How Chlorine in Tap Water Affects Your Skin.
Chlorine is an essential disinfectant used to keep our drinking water safe and free from harmful bacteria. It’s also commonly found in most tap water around the world. While chlorine plays a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness of water, it’s not without its downsides — particularly when it comes to your skin. If you’ve ever noticed your skin feeling dry, irritated, or tight after a hot shower, chlorine could be the cause. But how exactly does chlorine affect your skin, and how can you minimize its impact?
Understanding Chlorine in Tap Water
Chlorine is added to municipal water supplies to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. While it is effective in keeping our water safe for drinking and washing, it can have some negative effects on our skin, especially when combined with the heat from a shower.
The problem isn’t just about chlorine in itself but how it interacts with the skin during exposure. When you shower in chlorinated water, especially with hot water, it can be absorbed into your skin more easily, leading to dryness, irritation, and other unwanted effects.
How Chlorine Affects Your Skin in Hot Showers
Strips Away Natural Oils Your skin produces natural oils that serve as a barrier, keeping moisture in and protecting your skin from environmental stressors. Chlorine, however, has a drying effect. When you shower in chlorinated water, the chemical strips away these oils, leaving your skin more vulnerable to dehydration. The hotter the water, the more likely this moisture loss will happen, as hot water opens up your pores, allowing chlorine to penetrate more deeply into your skin.
Dryness and Flakiness After a hot shower with chlorinated water, you may notice your skin feels tighter and drier than usual. This is because chlorine removes moisture from the skin, leading to dryness and sometimes even flakiness. For those with already dry or sensitive skin, this effect can be more pronounced and cause discomfort or irritation.
Increased Skin Sensitivity Prolonged exposure to chlorine can disrupt your skin’s natural pH balance. This can make your skin more sensitive and prone to irritation. You might experience redness, itching, or even a rash after a hot shower in chlorinated water. For individuals with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, chlorine can trigger flare-ups and worsen symptoms.
Premature Aging Although it might sound surprising, chlorine can contribute to the aging process of your skin. Over time, chlorine can break down collagen and elastin in your skin — the two proteins responsible for maintaining its firmness and elasticity. When you combine this with the drying effects of hot water, your skin may become more prone to wrinkles, sagging, and fine lines.
Compromised Skin Barrier The outermost layer of your skin, known as the skin barrier, acts as a protective shield to prevent environmental pollutants and irritants from entering. Chlorine can damage this barrier, making your skin more susceptible to damage from pollutants, allergens, and bacteria. If your skin's barrier is compromised, it may result in more irritation and a weakened defense against harmful external factors.
How to Protect Your Skin from Chlorine in Tap Water
While it’s impossible to remove chlorine from tap water without special filtration systems, there are ways to protect your skin from its drying and irritating effects, especially when taking hot showers.
Install a Pioneer Water Treatment Whole House Filter One of the most effective ways to reduce the amount of chlorine you’re exposed to during your shower is by installing a PWT whole house filter. These filters are designed to remove chlorine and a variety of contaminants from the water, giving you a more skin-friendly shower experience. They are relatively inexpensive, and they can significantly improve the condition of your skin. Click to learn more.
Lower the Water Temperature Hot water can open your pores and allow chlorine to be absorbed more deeply into your skin, leading to further dehydration. Try switching to lukewarm water for your showers to help minimize chlorine absorption and reduce dryness. If you prefer hot showers, consider ending your shower with a brief rinse of cooler water to help close your pores.
Moisturize Immediately After Showering After a shower, your skin is at its most vulnerable, as the chlorine has likely stripped away moisture. To help restore hydration, apply a rich moisturizer immediately after drying off. Look for moisturizers that contain hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides. These help to lock in moisture and repair the skin’s barrier.
Shower Less Frequently While showering is necessary for hygiene, over-showering — especially in chlorinated water — can exacerbate dryness and irritation. Try to limit the number of showers you take per week and avoid long, hot showers. Opt for shorter, cooler showers to minimize chlorine exposure.
Use Gentle, Hydrating Skin Care Products After a shower, it’s important to continue taking care of your skin by using gentle, non-stripping skin care products. Avoid harsh soaps and opt for hydrating body washes that are free of sulfates. Look for products designed for sensitive skin, which are often free of irritating chemicals and fragrances.
Stay Hydrated Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain skin hydration from the inside out. Staying hydrated will help counteract the drying effects of chlorine and support your skin’s natural moisture balance.
Exfoliate Regularly Exfoliating your skin once a week can help remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, giving your skin a chance to renew itself. However, avoid harsh scrubs, as these can further irritate your skin. Opt for gentle exfoliating products that won’t damage your skin barrier.
Conclusion
Chlorine in tap water plays an important role in disinfecting our water supply, but when combined with hot showers, it can have negative effects on your skin. From dryness and irritation to premature aging and increased sensitivity, chlorine can leave your skin feeling less than its best. By taking steps to protect your skin, such as using a PWT Whole House Filter moisturizing regularly, and reducing the water temperature, you can minimize the impact chlorine has on your skin. With these simple adjustments, you can enjoy your shower without compromising your skin’s health. Do you have more questions? Contact us today for a no sales pressure conversation.
