Is Well Water Bad For Your Skin?

Many people strive to achieve smooth, clear, blemish-free skin. Some spend significant time and money researching and buying skin care products while developing a routine for that perfect complexion. However, a critical factor that often gets overlooked is the water people use to wash their faces. If you rely on private well water, your water might actually be contributing to skin issues. 

What Makes Well Water Different?

Well water refers to water drawn into a home from a private well rather than municipal supplies. Private wells usually collect water from the ground. As this groundwater flows through aquifers, it collects minerals and other elements along the way. Most well water contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium, the minerals that cause hard water, along with iron, manganese, sulfur, and even bacteria. Unlike city water, which is sanitized and monitored according to federal regulations set by the Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners are responsible for testing and treating their own well water. If well water isn’t properly treated, these factors could impact your skin’s health. 

Whole House Salt-Free Water Softener

Is Well Water Bad For Your Skin?

Well water isn’t inherently harmful to your skin and isn’t dangerous to use for washing or bathing. However, some contaminants in well water can strip the skin of its natural oils. Without these oils, the skin becomes dry and more prone to irritation. This is especially concerning for individuals with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Over time, hard well water can also clog pores and dull complexion, leaving skin rough, uneven, or peeling. 

Can Well Water Make You Break Out? 

Yes, well water can contribute to breakouts, especially if your well water is considered hard. The residue left by minerals like calcium and magnesium can mix with skin oils, dirt, or sweat. This forms a pore-clogging film that leads to acne. High iron content in well water can also irritate the skin. If your well water contains bacteria, it can irritate the skin barrier, causing inflammation and triggering acne.

Can Well Water Cause a Rash?

Well water can sometimes lead to rashes. Individuals with sensitive skin or skin conditions may be more susceptible to these reactions. Metals like nickel or high mineral concentrations can cause allergic reactions, causing itchy red rashes to appear. High sulfur levels in water may also irritate the skin. Excessive skin dryness caused by hard water can exacerbate conditions like dermatitis or eczema, resulting in flare-ups and discomfort. 

How to Protect Skin When Using Well Water

If you have a private well and are concerned about its impact on your skin, the first step is to test your water. It’s vital to identify present contaminants and determine hardness level. Knowing what’s in your water helps you decide the best course of action, with the guidance of water filtration professionals like the team at Kind Water. Salt-based water softeners and whole house water filters are effective solutions to consider.  Shop Kind Water’s Water Test and Survey  A salt-based water softener uses a process called ion exchange. Salt-saturated resin beads interact with hard well water as the water flows through the resin tank. Sodium ions replace calcium and magnesium ions in the water, effectively “softening” it. Soft water doesn’t strip essential oils from the skin and doesn’t form a filmy residue. Instead, it allows soaps and facial washes to lather better and rinse more cleanly, reducing the need for harsh scrubbing. Adding a filtration system alongside a water softener targets additional impurities like metals and chemicals that can also irritate the skin. Kind Water’s Smart Metered Salt-Based Water Softener uses up to 70% less salt and minimal water waste compared to alternative solutions. When bundled with a whole house particulate and carbon filter, the system reduces sand, sediment, silt, minerals, chemicals, and other impurities.  Shop our Whole House Water Filter / Salt-Based Softener Combo Reach out to Kind Water Systems today to learn more about our filtration and softening solutions.