Frequently Asked Questions

How does hard water affect my skin and hair?

Considering hard water contributes to soap scum (as in, that gross layer of grime that can build up on your shower floor if you don’t clean it often enough), it’s no surprise that it can also lead to buildup on your body and hair, according to Dr. Ibrahim. “For people who have hard water in their shower, they’ll often see a layer of soap scum on their walls–that’s due to the minerals reacting to soap to form this insoluble layer,” he explains. When that layer of “scum” develops on your body, it can exacerbate dryness and inflammation, especially for those with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, and even acne.

As for your hair, that layer of minerals leads to a dry, brittle texture and dull color (a major bummer if you pay for expensive color treatments). “Hard water can also exacerbate dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis,” adds Dr. Ibrahim.

How does a filtered showerhead benefit my skin and hair?

These filters, also known as water softeners, cleanse your tap water of mineral buildup and replace them with sodium through a process called ion exchange, Washington, DC-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD, previously told Allure. This process lowers the water’s concentration of mineral sediments, minimizing buildup and, potentially, irritation. To that end, “shower filters can help as long as they include a water-softening system,” says Dr. Ibrahim. These “water-softening systems” include filtration mediums such as KDF-55 (a combination of carbon and zinc) and calcium sulfite. By removing these minerals from your shower water, they can deliver calmer, healthier skin—not to mention shinier, softer hair. Consider them a worthwhile investment for your self-care routine.

Are there any shower water filters that actually work?

Showerhead filters can certainly make a difference, provided that their filtration systems are targeting the right contaminants. That’s why it’s important to look into your area’s water quality report, Dr. Spearman says. Once you know what’s actually in your shower water (say, if it contains higher-than-average levels of chlorine), you’ll have a better idea of whether a specific showerhead filter can help with your issues.

What are the disadvantages of shower filters?

For one thing, a showerhead filter is another thing to maintain around the house. The filter needs regular replacements, which means ongoing costs, Dr. Luftman points out. There’s also a chance that it affects the water pressure in your shower, she adds.

For another, keep your expectations realistic, Dr. Spearman says. Not only do filters lose efficacy over time (which is why you need to replace them), they also can’t feasibly address every single issue with your shower’s water quality. It’s better to look for subtle improvements in the long-term, like you’re gradually benefiting your skin and hair one shower at a time.

Meet the experts

• Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
• Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills and Calabasas, California
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Adir Abergel, a hairstylist and creative director of Virtue Labs

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