With no sign of winter ending any time soon, residents of Durham Region and the rest of the GTA are probably noticing something about themselves. They are enduring dry, tight and irritated skin. Yes, the cold weather and indoor heating are major culprits. However, another often‑overlooked factor could be making your winter skin woes worse. We’re talking about hard water.
What is hard water?
Hard water is simply water with elevated levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium dissolved in it. These minerals don’t harm your health if you drink the water, but they do change how water interacts with your skin and soap. Hard water reacts with soap to create a residue known as soap scum. It can leave a film on your skin even after rinsing. In winter, your skin’s natural barrier is already under stress from cold, dry air and indoor heating.
“Toronto’s water is moderately hard (120-140 ppm of minerals like calcium and magnesium), which can wreak havoc on your skin barrier, hydration levels, and even cause breakouts,” informs Dr. Yelena Deshko of Lumèr – Timeless Health Clinic, “The water supplies contain elevated levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium…they stick to your skin, clog pores and interfere with your natural moisture balance.”
How does hard water impact your skin?
Hard water can strip natural oils and moisture. This is because the minerals in hard water make it harder for soap to lather and rinse cleanly. That leftover residue can strip away your skin’s natural oils, leaving it dry and tight. Hard water also disrupts your skin barrier which is a protective layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out. Hard water can disrupt this barrier by leaving mineral deposits and raising skin pH, making it less effective at doing its job.
As well, dryness, flakiness, itching and redness are common complaints for people showering in hard water. Many experience these symptoms even after using moisturizers. There is even evidence linking hard water exposure with worsened eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Minerals in hard water create extra work for the skin and soap, which can increase irritation for those already prone to sensitivity.
What can you do to reverse hard water damage?
Firstly, switch to gentle, hydrating cleansers that are designed to be effective in hard water areas. As well, moisturize immediately after bathing to help lock in what moisture your skin does have. Also, take shorter, lukewarm showers to reduce moisture loss. A healthy diet will also help. “Hard water minerals contribute to oxidative stress, leading to faster aging, dullness, and pigmentation,” notes Dr. Deshko, “To counteract this, incorporate antioxidants into your skincare and diet.”
At the end of the day, however, the most effective and long‑term solution is to tackle the root cause of the hard water itself. If you’re tired of dry, irritated skin, consider softening your water at the source. A whole‑home water softener removes the excess minerals that cause hard water, giving you water that’s easier on your skin, your hair and even your plumbing.
Contact us today!
2 Bro’s Plumbing offers water softener installations across Durham Region and the GTA. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790, email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca or fill out the form on our Contact page for a free quote!
