{"id":4390,"date":"2021-08-17T15:46:35","date_gmt":"2021-08-17T20:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/?p=4390"},"modified":"2021-08-17T15:46:39","modified_gmt":"2021-08-17T20:46:39","slug":"should-you-add-a-shower-filter-to-your-beauty-routine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.northwestpharmacy.com\/healthperch\/should-you-add-a-shower-filter-to-your-beauty-routine","title":{"rendered":"Should You Add a Shower Filter to Your Beauty Routine?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Water filtration is as old as time<\/a> \u2014 ancient Sanskrit texts illustrate filtering water through sand and coarse gravel. In modern times, filters remove contaminants that water gathers along its travels to the tap. With a faucet or refrigerator filter set up in your home, you can sip the seasons away with water that\u2019s safe and tastes good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what about your shower water? You may be surprised at the mineral and chemical stowaways hiding in your shower stream. Kitchen faucet water filters and shower filters aren\u2019t too different, but the latter isn\u2019t as well-known. Shower filters don\u2019t only lead to cleaner showers \u2014 they can promote healthier hair and skin too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn more about shower filters, their benefits, and the different types to choose from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water Hardness and Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of shower filters, like faucet or pitcher water filters, is to extract contaminants. But what does that mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While what you eat and the types of hair and skin products you use can play a role in the condition of your hair and skin, they aren\u2019t the only sources for dull strands and irritation. If your beauty routine hits a dead end despite in-depth research and trial and error, hard water may be to blame.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water hardness<\/a> refers to higher mineral content, specifically that of calcium and magnesium. Soil differs with every location, so mineral levels do too. Whether in a big city or small town, there are two categories of water hardness: hard water and soft water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hard Water<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Hard water is safe to drink, cook, and shower with. Unfortunately, safe doesn\u2019t always mean kind. Hard water, heavy with minerals and chemicals, does not dissolve soap very well. Calcium and magnesium leave a film<\/a> that\u2019s tough to rinse off, which can make hair dry, dull, and straw-like. Plus, high levels of calcium and chlorine can dry and irritate skin, which can trigger breakouts and worsen certain skin conditions. Research shows<\/a> that areas with hard water are associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, a condition that makes skin itchy and red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soft Water <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Soft water has little to no magnesium and calcium<\/a>. It easily dissolves soap, so bath and body products can do their jobs without a mineral barrier to face off against. Gentler than hard water, soft water doesn\u2019t have the same contaminants that can flare up certain inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis<\/a> \u2014 a condition that takes the form of red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. As a result, you can see and feel your hair and skin\u2019s natural moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of Shower Filters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

They remove harmful substances from water.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Chlorine and chloramines<\/a> \u2014 the two main disinfectants used in public water systems \u2014 can drain the life out of healthy hair<\/a>. When we shower or bathe in warm water, our pores open and are more prone to absorb contaminants, resulting in agitated skin. Filters remove these harmful contaminants, including viruses and bacteria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They hydrate and soften hair and skin.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With fewer minerals and chemicals interrupting the lathering and rinsing process, you\u2019ll be left with smoother hair and softer skin.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They can administer add-ons.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Along with sifting out minerals, some shower filters can have add-ons such as filter beads and scented cartridges. Filter beads are made of different mineral rocks. Alkaline tourmaline<\/a> beads, for example, may reduce stress and improve blood circulation. Scented cartridges come in plenty of scents from lemon to vanilla. Water passes through the beads and\/or cartridge and through the filter, creating a relaxing aromatherapy session. With add-ons, you can transform a regular old shower into a spa-like experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Should<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Types of Shower Filters and Cartridges<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are several types of shower filters to choose from. Some are more effective than others and some are easier to install or maintain. Read on to see which one will suit your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Shower Filters<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n