Acne and skin irritation are common skin complaints, but did you know your tap water could be part of the problem? While we pay attention to our skincare products, we ignore an important potential trigger: the water we use every day.  

Hard water is a common issue in Indian households, that can affect both skin and hair health. And in cities like Bengaluru, a recent study revealed that in nearly 24% households, tap water often contains TDS above 200mg/l, which can seriously disturb your skin’s barrier.

Water quality is finally getting consideration as an environmental contributor to skincare. Filtering water does wonders for your skin, and in this blog, we will explore water filtration systems like a tap filter for hard water.  

What Does Your Unfiltered Tap Water Contain?

1. Common Contaminants

Most of the tap water in India contains chlorine, chloramines, heavy metals like lead or copper, and bacterial or microbial residue. These are added or collected during the treatment and distribution stages.  

2. Role of Hard Water 

Hard water is concentrated with excess calcium and magnesium. These minerals are detrimental to your skin as well as your pipes. 

3. How These Factors Affect Skin pH

The skin naturally is more acidic, having a pH of about 5.5. Hard water or contaminated water will make the skin alkaline, disrupting the skin barrier. This, in turn, causes dryness, irritation, and breakouts, especially for acne-prone or sensitive skin. 

How Unfiltered Water Affects Acne and Irritation

The quality of water used daily can be a contributor to the long-standing condition of the skin. Here is how: 

1. Disruption of the Natural Oil Balance

Chlorine and hard minerals strip your skin's natural oils, leaving it dry and tight. The skin will respond by creating extra oil that clogs pores.  

2. Pore-Clogging Residue

Hard water is difficult to rinse off. The minerals mix with soap to create a residue that clogs pores in the skin, eventually developing into blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.  

3. Increased Sensitivity & Dryness

Chemical additives such as chlorine act as irritants. Regular exposure may increase skin sensitivity, especially in those with conditions like eczema, rosacea, or hormonal acne. 

That is where a water softener for tap might ease up the stress on the skin from hard water. 

Benefits of Using Filtered Water for the Face

Installing a tap filter for hard water is one of the best options for the skin, ensuring cleaner water is incorporated into the skincare routine. Let’s take a look at its benefits-

1. Gentle Cleansing Without Residue

Filtered water rinses off easily and doesn’t leave behind a film of minerals or chemicals, making your cleanser work better and more effectively.

2. Reduced Redness, Itchiness, and Flakiness

A water softener for tap water removes irritants like chlorine and metals. This helps soothe inflammation and prevents dryness, especially in winter.

3. Better Absorption of Skincare Products

The serums and moisturizers enter deeper and work better without leaving your skin with residue. This improves the performance and results of skincare products.

4. Skin Texture Improvement in the Long Run

After using filtered water for two to four weeks, you can observe the changes yourself. There are fewer breakouts, dryness, and irritation, and boosted skin elasticity.

Hard water filters work through a multi-stage process that involves activated carbon, KDF, and calcium sulfite. Impurities are removed and water pressure retained, thus making it perfect for your daily routine.

Additional Skincare Tips to Prevent Acne and Irritation

Using a tap filter for hard water is a great start, but your routine matters as well. Here are a few simple tips to complement the benefits of filtered water:

1. Use Non-Comedogenic, pH-Balanced Products

Choose products that will not clog pores and are close to the natural pH of your skin. Avoid anything that is too alkaline, as this worsens irritation.

2. Avoid Over-Exfoliating or Harsh Cleansers

Scrubbing your face too often or using products that include strong alcohols may cause damage to the skin barrier, making it more difficult for the skin to heal.

3. Follow a Consistent, Simple Skin Care Plan

Consistency is what your skin thrives on. Use a simple routine: gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, non-comedogenic moisturizer, and sunscreen.

4. Pay Attention to Diet, Stress, and Pillowcase Hygiene

Hydration, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, low stress, and clean bedding all contribute to fewer breakouts and better skin tone.

Conclusion

Hard water and untreated tap water are harmless for short-term use, but their long-term effects on the skin can be devastating. Have you been suffering from, recurring skin issues, or dull skin despite following a strict skincare routine? Then your water could be the cause.

Getting a tap filter for hard water or a water softener for tap is an easy improvement with visible benefits. Softened water helps your skin keep its natural barrier intact, prevents pore clogging, and prevents excessive dryness.

Experience the difference with RiverSoft!

Reference: Deccan Chronicle