Saving Skin from Winter and Hard Water's Effects

Fall is in the air. Apple picking, crisp leaves, and bonfires. As we enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, there is one thing that is certain. With fall in the air, that means winter is right around the corner. There are many things to look forward to as winter sets in. Hitting the slopes on your skis or snowboard, building a snowman, hot cocoa by the fire, and warm cozy sweaters. The colder air also means drier air. When you combine that with your furnace running more often, you will dry out the air in your home even more. There are many causes of dry skin, but it often gets worse for people during the winter months. Learn more about how dry skin happens and several ways to help prevent it.

Causes of Dry Skin

• Dry air can cause dry skin by pulling moisture out of the top layers of your skin.

• Long, hot showers and baths. The hot water evaporates quickly off your skin, pulling out moisture and natural oils as it evaporates.

• Cold air holds less moisture than warm air.

• Heating systems also pull moisture from the air and your skin.
  
  
• Hard water. Much like hard water leaves soap scum on your faucets and water-using appliances, it also leaves soap scum on your skin. This soap scum is caused when hard water minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, mix with soap. This creates a sticky film that sticks to surfaces, creating a soap scum buildup.

How to Prevent Dry Skin

• Use a moisturizer, daily, even twice a day. Don’t wait until your skin is all the way dry after a shower or bath.  Apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp or moist so it will soak in better.

• Take shorter showers and baths with cooler water. Limit your time to just 5-10 minutes. When you’re finished, pat dry rather than rub your skin.

• Keep your thermostat set to a reasonable temperature. The warmer it is set, the more your furnace will run, and the more moisture it will be drawing out of the air.

• • Soften your water.. Softer water means that soap will create more lather, and rinse from your skin better. It will also Ieave your skin in a more natural state, without a film, with more of your natural oils, and ready to soak in those moisturizers. A water softener uses an ion exchange process to remove the hard water minerals in your water leaving you with softer skin day after day.

Benefits of a Water Softener

When it comes to winter and dry skin, one of the best benefits of having a water softener is softer, less dry skin. However, that is not the only benefit. Your hair will be also be softer, smoother, and shinier. Less soap scum and scale buildup on your faucets and water-using appliances means they will last longer. Your laundry will come out softer and cleaner, and your dishes will have less spots too.

Think You Have Hard Water?

Are you concerned about your water? Do you think hard water is affecting your skin? Give us a call! Our trained technicians can test your water to check the hardness level and find any other water issues that may be going on. With a full line of Evolve Water Softeners and more, we will find the right solution for you!