2 min de lectura

What hard water does to your skin

Why does your skin feel tight after showering in some cities? Scientists have been studying the link between hard water and skin for years.

King's College London Study (2016)

Researchers at King's College London studied around 1,300 three-month-old babies and the water in their homes. Harder water was associated with a higher risk of atopic dermatitis (eczema). The authors themselves explain that it is not yet clear whether the cause is calcium carbonate itself or other factors associated with hard water, such as its pH.

University of Sheffield Study (2018)

A team from the University of Sheffield and King's College studied 80 people. The calcium and magnesium in hard water bind with soaps and shampoos, and these residues remain on the skin. In addition, hard water is more alkaline and can weaken the skin barrier. People with eczema were found to be much more sensitive to these effects. Note: This study was funded by a water softening company.

In summary

The link between hard water and skin is well-studied, especially in sensitive skin or skin with eczema. Less lime in the water means fewer residues on your skin.

Sources

  • Perkin MR et al. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 2016. King's College note: kcl.ac.uk
  • Danby SG et al. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2018;138(1):68-77: PubMed