Skin Adjusting to Reduced Chlorine Exposure
Most municipal water supplies contain chlorine or chloramine as disinfectants.
- Chlorine has two relevant effects:
- It kills bacteria and microbes on the skin.
- It suppresses certain natural skin flora.
- When a shower filter removes much of the chlorine:
- The skin’s microbiome begins to rebalance
- Natural oils and bacteria return to normal levels
- Some people temporarily experience itchiness or dryness during this adjustment phase
- This adjustment typically lasts a few days to a couple of weeks.
Soap and Body Wash Suddenly Behave Differently
Chlorine and contaminants can affect how soaps interact with skin.
- Once filtered water is used:
- Soap may lather more
- People may use the same amount of soap but get more detergent exposure
- Residue may rinse differently
- This can create:
- Dryness
- Tightness
- Itching
- Often, the solution is simply using less soap.
The Filter Is Removing Oils From the Water
Our filter helps to remove:
- Rust
- Sediment
- Pipe oils
- Industrial residues
- These sometimes leave a thin coating on skin and hair that people unknowingly get used to.
- When removed, skin may feel “squeaky clean,” Which many people interpret as dryness.
Existing Skin Conditions Become More Noticeable
- Conditions like:
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- These may become more noticeable once chlorine is removed, because chlorine has a mild antimicrobial effect that can temporarily suppress symptoms.
Water Temperature and Longer Showers
- Many people find filtered water feels softer or more pleasant, which leads to:
- longer showers
- hotter water
- Hot water strips natural oils from skin and is a major cause of itching and dryness.
Typically, none of these conditions/reasons are cause for major concern, and with some adjustments based on which of these you believe it may be, your skin will adjust and be healthier in the long run.