Hard water. You probably don’t think about it much. But if your skin has been acting up with breakouts, dryness, or irritation, your water supply might be to blame.

So, what exactly is hard water, and why does it matter for your skin?

What is Hard Water?

Hard water is water with high levels of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate ions. Very technical, and might sound confusing, right? After all, your body needs those minerals. Hard water is perfectly safe to drink, cook with, and use in your daily routine.

But when it comes to your skin, it’s a different story: especially if you struggle with acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

How Hard Water Affects Your Skin

Have you ever washed your face and noticed your skin feels tight and dry afterwards? That could be hard water messing with your skin’s natural barrier. When your skin barrier is already compromised (thanks to conditions like acne or eczema1), hard water can make things worse.

Instead of letting your skincare products do their job, it leaves behind a stubborn mineral residue that makes it harder for your skin to absorb moisture and nutrients.

Here’s what that can lead to:

1. Clogged Pores - The minerals in hard water mix with your skin’s natural oils, creating buildup that gets trapped in your pores—hello, breakouts.

2. Disrupted pH Balance - Your skin has a natural pH level that keeps it balanced and healthy. Hard water throws this off, making your skin more prone to dryness, irritation, and sensitivity.

3. Increased Sensitivity - If you have eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, hard water can make symptoms worse by leaving behind a residue that aggravates inflammation.

How Do I Know If My Water Is Hard?

You can’t see hard water, but there are a few telltale signs that give it away:

1. Soap scum – That white, chalky residue on your sink, taps, or shower? That’s from the minerals in hard water.

2. Dry, brittle hair – Hard water strips your hair of its natural oils, leaving it feeling rough and dehydrated.

3. Your soap that won’t lather – If your soap refuses to foam up properly or takes ages to rinse off, it’s likely due to hard water.

Living in London?

London is notorious for having some of the hardest water in the UK. Based on over 42,000 property visits in the past year, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 areas with the hardest water.

Note: PPM = parts per million, a unit used to measure the concentration of minerals in water.

Living with hard water sounds like a hassle, right? But don’t worry, it won’t harm your health, and there are plenty of ways to protect your skin from its effects.

Want to know how to combat hard water and build a skincare routine that actually works? See blog post here for Frank's solutions & tips.

Did your area make the list? Let us know in the comments!