Do you long to have a glowing, radiant appearance? Are you always tweaking, tinkering, re-evaluating and refining your skincare and beauty routine in search of ever more innovative methods? Are you constantly disappointed by expensive, ‘cutting edge’ ingredients that don’t deliver on their promises?
Have you ever thought that the most effective solutions might also be the most simple?
Today, we’re considering the effects of water on your beauty regime, and more specifically, whether using purified water might bring noticeable results and that enviable glow. So, if you’re wondering whether you should use purified water in your beauty regime, let’s dig a little deeper.
HOW DOES USING POOR QUALITY TAP WATER AFFECT YOUR SKIN?
Your Skin
Poor tap water quality can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts, and this is particularly true if the area you live in has ‘hard’ water. All this means is that deposits of limestone and chalk have entered the water, and have upped its mineral content.
Hard water has a higher alkaline content, and this is where problems arise when using it to wash your face, hair and body. Since your skin is generally happiest at a pH level of under 5 – 4.7 is said to be optimum – water with a high alkaline content (say pH 7 or 8) can cause irritation and damage to the skin.
Purifying your water can soften it, bringing it to the optimum level for your beauty regime.
But that’s not all. By law, tap water in the UK must be disinfected to destroy harmful bacteria in the water supply. This disinfectant is usually chlorine, and guess what? Chlorinated water can be pretty harmful for our skin. As the cosmetic doctor and skin specialist Dr Rehka Tailor explains via Harpers Bazaar, “Chlorinated water can deplete the skin of its natural oils and hydration which in turn can exacerbate skin conditions such as eczema.”
The answer? You guessed it; purifying your water, whether that’s at the water source (for instance, your tap), through a water filtration system for your whole house, or, more simply, by using a simple water filter jug each time you wash your face.
Your Hair
Like your skin, your hair can also be affected by hard, chlorinated water, which can cause your hair to become dry and brittle, and can also cause scalp irritation and dandruff.
What’s more, chlorinated water can strip your hair of its natural oils, which are essential for keeping your hair looking luscious and moisturised. The result? Hair that damages easily.
Fortunately, the solution is simple; you can invest in a showerhead which filters hard, chlorinated water, softening it. Or, you should consider a more all-encompassing home filtration system, and we’ll discuss that a little more in a moment.
Your Nails
Even your nails are affected by the water you use. Washing your hands constantly in hard water can cause your nails to become dry and brittle. It can also lead to yellowing and other discoloration. On the other hand, soft water can help improve the health of your nails.
HOW CAN YOU ENSURE THAT YOUR WATER IS OF GOOD QUALITY?
Unfortunately, not all water sources are created equal. Some contain harmful pollutants that can damage your skin. So, how can you ensure that the water you’re using is of good quality? Here are some tips:
Install a Home Water Filtration System
This is one of the best ways to ensure that your water is clean and free of impurities. There are different types of filtration systems available on the market. Some systems use reverse osmosis, while others use ultraviolet light or activated carbon filters. Some are task-focused and filter at the output of the water, such as those showerheads we mentioned earlier, and some cover the whole house, via a ‘point of entry’ system.
Check the Quality of Your Tap Water
You can check the quality of your tap water by contacting your local water utility company. They can provide you with a report that will detail the levels of contaminants in your water. Or you can have it tested by a professional. This will give you an idea of what contaminants are present and what needs to be done to remove them.
You can also check the pH of your tap water either by using a pH meter or litmus paper, both of which are inexpensive methods of getting an idea of the state of your tap water and the impact it might be having on your beauty regime.
Buy Bottled Water For Some Skincare Needs
If you’re unsure about the quality of your tap water, you can always purchase bottled water for washing your face. Just check the labels to ensure that the water is pure and free of impurities.
That said, we wouldn’t recommend this method, as it’s pretty hard to justify with the current climate catastrophe unfolding. After all, what’s the point of having flawless skin if no one is there to see it. Because, you know, the end of the world has happened.
HOW DOES DRINKING WATER AFFECT YOUR BEAUTY REGIME?
Drinking water regularly and obsessively is essential to your beauty regime, too, hydrating your skin, hair and nails. The importance of drinking clean water shouldn’t be underestimated, as the effects of keeping hydrated on overall health as well as beauty, are huge.
Let’s consider some of the benefits:
It Helps to Flush Out Toxins
When you drink plenty of water, it helps flush out toxins from your body. These toxins can build up over time and cause skin problems. Drinking water will help to keep your skin clear and free of blemishes.
It Helps to Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Water is essential for keeping your skin hydrated. When your skin is adequately hydrated, it will appear plump and radiant. Drinking plenty of water will help to prevent dryness and premature wrinkles.
It Helps to Improve Circulation
Good circulation is essential for a healthy complexion. Drinking water helps to improve circulation and gives your skin a natural glow.
Tighter Skin Pores
If you want tighter skin pores, water can help. Drinking plenty of water helps to improve the elasticity of your skin and makes your pores appear smaller. This way, your skin will have a smoother appearance.
Prevents Acne
Many people suffer from acne. While many factors can contribute to this skin condition, drinking plenty of water can help to prevent it. Water helps flush out toxins and impurities that can clog your pores and cause breakouts.
Reduces Dark Circles
If you want to reduce the appearance of dark circles, water can help. Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Prevents Premature Ageing
One of the best ways to prevent premature ageing is to drink plenty of water. Water helps to keep your skin hydrated and prevents the formation of wrinkles. It also helps flush out toxins that can damage your skin cells and cause premature ageing. Hydrated skin also has high elasticity, making it less likely to sag and show wrinkles and helping maintain that youthful glow.
Improves Skin Tone
Water also helps to improve your skin tone. When your skin is properly hydrated, it will appear more even and have a healthy glow. Hydrating your skin can help to even out your skin tone and give you a more youthful appearance.
Faster Healing of Wounds
If you have a cut or scrape, drinking plenty of water can help to speed up the healing process. Water helps keep your skin cells hydrated and prevents the formation of scabs. It also helps flush out toxins that can delay the healing process. Water can help soothe the skin and avoid peeling if you have sunburns.
Reduces Inflammation
Water can also help to reduce inflammation. When your skin is adequately hydrated, it will appear less red and inflamed. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the appearance of acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Reduces Itchiness
If you suffer from dry skin, you know how itchy it can be. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce itchiness by keeping your skin hydrated. This could also be due to the buildup of toxins, and water can help to flush them out.
The Bottom Line
The importance of water in your beauty regime, and particularly, in the healthy appearance of your skin, shouldn’t be underestimated. Now we’ve got to the end of the article, why not go and have a glass?