Overcoming the Negative Effects of Hard Water on the Skin
When our skin or hair isn’t looking and feeling quite right, it is often easy to think that our beauty products or skincare routine is to blame. But, what if I told you that the quality of water we use can also have a significant impact on our skin?
If you live in a hard water area like London, you may be suffering from the effects of hard water without even knowing it.
Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium, which though are safe to drink, can wreak havoc on your skin over time. For example, the minerals in hard water can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
Hard water also reacts with soap and detergents to create soap scum, which can clog pores and leave a residue on the skin. This can lead to acne and breakouts, as well as a lackluster complexion. Prolonged exposure to hard water can result in a compromised skin barrier, making it more susceptible to various skin issues.
Moreover, People with sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable to the effects of hard water, as Dr Ariel Haus of Dr Haus Dermatology in Harley Street explains:
“Hard water, like what is found in London, will make our skin dry and exacerbate any existing skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.”
Constant exposure to hard water can accelerate the aging process of the skin. The minerals can form free radicals that damage skin cells and collagen, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.
At the same time, using unfiltered water to bathe can also be harmful to the skin. Chlorine, for example, is often added to municipal water supplies to kill bacteria and other microorganisms. While it serves a crucial purpose in water treatment, it can be harsh on the skin: chlorine can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to (yes, you’ve guessed it!) dryness and irritation.
If after hearing all this, like me, your immediate thought is: how on earth can I fix this? Then look no further than Hello Klean, the brand at the helm of a beauty revolution to fight the effects of hard and unfiltered water.
Created in 2019 with the goal of treating the source of skin and hair problems with smarter showers, Hello Klean has exploded on the beauty scene, and even gained Dragon’s Den approval this year.
One of the most effective measures against hard and unfiltered water is installing a water softener or water filtration system to reduce the hardness of water and remove impurities, chemicals, and contaminants from your water supply. And Hello Klean knows this may sound scary at first, which is why they have worked hard to make their Purifying Shower Head extremely easy to install.
Hello Klean Purifying Shower Head (£65 RRP)
Once installed, the head’s two-step circular filtration process reduces unwanted metals, chlorine and impurities in hard water, but it saves 25% of water and can boost pressure up to 2 times. The KDF 55 in the shower head reduces water-soluble metals such as lead, iron, copper, mercury, and nickel, whilst amino acids boost filtration, and activated carbon fibre reduces trihalomethane (THMs) and potential odours.
On top of that, you may wish to use specific products sensitive to those living in areas of hard water, as Dr Ariel Haus suggests:
"I always advise my patients to be careful with what soaps they are using if they live in a hard water area and to try to find a dermatologist grade soap that will be gentler on the skin."
And Hello Klean is one step ahead of the game even with this, releasing a line of hard water-specific products, including the Nourishing Micronutrient Wash, and a Hard Water Shampoo and Conditioner.
Hello Klean Nourishing Micronutrient Wash (RRP £18)
Their dermatologically tested and approved Micronutrient Wash is one of our favourites. Not only does it look like an absolutely tantalising matcha latte, but it gently counteracts the effects of hard and unfiltered water.
Its chelating complex removes hard water residue, and its micronutrient blend supports a hydrated skin barrier. As if that wasn’t enough, the matcha green tea extract is rich in catechins, a powerful antioxidant that soothes the skin, and the microalgae and niacinamide in the wash strengthen the skin’s barrier against impurities.
Having tried both the shower head and body wash for myself (someone who suffers from sensitive skin) I was excited to notice that that even after a few days of using them, the ‘tightness’ I often felt after showering was greatly reduced. My scalp seems to be happier too, with my hair staying clean for longer.
The only noticeable downside to the product at the moment is the shower head filters needing to be changed around every three to four months to stay effective. At £33 per filter with their subscription, the cost can rack up. At the same time, the amount of money that one may spend on other products, creams and beauty treatments to fight the effects of hard water counteracts this considerably.
All in all, now you aware of the effects of both hard and unfiltered water on your skin over time, you can take steps to combat them. Hello Klean leads this beauty revolution by pioneering water filters and hard-water-conscious skin and hair care products, to fight dryness, irritation, acne, and premature aging, all of which can help you maintain healthy, radiant looking skin and lustrous locks.