There are many reasons why people are switching to filtered water. Some aim to improve taste and odor, while others want to remove contaminants that might contribute to health issues.
But did you know filtered water can also benefit your skin?
For most Americans, the water they use for showering and washing their faces is the same water that runs out of their kitchen tap. If the house doesn’t have a whole-house filtration system or a dedicated filtration system in the bathroom, your skin will be exposed to ordinary tap water.
That doesn’t sound bad, right? Most people use public tap water daily, whether for drinking, cooking, or hygiene purposes.
Well, when the topic of skin started circulating on TikTok, with users suggesting hard water was linked to acne, eczema, and psoriasis, the posts got hundreds of thousands of views.
So, how true are these claims?
Does Water Quality Affect Skin?
One of the main claims made on social media was that hard water can negatively affect skin health. And, there is truth to that.
Normal, unfiltered tap water contains everything from calcium and iron to zinc and magnesium, which you need in certain amounts to stay healthy. Hard water has higher-than-normal concentrations of minerals, including magnesium and calcium.
These minerals can disrupt the skin barrier. As a result, you may experience dryness as the skin’s natural oils deplete. These minerals can also bind to chemical compounds in cleansers and soaps, making it harder to remove these products from your skin. If residue is left behind, you may experience clogged pores.
There are also concerns surrounding accelerated skin aging. High iron levels and excess magnesium can result in the formation of free radicals, which alter structural proteins like elastin and collagen. This process degrades your skin structure, impacting the skin’s elasticity. Over time, that can accelerate the formation of wrinkles.
And Then There's Your Skin Microbiome
Your skin microbiome is a dynamic layer of organisms on your skin — but it needs to remain balanced. Researchers have been studying this microbiome in recent years, focusing on how it impacts skin health.
One area of interest is unfiltered tap water and how it may disturb the natural balance of the skin’s microorganism ecosystem. As a result, conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and acne may worsen.
While a lot of research has focused on hard water, unfiltered water also contains many chemical contaminants, chlorine, hormones, and bacteria, all of which could be a concern for skin health.
What's the Solution?
Depending on your location and tap water source, you may want to invest in a filtration system. This recommendation is particularly important for people with sensitive skin.
While many have already invested in water filter pitchers, which do remove some contaminants, pitchers won’t address skin health concerns. Obviously, you’re not going to wash your face and body with water from these pitchers.
While it’s great to invest in water filtration solutions for your drinking water, some products and systems are better at promoting skin health.
Here are some recommendations, which can be used in combination with one another.
Brio Whole House Systems
A whole house filtration system provides cleaner water throughout your home, providing healthier water to drink and to wash with. That means you can use your drinking water for better skin results. As an added benefit, you’ll prevent buildup, extend appliance life, and safeguard plumbing.
Brio offers a range of whole house filtration systems, including:
• Brio Single Stage Whole House Filtration Systems- Varying models and sizes
• Brio 2-Stage Whole House Filtration - 20” Heavy Metals (also available in 10”)
• Brio 2-Stage Whole House Filtration - 20” Anti-Scale (also available in 10”)
• Brio 2-Stage Whole House Filtration - 20” Multi-Purpose (also available in 10”)
For an even more comprehensive system, check out:
• Brio 3-Stage Whole House Filtration System - Multi-Purpose
• Brio 3-Stage Whole House Filtration System - Anti-Scale
• Brio 3-Stage Whole House Filtration System - Heavy Metals
• Brio 3-Stage Whole House Filtration System - Iron & Manganese
Brio Water Softeners
When aiming to reduce harmful minerals and deposits, water softeners are an ideal solution. These systems can promote optimal skin and hair health while protecting your plumbing and appliances.
Brio offers four salt-based models:
• Brio Whole House Water Softener System -64,000 Grains
• Brio Whole House Water Softener System -48,000 Grains
• Brio Whole House Water Softener System -32,000 Grains
• Brio Whole House Water Softener System - 24,000 Grains
Brio Shower Filters
Brio shower filters use multiple filtration layers to remove chlorine and heavy metals from water. These are easy to install and do not cause any pressure loss. Plus, filters last 4-6 months, requiring little maintenance.
Here are some options:
• Brio 17-Stage High Output Shower Filter
• Brio 15-Stage High Output Advanced Shower Filter
Filtered Water Benefits for Skin Health: Next Steps
A filtration system in your home can help you improve skin health from the inside out. In addition to washing your skin with filtered water, you’ll also want to focus on the link between hydration and skin health. Start a morning hydration routine to build healthier habits.
If you’re ready to invest in a filtration system, Brio can help you navigate your options.
Use the Brio Solution Finder to see what options are available, and contact us with any questions.
