Hard Water and Skin Problems: Can a Water Softener Help Eczema, Psoriasis, and Dry Skin?
Your Skin Might Not Like Your Water
Have you suffered from occasional bouts of dry skin or regularly struggle with Eczema or Psoriasis? You may have tried different things ie skincare remedies, prescriptions or maybe trying to avoid the triggers you may have noticed. Despite trying it all do you find you are still suffering from flare ups, itchiness, redness, flakiness or just general irritation? There is one potentially hidden culprit; it could be the water in your home. 60% of homes in the UK are classified as having ‘hard water’. Here you will find a map which shows general water hardness by area across the UK. If these problems sound familiar and you live in a hard water area then hopefully we have some interesting information for you …
What Is Hard Water and How Does It Affect Skin?
The ground is made up of hard rocks (ie Granite) and soft rocks (ie Limestone). Naturally soft rainwater either runs off the harder rocks or passes through the softer rocks, picking up minerals as it does so. The more contact the water has with these softer rock the harder the water becomes. So, slightly confusingly softer rock means harder water.
There are several different hard water skin problems:
- Minerals in hard water can strip away the skin’s natural oils, your skins natural barrier to things such as bacteria or sunburn
- Hard water means that it becomes more difficult to build up a lather with your soap – which leads people to use more soap, further irritating or drying out skin
- Hard water can leave a residue or build up on skin contributing to redness or itching. The residue dries on the skin after the water is washed away, exacerbating dry-skin or hair
Can a Water Softener Really Help?
The most effective and long-term solution to remove the hard water minerals that cause these problems is to fit a water softener, you can buy water softening products for the shower or a system for your whole home that not only improves your bathing experience but will also protect appliances and reduce the need to scrub shower screens, amongst other benefits.
Research was carried out by the University of Sheffield which shows that hard water can be one of the factors causing flare ups and irritation – Fact Sheet. There is also ongoing research being carried out in ‘The Softened Water for Eczema Prevention’ trial, published on the National Eczema Society website. We would also recommend that you carry out your own research based on your specific symptoms and needs…there are many different forums on the topic.
How do I Choose a Water Softener?
When you start your journey into the world of water softeners, you will find that there is a wide variety to choose from, so where should you start? The best water softeners for Eczema, Psoriasis and Dry skin would cover your whole house so your skin feels the benefits of soft water whether you are showering, washing the dishes or just your hands.
We would recommend investing in a softener that is reliable and will stand the test of time, giving you a solution that covers your home 24/7. The best way to find out the right information for you is to contact your local water softening expert. If you are lucky enough to live in the Southwest, why not give us call for a chat or a no obligation home survey? If you live further afield, we would still love to hear from you as we work with amazing dealers that cover all sorts of different areas in the UK. They can offer you real expertise and we are lucky enough to be in an industry where we all help each other!
Other Ways to Protect Your Skin from Hard Water
Water softeners are not only beneficial for your skin – but also your home! They reduce limescale in kitchens and bathrooms and even remove the build up in your pipes. This can not only extend the life of your appliances but also cut down the time you spend cleaning your home and save you money in the long run.
That said, we recognise that they come with an upfront investment. If your focus is solely your skin it might be worth considering some of these other options before investing in a water softener:
- Skincare routines
- Prescriptions
- Natural or lifestyle remedies
- Triggers such as emotional or physical stress
- Allergen testing
Final Thoughts: Should You Try a Water Softener?
If you have discovered that you live in a hard water area and feel that you have exhausted the other options, then considering a water softener could be the next step for you.
Your friendly local expert can answer your questions and talk through the best choices available for you. Why not book a free home survey and have a demonstration of how soft water could feel in your home?
At Southern Softflow we would recommend doing some research, speaking to people who have a water softener and asking the experts before going ahead to ensure you chose the best solution for your home, your budget and your skin.
