Water type is good for your eczema?
Water: the foundation of skincare
Achieving healthy and clear skin is not only dependent on the skincare products we use but also on the type of water we use. In this article, we'll explore the differences between soft and hard water and how they can affect your skin.
Hard water vs. soft water
Soft water has a low mineral content and is free of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, while hard water has a high mineral content, which can include calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. While both types of water are generally safe to use, they impact the skin differently. If your bathtub, toilets, sinks, faucets, and water boilers tend to accumulate a slimy or chalky residue, you probably have hard water in your area. Spots on your glasses after a round in the dishwasher are also a standard sign of mineral deposits left behind by hard water.
To find out whether your city has hard or soft water, check your local government's water quality report, which is usually shown publicly on a government website.
Hard water’s impact on eczema
Although hard water does not cause conditions like acne and eczema, it can worsen flare-ups. When hard water comes into contact with the skin, the minerals can actually strip moisture from your skin while preventing the natural oils your body produces from doing their job, which is to lubricate your skin and hold in moisture.
Together, these factors lead to dryness and irritation, exacerbating skin conditions and making them more difficult to treat. In addition to causing dryness and irritation, hard water can also make it harder for soaps and other cleansing products to lather and rinse away properly, which can leave a residue on the skin, further contributing to dryness and irritation.
Installing a water softener can have a large impact on your skin health. Think about the sheer number of times a day that water is in contact with your skin!
However, this option isn’t for everyone. When you can't install a water softener, don't worry! Rather than change the water itself, focus on minimizing the harsh effect of soaps on your skin instead.
Gentle, fragrance-free soaps help minimize the irritation and inflammation that occurs when using regular soap with hard water. And after washing, be sure to moisturize your skin with a fragrance-free moisturizer to help restore the skin's natural oils and prevent dryness.
Remember that the water temperature you use can also have an impact on your skin. Hot water can be especially drying and irritating to eczema-prone skin, so it's best to use lukewarm water for bathing and washing. Additionally, try to limit the amount of time you spend in the shower or bath, as prolonged exposure to water can also dry out the skin.
Choosing gentler soaps
Our eczema collections include products that are dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and made with 100% clean ingredients. We crafted them to help restore the skin barrier and deeply penetrate the skin’s layers with vital plant-based nutrients.