Core Wellness Guide

**Austin Baths: Tap Water Lies Cracking Senior Skin?**

Photograph of Franklin Everett ShawBy Franklin Everett Shaw
December 22, 2025

Is your skin suddenly drier than the Texas summer? Does it itch and feel irritated, even though you haven’t changed your skincare routine? If you’re a senior citizen in Austin, the culprit might be lurking right in your tap water.

Austin’s tap water, while safe to drink, can be surprisingly harsh on sensitive skin, especially as we age. The combination of hardness and chlorine, while necessary for disinfection, can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even exacerbate conditions like eczema. Let’s dive into how Austin’s water impacts your skin and, more importantly, what you can do about it.

Austin’s water hardness fluctuates, but it generally falls into the “moderately hard” to “hard” range. This means it contains a significant amount of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t harmful to ingest, but they can react with soap to form a film that clogs pores and leaves a residue on your skin, preventing proper hydration.

Chlorine is added to Austin’s water supply to kill bacteria and viruses, ensuring its safety. However, chlorine is a powerful oxidizing agent. It can strip the natural oils from your skin, leaving it feeling dry, tight, and itchy. This effect is amplified in older adults, whose skin naturally produces less oil.

So, what can you do to combat the effects of Austin’s tap water on your skin? Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide tailored for senior citizens:

Step 1: Test Your Austin Tap Water

Don’t just assume your water is the same as your neighbor’s. Water quality can vary slightly depending on your location within Austin and even the pipes in your home.

  1. Purchase a home water testing kit. You can find these at most hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s in Austin, or online at Amazon. Look for kits that specifically test for hardness and chlorine levels. A good option is the “API 5-in-1 Test Strips,” which are easy to use and provide quick results.
  2. Follow the instructions on the kit carefully. Typically, this involves filling a clean glass with tap water and dipping a test strip into the water for a specified amount of time.
  3. Compare your results to the recommended levels for sensitive skin. Generally, water hardness below 60 ppm (parts per million) is considered soft, while levels above 120 ppm are considered hard. Chlorine levels should ideally be below 4 ppm for sensitive skin.
  4. For more detailed information, you can access Austin Water’s annual water quality report online. Search “Austin Water Quality Report” on Google to find the most recent publication. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s water supply.

Step 2: Install a Shower Filter

A shower filter is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to remove chlorine and other impurities from your shower water.

  1. Choose a shower filter that is specifically designed to remove chlorine and heavy metals. Look for filters that use KDF-55 media or activated carbon. A popular and effective option is the “AquaBliss High Output Revitalizing Shower Filter.”
  2. Install the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most shower filters simply screw onto your existing showerhead.
  3. Replace the filter cartridge regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. This is typically every 6-12 months, depending on your water usage.

Step 3: Create a DIY Mineral Soak

A mineral soak can help to replenish the minerals that are stripped away by hard water and chlorine.

  1. Gather your ingredients:
    • 1 cup Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)
    • 1/2 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
    • 1/4 cup sea salt
    • Optional: a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or chamomile, for relaxation.
  2. Fill your bathtub with warm (not hot) water.
  3. Add the Epsom salts, baking soda, and sea salt to the water.
  4. Stir the water until the salts are dissolved.
  5. Soak in the tub for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Rinse your skin with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel.
  7. Apply a moisturizer immediately after bathing to lock in hydration.

Step 4: Choose the Right Skincare Products

Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that can further strip your skin of its natural oils.

  1. Look for gentle, fragrance-free cleansers that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. Brands like Cetaphil and CeraVe are good options.
  2. Use a rich, emollient moisturizer after bathing and throughout the day, especially on areas that are prone to dryness, such as your hands and face. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides.
  3. Consider using a humidifier in your home, especially during the winter months, to add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out.

Step 5: Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining healthy skin.

  1. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.
  2. Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it throughout the day.
  3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are naturally hydrating.

Common Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them:

  • Not testing your water: Assuming your water is “fine” can lead to continued skin problems. Invest in a test kit and know your water’s hardness and chlorine levels.
  • Using the wrong type of shower filter: Not all shower filters are created equal. Make sure you choose one that is specifically designed to remove chlorine and heavy metals.
  • Over-exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can further irritate dry skin. Limit exfoliation to once or twice a week, and use a gentle exfoliating scrub.
  • Using hot water: Hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils. Use lukewarm water when bathing or showering.
  • Ignoring underlying skin conditions: If you have persistent skin problems, such as eczema or psoriasis, consult a dermatologist. Austin has many excellent dermatologists who can help you manage your condition.

Local Austin Resources:

  • Austin Water: Visit the Austin Water website for information on water quality, conservation tips, and customer service.
  • City of Austin Senior Resource Guide: This guide provides information on a variety of resources for senior citizens in Austin, including health and wellness programs.
  • Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area: This agency provides services and support to older adults and their caregivers in the Austin area.

By taking these steps, senior citizens in Austin can mitigate the effects of hard water and chlorine on their skin and enjoy healthier, more comfortable skin. Don’t let Austin’s tap water get you down. With a little knowledge and effort, you can keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

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