Water and your beautiful skin have a never-ending relationship day in day in and day out. Whether it’s when showering, washing your face, washing your hands, doing the dishes, and so many other water-related things you do every. single. day, there’s really no way you can avoid that water + skin relationship. So if your water is on the hard end, that relationship can become strained since hard water can have some negative effects on your skin.
Not sure if you have hard water? Click here for some tips to tell the difference between hard and soft water when it comes to your skin.
Top 8 Hard Water Skincare Tips
Since around 85% of the water supply in the US is considered to be hard, what can you do to combat any hardness in your water? It might be easier than you think. And even if you have soft water, most of these tips (skip tip #1) will give your skin the TLC it deserves 24/7/365.
- Install a water softener system: Yes, this is the priciest tip we’re sharing, but when possible, it’s also the best way to soften any negatives from your water. If a water softening system is out of your budget, install an under sink water filter and a shower head filter. These can help soften your water and are so simple to install!
- Forget the hot water when cleansing: Hot water, alone, can further dry the skin. Instead, use lukewarm water. Be sure to use a gentle, hydrating, and moisturizing cleanser (not soap!), which will leave less residue on your skin. If you tend to have breakouts, please keep that in mind when choosing your cleanser. Your skin will thank you!
Click to see our washes and soaps for gentle cleansing and the moisture your skin needs and loves—no matter the hardness or softness of your water.
- Timer’s up: Shorten your shower time: In addition to showering with lukewarm water (or as close to lukewarm as you can get), shorten your shower time to reduce the amount of time that hard water is hitting your skin.
- Create a post-cleansing routine and be intentional: After cleansing, pat dry—don’t rub—your skin, leaving it a bit damp, and then immediately apply moisturizer.
Our line of luxurious lotions, body polishes, and body oils can offer your skin the moisture it needs no matter the type of water you have. And for dry hands, heels, and cuticles, our Concreta is the key to pampering these often problem areas.
- Clean your shower head: Minerals can deposit in your shower head over time, increasing the mineral content of your shower water. So regularly clean or even replace worn out shower heads to decrease the chances of this happening in your shower.
- Use sunscreen: Hard water can make your skin more sun-sensitive, so be sure to use sunscreen every single day. Aim for a SPF of 30 or higher.
- Drink up: Water, that is. Staying hydrated can help to keep your skin healthy and moist year round. How much water should you drink every day? Aim for ½ your body weight in ounces. So, if you weigh 150, 75 ounces is your goal. If that sends you to the restroom nonstop, work your way up to your ideal number gradually. Both types of water are safe for drinking, so no matter how hard or soft your water might be, you can rest assured it’s safe for consumption.
- Eat a healthy diet: What you eat does affect the health of your skin, so be sure to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, protein, and healthy fats.
And lastly, please visit your dermatologist with any concerns and for specific ways to show your skin the TLC it needs and deserves with the level of water hardness in your home.
While hard water can cause some issues with your skin, following the simple tips we’ve shared can help give your water + skin relationship a boost, ensuring your beautiful skin is healthy and happy for decades to come.
