Many people do not generally consider the mineral content of their water to be an important factor in the efficacy of their personal care, but the hard water that runs through your pipes could be the cause of many issues you may have with your skin, hair, or nails.
Take a look at a few of the differences between hard and soft water, and how the water quality in your home impacts these parts of your body.
Hard Water Versus Soft Water
The terms hard and soft water are not references to the amount of water pressure that your pipes and faucets can accommodate. In fact, hard water refers to water that contains a higher percentage of hard chemicals, mainly calcium.
Hard water can form limestone deposits on pipes and fixtures, and leave behind filmy residues or stains on dishes, clothing, and other surfaces of your home. It follows, then, that hard water effects are generally bad news for hair, skin, and nails.
Soft water, on the other hand, is water that has been treated and contains fewer amounts of harsh magnesium and calcium. Soft water does not leave mineral stains and protects your items from mineral buildup and abrasive damage.
The hardness or softness of your water alone can have a notable impact on whether you look and feel your best after bathing, but it also impacts the efficacy of the products you use during a shower, too. Learn more about how water mineral content can help or hurt your chance at shiny hair, soft skin, and strong nails.
On Hair
The buildup of minerals in hard water leaves a film on your hair, which may seem like a mere annoyance. However, mineral buildup on the strands of your hair can act as a barrier that prevents your hair care products from working well. Mineral buildup prevents moisture from penetrating your hair strands, which can cause it to become dry, brittle, and damaged.
Soft water, while it contains higher levels of sodium, is a lot less harsh on your hair. As well, products react better with soft water, forming a nicer lather, whereas hard water minerals often cause products to coagulate and be less effective.
On Skin
Skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne, and dermatitis are more likely to flare up in areas with a higher hard water mineral content. Hard water can be incredibly irritating to your skin thanks to the deposits of minerals that are left on the surface. When these minerals dry on your skin, they can clog your pores and hinder your skin’s natural moisture barrier as well as its ability to absorb lotion for moisture.
Soft water is excellent for those with sensitive skin, but even those with a solid skin barrier experience a positive difference in the look, feel, and function of your body’s largest organ. As with hair products, soft water facilitates a healthy, soapy lather that better cleanses your skin and allows your skin to regulate its own chemistry.
On Nails
The excess of calcium in hard water can cause nails to become more brittle, which is especially concerning for those who frequently submerge their hands in water to clean the dishes or wash their hands. Nails, like hair, are made of keratin. Soft water does far less to threaten the strength of your nails, as its mineral content is minimal enough to avoid damage to these keratin layers.
Whether you want your self-care products to work more effectively or you’d like to stop damaging your hair, skin, and nails with hard water deposits, A&B Marketing can help. Contact our representatives today to schedule a free water test.
