Does Water Quality Affect Skin? Understanding the Connection Between What You Bathe In and Your Skin Health

You moisturise. You cleanse. You drink plenty of water. So why does your skin still feel dry, irritated, or unpredictable some days? Here’s something most people never think about: the water coming out of your tap might be the culprit.

Yep, the water you shower in, wash your face with, and sip throughout the day could be quietly sabotaging your skin’s health.  From chlorine-treated tap water to mineral-heavy bore water, what’s in your water really can affect your skin in all sorts of subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways.

Let’s start with the big question: Does water quality affect skin? You bet it does. Let’s break down what’s going on, why it matters, and what you can do to keep your skin calm, clear, and comfortable.

How Water Quality Impacts Skin: A Quick Overview

You might think of water as a neutral part of your routine, but skin knows better. Depending on where it comes from, your water could be carrying a cocktail of chlorine, heavy metals, bacteria, or minerals. And while it might be safe to drink, that doesn’t mean it’s kind to your face. 

These extras can mess with your skin barrier, dry you out, or trigger flare-ups you can’t quite explain. And it’s not just about what touches your skin; drinking water and skin health go hand in hand, too. If your skin’s been acting out despite a solid routine, don’t be too quick to blame your products. Sometimes, what’s coming out of your tap is where the trouble starts.

Common Skin Conditions Linked to Poor Water Quality

If your skin’s been feeling irritated, inflamed, or just not its usual self, your water might be playing a quiet but significant role.

Eczema and Sensitive Skin

Got reactive or sensitive skin? Water with chlorine or high mineral content can strip away natural oils, disrupt your skin barrier, and leave you itchy, flaky, or inflamed, especially after a hot shower. And for people with eczema? That’s a recipe for flare-ups.

Acne and Waterborne Bacteria

Untreated or unfiltered water (especially from tanks or bores) can introduce bacteria and mess with your skin’s natural oil balance. Add soap residue from hard water into the mix, and you’ve got the perfect conditions for breakouts and congestion. It’s frustrating, we know. But the more you understand what’s in your water, the easier it becomes to manage what’s on your skin.

What’s in Your Water? Key Contaminants That May Harm Your Skin

Your skin’s pretty good at letting you know when something’s off, especially when it’s reacting to water that’s a little … extra. Here are a few things that could be hiding in your everyday supply:

• Chlorine: Harsh on your skin’s barrier, often the culprit behind that dry, tight feeling after a hot shower

• Fluoride: Great for teeth, but some people find it irritating on the skin

• Heavy metals (like copper or lead): Often from old pipes or plumbing

• Hard water minerals (calcium, magnesium): These love to linger on your skin, clog pores, and mess with soap

• Bacteria: Especially common in unfiltered rainwater or bore water

• Unbalanced pH: Water that’s too acidic or alkaline can disrupt your skin’s natural pH

Hard Water vs. Soft Water: What’s Better for Skin?

Here’s the lowdown:

Hard water = high in minerals like calcium and magnesium. It’s not unsafe, but it can be a bit much for your skin. It reduces soap effectiveness (hello, residue), clogs pores, and leaves you with that squeaky-clean-but-not-in-a-good-way feeling.

Soft water = lower in minerals and rinses clean. It’s generally gentler on your skin, especially if you’re prone to dryness or irritation.

The ideal water for skin health? Something clean, balanced, and free from harsh additives. In other words, filtered water for skin health that doesn’t mess with your moisture barrier.

Water Quality Across Australia: Does Location Matter?

Short answer? 100% yes. Australia’s water sources vary wildly depending on where you live:

• City water is typically chlorinated and fluoridated

• Tank water can be full of sediment or bacteria, especially if it’s not filtered

• Bore water often contains high levels of iron, sulphur, or other minerals

• Coastal regions may have saltier supplies, plus aging infrastructure
  
  

If your skin changed after moving house (or gets better when you travel), your water might be doing more than you think.

Improving Your Water Quality for Better Skin Health

Good news: you don’t need to overhaul your life to make your water skin-friendlier. Here are a few easy, practical ways to start:

• Use a shower filter to reduce chlorine and sediment — a quick fix with long-term skin benefits

• Stay hydrated with filtered water — because yes, drinking water for skin health really does make a difference

• Go easy on hot showers — high heat + hard water = barrier damage

• Choose pH-balanced products that support your skin while dealing with water stress

• Test your water (especially if it comes from a tank or bore)

Not sure where to start? Aquasafe’s water filter range has options for everything from under-sink setups to whole-home systems, perfect if you want to keep things gentle from tap to tub.

When to See a Dermatologist or Get Your Water Tested

If you’ve swapped products, tried everything, and your skin still isn’t happy, don’t ignore it. Sometimes, a quick consult with a dermatologist can rule out allergies, inflammation, or deeper conditions. And if you use non-mains water (like tank or bore), getting a basic water test can tell you exactly what’s going on behind the scenes. It’s not just about skincare,  it’s about your water care, too.

Final Thoughts: Does Water Quality Affect Skin?

So, does water quality affect the skin? It sure does. Whether it’s the chlorine in your tap or the minerals hiding in your rainwater, water quality affects skin in ways we don’t always realise, until we start looking for the signs.

But here’s the good news: with the right info (and maybe the right filter), you can protect your skin from harsh chemicals and mystery flare-ups. And when your water’s working with you, your skin doesn’t just look better, it feels better, too.

Need help finding a filter that fits your setup? Chat with the Aquasafe team. We’re here to help you glow from the inside out.