Why You Should Stop Using Tap Water to Clean Your Face

Plumbing is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding achievements of civilization, and life without a bathroom or shower seems simply impossible for most of us. However, we often underestimate the impact of this achievement of society on our skin because the water extracted, purified, and delivered to our house through pipes is not at all the same water that our ancestors took from wells or springs.

Pipeline water: harmful or valuable?

In the process of cleaning, disinfecting, and passing through pipes, water changes its composition and properties, not always for a better way to your skin. Indeed, some countries and regions have better quality water than others, but it is still important to remember this factor and consider the effect of tap water on your skin. The first thing to look out for is the hardness of the water that flows from your tap. In most northern, mountainous countries far from the sea, the water is hard, rich in mineral impurities. In the southern and coastal countries, the water is softer, and you probably noticed that it takes much longer to wash off soap and shampoo at seaside resorts than at home.

Why do we not recommend washing with tap water?

There are generally two types of tap water: hard and soft. In urban conditions, we most often come across the first type. In its makeup, it contains various minerals, as well as potassium and magnesium salts. They, in turn, are strong irritants for our skin, which cause itching, inflammation, flaking, especially if you have dry, sensitive, rash-prone, or age-affected skin. But frankly, those with normal combination and oily skin are also at risk.

How does water hardness affect the health of your skin?

The admixture of minerals (scurf on the teapot and taps) makes the water more alkaline. In contrast, the pH balance of healthy skin is slightly acidic (the acidic environment on the surface of the skin helps the body fight bacteria), and hard water disrupts this balance. As a result, after taking a shower or bath, you very quickly begin to feel tightness and dryness of the skin. If you do not make any efforts, then over time, the body skin and hair condition will steadily deteriorate. In addition, mineral impurities in the water interfere with the proper rinsing of detergents (washing gels, shampoos, etc.), which gradually accumulate on the scalp and skin, provoking irritation.

How to neutralize the effect of hard water on the skin?

You can neutralize the effects of hard water on your skin with the right treatment. For example, using an acidic tonic after washing your face can help restore the pH balance. So, in France, women traditionally wipe their skin after cleansing with diluted dry wine). Alternatively, you can also use it for washing without a detergent base (lotions, hydrophilic oils) and sulfates (SLS). If you take a bath, you can add baking soda to the water (2 tablespoons per bath). It softens the water and does not dry the skin as much. Another way to nourish your skin is to add a glass of milk to your pre-filled bath. Milk also softens the water and additionally nourishes your skin. If you live in a region with hard water, remember to moisturize your face and your body after showering.

Using water filters to purify water

Unfortunately, it is impossible to radically change the composition of the water that flows from the tap. Water filters can, to a certain extent, purify water from mineral impurities, although their use to purify all water, and not just drinking water, quite seriously hits the budget. Well, undoubtedly, water is an essential attribute of the health and beauty of skin and hair. The cleaner it is, the fewer problems there are. Therefore, whenever possible, use a shower filter that improves the quality of your tap water. Buy replacement attachments. And in the future - a whole system for filtering water in the bathroom.

Pure water is the most effective skincare product. When washing your face, practice massage of the skin of the face, which leads to increased blood circulation, improved nutrition, increased metabolism, and general tone. Residues of fat and sweat, dust, and stratum corneum are perfectly washed off with clean water.