Often well water is very hard, which can be challenging for those with sensitive skin. Hard water is extremely alkaline and contains a high content of minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium that collects in ground water from contact with rocks and soil. This can wreak havoc on the skin, creating dryness due to small mineral deposits being left on the skin, which leech away moisture and natural oils causing flakiness and itchiness.
Clogged Pores and Irritation
Because of this, well water can make it difficult to rinse off soap, resulting in clogged pores where dirt and oil are trapped underneath the skin’s surface. This causes irritation, which can lead to acne and pimples. People with sensitive skin are particularly vulnerable to hard water as it can exacerbate psoriasis, eczema, or any other skin condition that reacts negatively to excess minerals.
Know Your Water Source
At Live Well Holistic Health, we have many clients who come to us with dull, itchy skin and hair. Our first question is always regarding their water source, and nine times out of ten they are using well water.
How to Counteract Hard Water
The best way to counteract the negative effects of hard water is to install a water softener to remove many of the minerals and softening the liquid to make it friendlier to skin and hair. If this is not possible, then using less soap and taking shorter showers and baths will help to offset dryness. Our recommendation is that whenever possible, use bottled or filtered water to wash your face, as the face is often the most sensitive part of the body.
Use Less Cleanser
When it comes to the scalp, hard water will cause your shampoo to create less lather, which creates a tendency to use more product. If you water comes from a well, try to use a normal amount of shampoo or less so that it does not build up on your scalp and hair. Because hard water does not rinse off easily, the residue will make your hair look dull and your scalp become itchy and dry.
Having the Right Products at Hand
Hard water causes hair to tangle easily and makes it hard to comb or brush. At Live Well Holistic Health we recommend using a clarifying shampoo at least once a week to remove excess build-up and then to find a shampoo and cream rinse that is made specifically for hard water conditions. If your hair is colored or permed then it is already prone to breakage. You don’t need your water to be adding to the damage, so make sure you have the right products at hand.
Compensating for What Your Water Lacks
Our Live Well Holistic Health credo is to seek out alternatives in order to obtain and retain maximum health. When it comes to water, not all of it is optimum and it is essential that we know what our particular source is made of and how to compensate for what it may lack.
Contact Us
For more information on healthy protocols, please contact us via our online form or scheduling tool or simply call: 610 896 1554.