Does Bangalore Water Make Your Skin Dark?

Water is a natural ingredient containing vital minerals that can give you glowing skin. Water gets hard when it has excess essential minerals, which is the issue with Bengaluru’s water. Many people have the misconception that Bengaluru’s water can make your skin look dark. However, no water can darken your skin. Bengaluru’s hard water can dry out your skin and make it look rough. 

Understanding the Science Behind Skin Darkening 

Skin pigmentation or disorders affect the complexion. Your skin acquires its color from melanin, a pigment made of special cells. When such cells get unhealthy or damaged, it deteriorates melanin production. Certain pigmentation disorders affect only patches of skin, while others affect your whole body. 

Your skin gets darker if your body produces excess melanin. Prolonged sun exposure, Addison’s disease, and pregnancy can darken your skin. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays or tanning produces melanin and develops that into keratinocytes. Sun exposure causes them to secrete chemicals, which increase melanocytes. The gathering of melanin in keratinocytes darkens your skin.

The hard water’s minerals make it tough to rinse away soap from your skin’s surface, leaving your skin irritated and dry. People with sensitive skin tend to have issues such as eczema and psoriasis. Hard water can damage your skin cells and leave dark spots. 

Here are the ways Bengaluru’s hard water leaves an impact on your skin:

• Dry skin 
• Itchiness 
• Soap scum 
• Wrinkles 
• Sagging skin 
• Premature aging 
• Dandruff and dry scalp 
• Aggravation of existing skin issues 

Pollen and dust mites are the common allergens that trigger skin allergies among Bangaloreans upon contact with them. Dermatitis is a common skin concern among people living across Bengaluru. Contact-related allergies are the most common among Bangaloreans. Even healthy-skinned people may develop allergies after consistent exposure to the sun. The dry Bengaluru weather can worsen allergic conditions. 

The general pollution in Bengaluru causes skin allergies and critical skin conditions. Children are mostly affected by skin disorders. Atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are the best skin ailments. Eczema is a common disorder in children. Air-containing pollen can aggravate your skin conditions. You should take certain measures to protect your skin in Bengaluru.

How to Protect Your Skin from Damage 

Skin is the largest sensory organ in your body and thus, you should do what it takes to protect it from any sort of damage. 

Here are the tips to protect your skin from damage:

Stay Hydrated 

Keeping your skin hydrated is crucial for its health. You can start your day with a cup of green tea and drink enough fluids to hydrate your skin. Dry skin tends to have little gaps in the skin barrier, which attract fungus and bacteria. Properly hydrated skin stays pliable and hardly gets chapped or flaky. Apply moisturizing cream or lotion containing hyaluronic acid on your skin to retain moisture. Take warm baths or slower for 5 to 10 minutes as long exposure to water dries out the skin. Use a humidifier in your living space during the daytime if you have dry skin as it can prevent the air from taking out moisture from your skin.

Avoid Sun Exposure 

Sun’s harsh UV rays can cause different types of skin damage, such as wrinkles, freckles, age spots, discoloration, benign growth, and skin cancer. Skincare products with UV protection make your skin look fresh and youthful. Apply sunscreen lotion with an SPF of 30+ always before stepping out. Try to wear full-sleeve tops and full bottoms for maximum skin coverage. 

Take Health Precautions 

Bacteria can cause severe acne and other skin disorders. Pay close attention to what touches your skin as it minimizes your chances of skin exposure to germs. Avoid sharing personal stuff and drinks with others. Don’t touch your face with your fingers and make facial contact with things used by other people. Never pick at cysts or pimples as they can leave deep scars on your skin. If your skin gets scratched, clean the area. Apply antibiotic cream on your skin breakage, use a clean bandage, and clean the area twice when it heals. 

Use Mild Skincare Products 

Wash your face with a gentle face wash every day to remove dead cells, germs, dirt, and oil from your skin. Face scrubbing may cause irritation and chapped skin. Avoid using abrasive exfoliation products on your skin. Wash your face twice every day with a mild cleanser and warm water. Lightly massage your skin with your fingers in a circular motion. Rinse well after washing to remove debris and soap. Pat skin dry and apply moisturizer.