, itchiness, and overall discomfort. Dry skin is also more susceptible to irritation and may become red and sensitive.

Soap Scum Formation

The minerals in hard water can react with soap or cleansers to form soap scum. This soap scum can adhere to your skin, leaving a residue that is difficult to rinse away. This residue can contribute to a feeling of "film" on the skin and may clog pores. In addition, when exposed to sunlight or other environmental factors, soap scum can undergo chemical reactions, causing free radicals, leading to oxidative stress on the skin. 

Clogged Pores

Soap scum and mineral deposits left on the skin's surface can potentially clog pores. When pores become blocked, it can lead to various skin issues, including acne and blackheads.

Worsening Skin Conditions

For individuals with preexisting skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, hard water can exacerbate their symptoms. The drying and irritant effects of hard water can make these conditions more challenging to manage.

Increased Sensitivity

The mineral buildup on the skin's surface can make the skin more sensitive to other products and environmental factors, potentially leading to increased reactivity and discomfort.

Aging Effects

Over time, hard water can contribute to premature aging of the skin. The constant removal of natural oils and the potential for irritation can accelerate the development of fine lines and wrinkles.

Dullness

Hard water can leave mineral deposits on the skin, making it appear dull and less radiant.

Sensitive Skin

Individuals with sensitive skin are more prone to experiencing adverse effects from hard water. The minerals in hard water, along with soap scum, can lead to skin irritation, dryness, redness, and itching. People with conditions like eczema or rosacea may find their symptoms exacerbated by hard water.

Dry Skin

Hard water can exacerbate dry skin issues. The minerals can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to increased dryness and potential flakiness. Dry skin is more susceptible to irritation and discomfort when exposed to hard water.

Normal Skin

Individuals with normal skin may also notice the drying effects of hard water, but it may not be as severe or bothersome as it is for those with sensitive or dry skin. Nevertheless, it can still lead to dull-looking skin and potential irritation.

Oily Skin

Oily skin types may experience fewer issues with hard water in terms of dryness. However, the minerals can still contribute to clogged pores and breakouts due to the formation of soap scum and the potential for excessive cleansing.

Acne-Prone Skin

People with acne-prone skin can find that hard water makes it more challenging to cleanse effectively. The mineral buildup can contribute to clogged pores, which may increase the risk of acne breakouts.

Combination Skin

Combination skin types, with both dry and oily areas, may experience varying effects from hard water. Dry areas may become drier and potentially irritated, while oily areas may be more prone to breakouts.

All these sound pretty terrible. The best thing would be to invest in a good water softener, but the price tag on it is not low, especially for a good one, and it requires constant maintenance. 

Good thing is that there are way to minimize hard water damage WITHOUT investing in a water softener. 

Limit Shower Time

Shorten your shower time to reduce skin's exposure to hard water. Prolonged showers can increase the time your skin spends in contact with minerals. And be efficient with your cleansing routine. Wet your body quickly, apply soap or cleanser, and then rinse promptly. This reduces the time your skin is in contact with hard water.

Lukewarm Water

Instead of hot water, use lukewarm water for bathing or washing your face. Hot water can exacerbate dryness and irritation. And lukewarm water may result in less soap scum formation compared to hot water, as it doesn't encourage the minerals in hard water to react as vigorously.

Filtered Showerheads

Install a showerhead with a built-in filter designed to reduce the mineral content in water. This can help provide softer water for your skin. Opt for a showerhead filter that utilizes multi-stage filtration. This typically includes multiple filter media or cartridges designed to remove various impurities, including minerals that cause water hardness. And ensure that the filter is specifically designed to reduce hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Look for filters with ion-exchange resin or other media that can effectively capture these minerals.

Exfoliate Regularly

Gentle exfoliation can help remove mineral buildup and dead skin cells, promoting healthier skin. Use a mild exfoliating product 1-2 times a week. For sensitive and dry skin, try using a milder physical exfoliation, instead of a chemical exfoliation. A mild physical exfoliator, like our Exfoliating Cleansing Cream employing Jojoba wax ester, can help remove mineral buildup caused by hard water, leaving the skin smoother.

Use a Gentle Cleanser

I can't emphasize this enough. (Read this very informative blog to learn WHY it's important to use a pH-balanced cleanser.)  Using a pH-balanced, low soap cleanser is beneficial when you have hard water because it helps minimize the negative effects of hard water on the skin because it helps prevent overcleansing. Furthermore, a low soap cleanser produces less soap scum, reducing the chances of it adhering to your skin. This can leave your skin feeling cleaner and less coated after washing. So look for sulfate-free or soap-free cleansers that won't react with minerals to form soap scum, like our Mild Face Cleanser. 

Moisturize RIGHT AFTER washing

Apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing or showering to lock in moisture and replenish the skin's natural oils. Look for moisturizers containing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. One tip is to keep your favourite moisturizer in the bathroom so that you can moisturize right after bathing, showering, or washing face. Ingredients that we recommend are: 

• Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrating ingredient that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated.
• Glycerin: Glycerin is a humectant that draws water into the skin, helping to maintain hydration levels and prevent moisture loss.
• Ceramides: Ceramides are natural lipids that make up the skin's barrier. Using a moisturizer with ceramides helps strengthen the skin barrier, which can be compromised by hard water.
• Fatty Acids: Ingredients like linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are essential fatty acids, help to maintain the skin's moisture balance and support a healthy barrier.
• Natural Oils: Plant-based oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil, and almond oil can provide deep hydration and nourishment to the skin. They are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by mineral buildup and environmental factors associated with hard water.
• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera has soothing and hydrating properties that can alleviate irritation and discomfort from hard water.
• Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients: Ingredients like chamomile, calendula, or bisabolol can help calm irritated skin that may result from hard water effects.

The negative effects of hard water can scare anyone, especially if you have dry skin or sensitive skin. But by incorporating these practices into your skincare routine and daily habits, you can help minimize the negative effects of hard water on your skin, maintain skin health, and promote a more comfortable and radiant complexion.

Jabbar-Lopez ZK, Ung CY, Alexander H, Gurung N, Chalmers J, Danby S, Cork MJ, Peacock JL, Flohr C. The effect of water hardness on atopic eczema, skin barrier function: A systematic review, meta-analysis. Clin Exp Allergy. 2021 Mar;51(3):430-451. doi: 10.1111/cea.13797. Epub 2020 Dec 13. PMID: 33259122.(Link)