Hard Water and Your Skin: Simple Ways to Cope

In many parts of India, homes get hard water from borewells or municipal supply. If you see white marks on taps and buckets, or soap does not lather well, your water is probably hard. Many people also notice their skin feels tight after washing and their hair feels rough. Here is what helps.

What hard water is

Hard water contains more dissolved minerals, mainly calcium and magnesium. It is safe for everyday use, but the minerals can react with soap and leave a film on surfaces, and on skin and hair.

How it can feel

  • Skin feels tight or dry after washing.
  • Soap does not rinse off easily, leaving a squeaky or filmy feel.
  • Hair feels rough, dull or tangly.
  • White marks on taps, tiles and buckets.

Everyone is different, and not everyone notices a difference.

Habits that help your skin

  • Use a gentle, creamy cleanser rather than a harsh soap bar on your face.
  • Use lukewarm water, not very hot.
  • Keep washes short.
  • Pat dry instead of rubbing.
  • Moisturise within a few minutes of washing, while skin is slightly damp.
  • Add a hydrating step at night when skin feels tight. The HydraRenew Collagen Overnight Mask combines hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, multi-peptides and aloe vera, and is rinsed off in the morning.

Habits that help your hair

  • Use a mild shampoo and rinse well.
  • Use a hair mask to help hair feel softer. The Root Revival Hair Mask is applied to damp hair, massaged for 2 to 3 minutes and left for 15 to 20 minutes. Use it 2 to 3 times a week.
  • Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb.
  • Avoid very hot water on your hair.

Home options to consider

  • A shower filter or softener. Some households install a filter on the shower or a softener for the home. Speak to a supplier about what suits your water.
  • Use filtered or stored drinking water for your final face rinse, if that is easy for you.
  • Clean shower heads and taps regularly to remove build-up.

Do not forget

  • Hands: moisturise after washing dishes and clothes.
  • Body: moisturise after bathing, especially elbows, knees and heels.
  • Sunscreen: every morning, as usual.

Common mistakes

  • Washing your face many times a day to "get it clean".
  • Scrubbing to remove the filmy feeling.
  • Skipping moisturiser after washing.
  • Using very hot water in winter.

If your skin is very dry, itchy, cracked or sore, see a doctor or dermatologist.

A plan for your skin and your home

The Theraglam Glow Scan looks at 3 photos and your short quiz answers and gives you a Glow Score, a skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, exercises with pictures, face massage moves and a daily to-do list.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

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