Consider the Source: Hard Water and Soft Water Skincare

If you have softened water, be patient when rinsing and go light on your facial cleansers. A nickel-sized dollop should do it.

Did you know that the type of water that comes out of your faucet is part of your skincare regimen? It’s something that can affect your complexion. And it’s one of the factors to consider when you’re shopping for skincare products.

If you’ve ever gone from using hard water to using softened water, you’re probably ultra-conscious of how slippery soft water can feel. Lather seems almost out of control and is difficult to wash away, like trying to use a freshly lotioned hand to scrub the slickness off an otter. (I’ve never tried this, of course, but I bet I’m close to the truth!) Because soft water doesn’t rinse easily, it tends to leave a residue on the skin once you dry off.

Hard water doesn’t lather nearly as well as soft water. If you’ve ever gone from soft water to hard water, you know what a good arm workout you can get trying to conjure up some bubbles. Because it doesn’t lather well, hard water often leads people to use too much soap. Over-soaping leads to drying. Hello, flaky skin and eczema!

If you have softened water, be patient when rinsing and go light on your facial cleansers. A nickel-sized dollop should do it. If you have hard water, accept that the only thing getting worked up into a lather in your shower is you trying to make bubbles. Try a gentle, non-soap formula instead. Don’t fight your water. Work with it!