Hard Water and Skin: Eczema, Dryness, and Treatment
Hard water and skin health, eczema connection, and solutions.
Hard water disrupts the skin barrier
Hard water raises skin pH, disrupting the acid mantle. Calcium and magnesium react with soap to create residue that clogs pores. Research links hard water exposure to increased eczema risk.
Symptoms
Persistent dryness despite moisturizing, eczema flare-ups that improve when traveling, tight or itchy feeling after showering, clogged pores along the jawline. If symptoms improve with filtered water, hard water is likely a factor.
Treatment
A whole-house softener addresses the root cause. Soap-free cleansers reduce the mineral-soap reaction. Apply moisturizer immediately after patting dry. Check your hardness level.