Hard Water & Skin
Did you know that the type of water you bathe in can affect your skin? Water containing a high amount of minerals like magnesium and calcium (aka hard water) can change the skin's pH balance, affecting your skin's microbiome. In addition, if your skin barrier is already compromised, hard water can make it drier and more sensitive. So, how can you tell if you have hard water? Here's a simple test: (1) Fill a bottle with 1/3 tap water and add a few drops of liquid soap. (2) Shake the bottle vigorously. (3) If the water in the bottle looks cloudy with little foaming, you likely have hard water. However, it's worth mentioning that hard water isn't necessarily bad, and if your skin can tolerate it, there's no need to panic. But if you are noticing some irritation and dryness, here are a few tips: (1) Moisturize immediately after bathing. (2) Consider scaling back your shower schedule. (3) Invest in a water filter to soften water
