Chlorine in water removes the essential oils from your skin that help it stay hydrated. Without these oils, the skin quickly becomes dry and uncomfortable after a shower. Additionally, trihalomethanes (THMs), a byproduct of water treatment, further weaken the skin. This leads to the tight, uncomfortable feeling many people experience after washing, especially if the water is hot.
Shower water can trigger or worsen eczema due to chemicals like chlorine (Cl₂) and chloramines (NH₂Cl), which are used to purify the water. These substances dry out the skin by removing its natural oils, making already sensitive areas even more irritated.
Under the heat of the shower, pores open and these products penetrate more easily, causing inflammation. Haloacetic acids in the water can also trigger allergic reactions, which can worsen eczema.
Impurities in the water like lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) can clog your pores, promoting the appearance of pimples and acne.
Chlorine dries out the skin, and to compensate, it produces more sebum, which clogs the pores and worsens breakouts. Hot water further opens the pores, allowing these impurities to infiltrate and encourage pimples.
Over time, exposure to chlorine and haloacetic acids in water accelerates skin aging. These substances attack collagen, the structure that keeps the skin firm and smooth. When collagen is damaged, the skin becomes less elastic, leading to wrinkles and sagging much earlier than expected, giving it a tired, aged appearance.
If you experience itching after a shower, it could be due to heavy metals like mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) in the water. These substances directly irritate the skin, causing burning sensations or itching. Chlorine, by stripping away the skin's natural defenses, makes it even more sensitive and vulnerable to these irritations.
Shower water containing chlorine and copper strips away the natural oils that keep your hair hydrated. Without these oils, your hair becomes dry, brittle, and harder to style. These chemicals attack the hair fiber, weakening your hair and even causing split ends over time.
Heavy metals like lead (Pb) and arsenic (As) in the water can weaken your hair roots. They disrupt the scalp and prevent hair from growing properly, leading to faster hair loss. Chlorine, in addition to drying out the scalp, also contributes to this issue by making the hair more fragile.
Dandruff often appears when the scalp is dry and irritated. Chlorine and copper in the water can strip away the natural oils from the scalp, causing itching and a buildup of dead skin cells. This leads to the appearance of visible white flakes, which persist even after using dandruff shampoos.
Water containing chlorine and heavy metals like copper (Cu) dulls your hair. These substances damage the outer layer of the hair, preventing light from reflecting properly. Even after using hair products, your hair may appear dull and lifeless.
The chlorine in water can be particularly harsh on colored hair. It causes a chemical reaction that breaks down the color pigments, making your hair lose its shine and intensity quickly. Additionally, if you have blonde hair, chlorine and copper can even give your hair a greenish tint. This forces you to re-dye your hair more often to restore its natural appearance.
Ondine
