Does your skin become dry, itchy, and flaky in the winter? The air is dryer during the winter months and can be hard on your skin. If you try to counteract the dryness with a hot shower or relaxing bath and it seems to get worse, maybe you need to take a look at your water. Hard water in the winter is the worst!
Hard Water Doesn’t Hydrate
Did you know that hard water contains excessive minerals such as calcium and magnesium? The contaminants draw out moisture and negatively affect the pH balance and natural moisturizing oils found on your skin, leaving your skin feeling dehydrated and itchy.
Hard water also irritates skin because it makes it more difficult to wash away soap, leaving a residue on your skin. This draws out moisture and clogs pores. Since your skin is already at an increased risk of drying out during the winter months, using hard water in the winter doesn’t help.
How Do You Know If You Have Hard Water?
Hard water will leave behind some clues, so if you are wondering if your water has excessive minerals, here are a few things to look for …
- Body feels like it is covered in a thin film after showering
- Itchy and flaky skin
- Soap and shampoo do not lather as they should
- White scale on shower, faucets, sinks and bathtubs
- Reddish-brown stains around grout
- Hair feels like it has buildup or is static, dry and not manageable
Not only does hard water have a negative effect on your hair and skin, it can also cause damage to your plumbing and appliances that use water.
How to Get Rid of Hard Water in the Winter (AND All Year Round)
Installing a water softening system is the best treatment for hard water. When you use soft water, your skin will feel the difference right away. Soft water will also extend the life of your appliances, plumbing, bath products, and clothing. Installing a water softener can even help you save money!
At CalSoft of Santa Maria, we can help you deal with the negative effects of hard water in the winter and all year long with our water softening solutions. Contact us today for more information about our water softeners. We will be sure to walk you through the best decision for your home’s demands, location, budget, situation and needs. We carry the models and options that will meet your expectations and have your hard water improved in no time!