5 Reasons How Bangalore Water Is Harming Your Skin

    Bangalore, once known for its many freshwater lakes, is now facing a water crisis. Apart from shortages, the city’s water supply is fast becoming too toxic for use. Groundwater is among the major sources of water in Bangalore. This hard water has TDS levels too high for safe use. 

The seepage of pollutants into the groundwater has added to the woes of Bangaloreans. Landfills and waste dumps have worsened the situation. Despite the purification efforts by authorities, many homes still rely on hard water. 

Bangalore’s groundwater has TDS levels exceeding 1500 mg per liter. These are dangerous levels that can cause various health issues. Heavy metals such as manganese, magnesium, and calcium in hard water pose many hazards. 

Consumption of water with TDS levels above 300 PPM can damage the kidneys. Meanwhile, water with TDS levels of 1200 PPM and above can cause serious skin problems. Other pollutants that mix with the groundwater can lead to various other illnesses. 

 5 Ways Hard Water Of Bangalore Impacts Your Skin

Dry Skin:

The most noticeable effect of hard water on your body is dry skin. Hard water, due to its mineral content, allows very little moisture into your skin. It also reduces the effectiveness of any moisturizer or lotion you may apply. 

Hard Water also causes a buildup of calcium bicarbonate. This is harmless by nature, but it tends to block your pores and cause flaking. 

Soap Scum and Itchiness:

Hard water combines with soaps and shampoos to form a layer of soap scum. This layer results from the hard water’s inability to produce lather. Soap scum is hard to wash off and, if left to dry, can cause itchiness. 

The chemicals of the soap also combine with the calcium carbonates in the water. This further strengthens the layer, causing dryness and other skin problems. 

Skin Elasticity:

The heavy minerals in hard water break down the collagen in your skin. This causes wrinkles, sagging, and premature aging. The skin also becomes weaker and more sensitive. 

The general skin dryness associated with hard water can make this problem worse. 

Dry Scalp and Dandruff:

The effects of hard water on the scalp are almost immediate and adverse. Hard water causes the scalp to dry out. Any soap or regular shampoo you might use can form a thin layer as well. This irritates the skin and, in the long run, causes dandruff. 

A dry scalp also leads to hair fall, thinning of hair, and other issues. 

Aggravation of Existing Skin Conditions: 

Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can become worse with the use of hard water. The mineral build-up can cause severe irritation in people with such conditions. 

It is not the minerals in Bangalore’s water that are harmful but their concentration. It is also worth mentioning that hard water does cause any of these conditions. Although prolonged use of hard water is known to cause dermatitis.