Many people suffer from dry skin, itching, or brittle hair without making the connection to tap water. However, water hardness and the presence of chlorine can play an important role in these skin and hair issues.
What studies say about hard water and skin
Several scientific studies have examined the link between domestic water hardness and eczema, particularly in children. A systematic review involving over 385,000 participants identified a positive association between living in a hard water area and the presence of eczema in children.
The mechanisms mentioned are as follows:
- The minerals responsible for hardness (calcium and magnesium) can impair the skin's barrier function, increasing transepidermal water loss.
- In hard water, detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) become more irritating and deposit more on the skin, exacerbating dryness and inflammation.
- Studies in adults also show lower skin hydration, more redness, and an increase in inflammatory markers after exposure to hard water.
It is important to note that hard water can especially play a role in the onset or worsening of eczema, particularly in predisposed individuals, rather than as a sole treatment for already established eczema.
Chlorine and other components of tap water
Beyond hardness, the chlorine added to disinfect the water can also irritate the skin and scalp. Chlorine and its by-products are oxidants that:
- Destroy the skin's protective lipid film
- Irritate sensitive skin (redness, itching)
- Damage the keratin structure of hair (dry, dull, brittle)
Signs that should alert you
- Skin: Tightness, itchy skin, recurring dry areas.
- Hair: Coarse, dull, difficult to detangle, itchy scalp.
- Home: White marks, quick limescale, soap that lathers little.
Testimonials: before/after Mizuro installation
“We moved into a new house and very quickly, we had limescale marks everywhere and dry skin in the children. The paediatrician mentioned a possible link with hard water. After installing the Premium Mizuro pack, we see fewer marks on the shower, the laundry is softer, and the children complain less about itching. For us, comfort has really increased.”
What can a water treatment system do?
An appropriate system can act on several levers:
- Reduce the hardness of the water (less calcium and magnesium).
- Reduce chlorine and some by-products via activated carbon.
- Improve the rinsing of cleaning products.
In practice: what to remember?
Water softening or filtration does not cure skin conditions, but can help reduce certain aggravating factors and improve skin and hair comfort on a daily basis. If you recognise these signs, an audit of your water with Mizuro is an excellent first step.