The secret to my flawless skin? Avoiding what comes out of my faucet.
I used to struggle with dry, irritated skin, never realizing the culprit was flowing from my tap.
Every time I would wash my face with regular water, I felt my skin was so dry and constantly irritated.
No matter the lotion, I couldn’t find comfort.
So as always, I went deep into the “water hole” and found some dirt as to why my skin was so beat up.
The results were shocking.
How dirty is our water?
Germs in Tap Water
All of these guys hang out in our tap water.
Campylobacter, Norovirus, E. coli, Rotavirus, Enterovirus, Salmonella, Giardia, Shigella, Hepatitis A.
They cause gastrointestinal illnesses and can stick to the face as well.
Chemical Contaminants
Alarmingly, an array of microscopic chemical contaminants lurk in our tap water, eluding conventional filtration methods and persisting in the water we use daily.
Arsenic, nitrate, copper, radon, lead.
Health risks include lung cancer (from radon).
Lovely.
I was wondering why my skin felt so sticky and blah.
I went deeper and learned what dermatologists think about our water.
Real Deal Data
Recent studies have shown a direct correlation between water quality and skin health.
For instance, a 2020 study published in the Journal of Dermatology indicated that long-term exposure to water with high chlorine content can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and acne.
Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned dermatologist, states, 'The quality of water can be as crucial as the skincare products one chooses.’
I thought we were just using water out here!
So what’s the solution?
Filtered Water
There is a beacon of hope in the realm of water health: high-grade water filters.
Investing in such a filter is a crucial step in eradicating a host of harmful chemicals that municipal water systems often fail to fully remove.
These filters are designed to target and eliminate:
Chlorine: Commonly used in water treatment but can have adverse effects on skin and hair.
Heavy Metals: Including lead, arsenic, and even mercury, are known for their toxic properties.
Pesticides: Such as glyphosate, which can seep into water sources and pose health risks.
Pharmaceutical Residues: Including substances like birth control and Xanax, which are not typically addressed by standard water treatment processes.
By integrating a high-grade filter into your water system, you're taking a significant step towards ensuring the purity and safety of your water, protecting yourself from these pervasive contaminants.
This was a revelation.
The acne that had been a constant battle started to retreat.
It seemed the filtered water removed the impurities that contributed to my breakouts. I was astonished to see my pores appearing less clogged, and my skin gaining a clearer, more radiant complexion.
Remember, good skincare isn't only about the products you apply; it's also about the water you use.
So, when I switched to filtered water, everything changed.
We have solutions, baby!
Apply these to your water game today.
Choosing the Right Water Filter
Reverse Osmosis Filters
These systems are highly effective in removing a wide range of contaminants.
They work by passing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out impurities.
Highly Recommended Brands
Berkey Filters: Known for their efficiency in removing bacteria and chemicals.
Water and Wellness Filters: Praised for their advanced filtration technology and ability to remove a wide spectrum of contaminants.
Avoid Basic Filters Like Brita
While popular, simpler filters like Brita may not be sufficient for thorough filtration as they often don't remove all types of contaminants.
Look for Multi-Step Filters with Carbon Filtration
A good quality filter should have multiple filtration stages, including activated carbon filtration.
Carbon filters are excellent at removing chlorine, and odors, and improving taste.
Choosing the Right Containers for Water Storage
Glass Over Plastic: Use glass containers for storing water to avoid chemical leaching.
Glass Water: Mountain Valley has the best water. Find them in Whole Foods.
BPA-Free Products: If plastic is necessary, ensure it's BPA-free to prevent hormonal disruptions.
Natural Water Sources
Local Natural Springs
Consider using water from tested and safe local natural springs for its mineral content.
Dietary Considerations
Essential Nutrients
Vitamin B12, glutathione from vegetables
Iron and sulfur from vegetables
Zinc from shellfish
Avoid Harmful Substances
Minimize foods with high levels of pesticides and heavy metals
Mitigating Chlorine Exposure
Post-Swimming Skincare
2 to 5 grams of Vitamin C
2,000 to 4,000 IU of Vitamin D
10 to 20 IU of Vitamin E
Incorporate a diet rich in wild plants, herbs, and spices
That’s all I have for today.
Time to take back our right to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
With love and gratitude,
Jack
hi Jack, great post. What type of filter do you use for your shower?