How Tap Water Could Be Quietly Triggering Your Eczema
Let’s get real. You’re eating cleaner, using fragrance-free skincare, and cutting out harsh soaps, but your eczema still flares. Ever considered that the biggest irritant might be coming from your shower?
That daily ritual you think is soothing could be doing more harm than good.
The Hidden Problem with Tap Water
Most tap water in Australia is treated to be “safe” to drink, but safe doesn’t always mean skin-friendly. It often contains chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals, and mineral build-up, especially in homes with older pipes. While these substances are used to disinfect water, they may be disruptive to the skin’s natural barrier, particularly if you’re already managing conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or contact dermatitis.
Research shows that exposure to hard water can alter the skin’s pH, weaken the outer barrier, and increase the risk of irritation. In one 2017 study, children exposed to hard water were more likely to develop eczema. For anyone already living with it, this can mean more frequent flare-ups, increased inflammation, and dry, scaly patches that are difficult to manage.
What Happens to Eczema-Prone Skin in the Shower?
Here’s what might be happening:
– Chlorine can strip natural oils from your skin, leaving it dry and reactive
– Heavy metals like copper and lead, which may be present in ageing plumbing, can contribute to irritation or oxidative stress in sensitive skin
– The pH of tap water is often more alkaline than your skin needs, disrupting your protective acid mantle
– Hot water opens pores, making it easier for these compounds to absorb into the skin
In short, frequent unfiltered showers could be contributing to the cycle of irritation.
What You Can Do
We’re not saying stop showering, but upgrading your water is a powerful step toward calming your skin.
The Well Verti Wellness Pod™ Shower Filter uses a layered filtration system that helps reduce chlorine, odour, sediment, and common heavy metals. It also softens the water, supporting your skin barrier and creating a gentler, more nourishing experience.
✨ Pro tip: Follow up with a microbiome-friendly body wash to reinforce barrier repair and hydration.
You wouldn’t drink water that smells like a pool, so why bathe in it?
Your eczema journey isn’t just about creams or diet. Sometimes, the healing begins with the water.