Unfiltered tap water contains a mix of minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants that are not only harsh on your skin but could actively be causing problems. From dryness and irritation to more severe reactions like acne or eczema, the signs that your water is not helping could be staring right back at you from the mirror.

This article will explore how different skin types and common problem areas—particularly the face, chest, and legs—respond to unfiltered water and what you can do to help.

What's Your Skin Telling You?

Every skin type reacts uniquely to environmental factors, and unfiltered water is no exception. Understanding your skin type can help tailor your approach to water filtration and skincare to prevent and alleviate potential issues.

Oily Skin: If you have oily skin, the excess sebum may interact with contaminants like heavy metals and chlorine in unfiltered water, leading to clogged pores and breakouts. These contaminants can strip natural oils, prompting your skin to produce even more oil as a defense mechanism, leading to extra oiliness and even acne.

Dry Skin: For those with dry skin, unfiltered water can be a nightmare. Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which can further dry out the skin by leaving a film that prevents moisture absorption. Over time, this can lead to irritation, flakiness, and an uncomfortable tightness.

Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin is particularly vulnerable to the chemicals and minerals in unfiltered water. Chlorine, for instance, can cause redness and irritation, while other harsh minerals can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate conditions like eczema or rosacea.

Combination Skin: Navigating combination skin, which features areas of both oiliness and dryness, can be tricky with unfiltered water. The varying minerals and chemicals may affect different areas of the face disproportionately, making it challenging to maintain a balance. Targeted filtration and skin care are crucial to manage these mixed responses effectively.

Here's Why Water Quality Matters For Your Skin

The impact of water quality on your skin is deeper than you might think. Our skin, the body's largest organ, acts as a barrier against that protects you, but it also absorbs much of what it comes into contact with.

Poor water quality can compromise the skin's barrier function, leading to dehydration, reduced elasticity, and accelerated aging.

High-quality, filtered water helps maintain the skin's integrity, ensuring it can effectively protect against pollutants and pathogens while retaining moisture and resilience.

Understanding and addressing the effects of unfiltered water on different skin types is key for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. When your skin is healthy, you not only look good, but you feel good, too. 

Tap Water Isn't Good For Your Complexion

Facial skin is particularly sensitive and constantly exposed, making it highly susceptible to the effects of unfiltered tap water.

Every day, our faces encounter a cocktail of minerals and chemicals present in water, which can have profound effects on skin health and appearance.

How Facial Skin Reacts to the Contaminants in Unfiltered Water

The delicate nature of facial skin means that it reacts more intensely to the nasty contaminants in unfiltered water.

Hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium can leave a residue that not only feels unpleasant but also interferes with the skin’s natural processes.This mineral film can inhibit the effectiveness of facial cleansers and moisturizers by creating a barrier that prevents their absorption. Over time, this leads to dryness, irritation, and can exacerbate skin conditions such as acne and eczema.

Chlorine, commonly added to municipal water to disinfect it, can be particularly harsh on facial skin. While effective at killing pathogens, chlorine strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

Regular exposure to chlorinated water can disrupt the skin's natural balance, leading to increased oil production in some areas and dry patches in others. For those with sensitive or reactive skin, chlorine exposure can trigger redness, itching, and other allergic reactions.

Effects of Unfiltered Water on Facial Skin

The minerals in hard water can also react with the skin’s natural oils to form soap scum, which clogs pores and leads to breakouts. In individuals with acne-prone skin, this can result in persistent acne issues that are difficult to manage.

Moreover, the presence of heavy metals like lead and copper, although typically in trace amounts, can accumulate on the skin over time and generate oxidative stress, which accelerates aging and deteriorates skin health.

Here's How You Can Protect Your Facial Skin

To protect and restore facial skin from the ravages of unfiltered tap water, consider implementing the following strategies:

Use a High-Quality Water Filter: Installing a shower filter or whole-home filtration system can significantly reduce the presence of harsh chemicals and minerals, providing your skin with the gentle water it needs.

Antioxidant-Rich Skincare Products: Incorporate products rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and E, which can counteract the damage caused by free radicals from contaminants.

Gentle Cleansing: Opt for gentle, sulfate-free cleansers that don't strip the skin. This helps maintain its natural barrier function and prevents over-drying.

Proper Moisturisation: Use a high-quality moisturiser that suits your skin type to help restore and lock in moisture, especially after washing your face.

Routine Maintenance: Regularly clean and replace the water filters in your home water systems to ensure they continue to remove contaminants effectively.

By understanding the hidden dangers of tap water and taking proactive steps to mitigate its impact, you can preserve the health and vitality of your facial skin, keeping it radiant and robust against environmental stressors.

Unfiltered Water and Chest Skin Don't Mix

The skin on the chest is much thinner and often more sensitive compared to other parts of the body, making it particularly vulnerable to the effects of unfiltered tap water.

To make things worse, the presence of harsh chemicals and minerals in water can exacerbate skin issues or create new problems in this sensitive area.

Sensitivity Issues: Chest Skin and Unfiltered Water

Chest skin can react intensely to common contaminants found in unfiltered tap water such as chlorine, heavy metals, and mineral deposits. These elements can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

For individuals with sensitive skin, these reactions can be more pronounced, resulting in redness, itching, and potentially leading to dermatitis or other inflammatory skin conditions.

Here's Why Unfiltered Water is Bad for Your Chest Skin

Hard water is particularly challenging for chest skin. The high content of calcium and magnesium in hard water can leave a residue that not only feels tight and uncomfortable but also blocks pores and prevents the skin from breathing properly.This can lead to a dull appearance, clogged pores, and increased occurrences of acne or rashes.

Chemicals like chlorine, used to treat public water supplies, can exacerbate these problems by further drying out the skin and causing irritation.

How To: Healthy Chest Skin

To protect and nurture the sensitive skin on your chest, consider the following care strategies:

Use Filtered Water: Installing a shower filter or whole-home water filtration system can significantly reduce the amount of harmful contaminants that come into contact with your chest skin, helping to preserve its natural balance and health.

Moisturise Regularly: After showering, apply a hydrating moisturiser that is formulated for sensitive skin to help restore moisture and repair the skin’s natural barrier.

Choose Gentle Cleansers: Opt for soap-free, hypoallergenic body washes that cleanse without stripping away essential oils. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliants that can aggravate sensitive chest skin.

Wear Soft Fabrics: Choose clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, which prevent irritation and allow the skin to breathe, reducing the risk of irritation from trapped sweat and residue.

Regular Skin Checks: Keep an eye on any changes in your skin condition, such as increased dryness, red patches, or acne, and consult with a dermatologist if issues persist or worsen.

Implementing these protective measures can help you maintain healthier, more resilient skin that is less prone to irritation and other common skin problems.

Rough Leg Skin? Unfiltered Water is Probably to Blame

Leg skin, often exposed and subjected to various environmental elements, can suffer from the effects of unfiltered water.

Unlike the more sebaceous areas of our body, the skin on our legs tends to have fewer oil glands, making it more susceptible to dryness and irritation when exposed to harsh minerals and chemicals typically found in unfiltered water.

Here's Why Unfiltered Water is Bad for Your Leg Skin

The skin on our legs is frequently exposed to the drying effects of contaminants, chemicals and hard water.

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. These minerals can accumulate on the skin, creating a film that not only feels rough and itchy but also impedes the natural hydration process by blocking moisture from penetrating the skin effectively.

Over time, this can lead to exacerbated dryness, flakiness, and even eczema in more severe cases.

How To: Keep Your Legs Smooth and Looking Fabulous

To combat the drying effects of unfiltered water, it’s crucial to implement a skincare routine that actively counters these challenges.

After showering, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your legs to remove any residual minerals that might cling to your skin.

Following up with a deep, nourishing moisturizer can help restore hydration and form a protective barrier against further mineral buildup.

Do This For the Best Leg Skin You Could Imagine 

Install a Water Filter: Consider installing a water filter in your bathroom to reduce the mineral content in your water. This can significantly lessen the harsh effects of hard water on your skin, providing more gentle water that doesn’t strip away natural oils. It will also severely reduce the amount of chemicals and contaminants that you're bathing in, which is good for both your skin and your health.

Moisturizing Post-Shower: Apply a rich lotion or cream immediately after bathing while the skin is still damp. Look for products containing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or shea butter that lock in moisture and effectively hydrate dry skin.

Exfoliating Regularly: Gentle exfoliation can help remove dead skin cells and mineral deposits from the skin’s surface. Use a soft loofah or a scrub with fine particles once a week to keep your legs smooth and free of flaky skin.

Hydration: Increasing your water intake can help improve your skin’s overall hydration from the inside out, complementing your external moisturizing efforts.

Protective Barriers: During colder months or when your skin feels particularly dry, apply a thicker barrier cream to provide extra protection and help your skin retain its natural moisture.

Adopting these protective practices allows effective mitigation of the adverse effects of unfiltered water, ensuring your leg skin remains smooth and hydrated regardless of the water quality in your area.

Back Skin Breakouts: Tackling Acne and Irritation

The skin on our backs is uniquely susceptible to acne and irritation, partly due to its high density of sebaceous glands and the challenges in maintaining cleanliness and exfoliation.

When exposed to unfiltered water, the back's skin can react more severely due to the contaminants often found in such water.

Why the Back is Prone to Issues with Unfiltered Water

The back's expansive area and its tendency to be covered by clothing create a perfect environment for irritation and breakouts when exposed to unfiltered water.

This area sweats more and typically receives less exfoliation and care than more visible parts of the body like the face.

Hard water compounds this issue by leaving mineral deposits on the skin that can clog pores and trap oil and bacteria under the skin.

Additionally, the back is harder to reach and adequately clean, which can leave residues that further irritate the skin and exacerbate acne.

The Impact of Chlorine and Hard Water on Back Skin

Chlorine, used extensively to treat public water supplies, can strip the skin of natural oils that protect against irritation and breakouts. This chemical harshness disrupts the skin's barrier, leading to dryness, itchiness, and increased vulnerability to bacterial infections that can result in acne.

Similarly, minerals like calcium and magnesium in hard water can deposit on the skin, blocking pores and making the skin rough and prone to breakouts.

Recommendations for Treatment and Prevention of Bad Back Skin

To mitigate these issues and maintain healthy back skin, consider the following strategies:

Install a Shower Filter: Using a shower filter to remove chlorine and soften hard water can drastically reduce skin irritation and the risk of acne.

Routine Cleaning and Exfoliation: Regularly scrubbing the back with a long-handled brush can help remove dead skin cells and prevent pore clogging. Choose gentle, non-comedogenic body washes designed for acne-prone skin.

Moisturise with Non-comedogenic Products: After showering, apply a light, non-comedogenic moisturizer to maintain hydration without clogging pores.

Wear Breathable Fabrics: Opt for loose, breathable clothing that allows sweat to evaporate and reduces friction on the back.

Implementing these recommendations can significantly improve the condition of back skin by mitigating the negative effects of unfiltered water and preventing common issues like acne and irritation.

Regular attention and care are crucial to keep this less accessible but equally important skin area healthy and clear.

Get The Skin You've Always Wanted With These Tips

Install Quality Water Filters: Equip your home with high-quality water filters that can remove chlorine and soften water. Consider filters that attach directly to your shower or whole-home filtration systems for comprehensive coverage.

Routine Skin Care: Use gentle, hypoallergenic skin care products that are free from irritants. Moisturizing immediately after bathing can help lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance of Filters: Ensure that water filters are regularly checked and maintained to keep them functioning effectively, as a clogged or old filter might not effectively remove contaminants.

Consultation with Dermatologists: Regular check-ups with a skin specialist can help manage these skin conditions more effectively. They can provide tailored advice based on the specific needs and reactions of your skin to different treatments.

By understanding how unfiltered water impacts specific skin conditions and implementing strategic changes, those who suffer from eczema, psoriasis, and acne can see significant improvements in their skin health and overall quality of life.

Here's How a Water Filter Will Improve Your Skin Care Results

Filtered water plays a pivotal role in enhancing skincare routines by ensuring that the water used is as pure as possible, thus preventing the aggravation of existing skin conditions and promoting healthier skin.

Using filtered water can help maintain the skin's natural balance, improve the effectiveness of skincare products, and enhance hydration levels without the interference of minerals and chemicals typically found in tap water.

Once You Start, You'll Never Go Back!

If you've made it this far, then you're probably interested in looking after your hair, skin and overall health. So are we, which is why we say that once you start, you won't want to go back!

The good news is that integrating filtered water into your daily routine is easy. You'll enjoy the immediate benefits, like better taste, lovelier hair and glowing skin. Plus there's the feeling of knowing that your water is actually clean.

Needless to say, our water filters are a smart investment for anyone looking to improve their health, happiness and overall well being.

Ready to try? Why not view our range of water filters in our online store.