Boise Showers: City Chlorine Cracking Skin Lipids?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe Treasure Valley is a fantastic place to live, with its access to the outdoors and vibrant community. But there’s a hidden downside to that refreshing glass of Boise tap water: chlorine. While essential for sanitation, it can wreak havoc on your skin, especially during our dry Idaho summers.
Boise’s water, sourced from both groundwater and the Boise River, is treated with chlorine to ensure its safety. This process, while vital for public health, strips away the natural lipids (oils) that protect your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and even exacerbating conditions like eczema. The hard water in Boise only compounds this issue.
So, what can a Boisean do to combat this chlorinated assault? Let’s dive into practical solutions, focusing on what you can easily find in local stores and implement at home.
First, let’s tackle the source: your shower. A shower filter is your first line of defense.
Shower Filter Showdown: Boise Edition
You’ve got options, and thankfully, many are available right here in Boise. Forget ordering online and waiting; head to these local spots:
Home Depot & Lowe’s: These big box stores carry readily available shower filters, often from brands like Culligan and Waterpik. Look for filters specifically designed to remove chlorine and chloramine (another disinfectant sometimes used). Check the packaging for NSF certification, ensuring it meets independent standards for contaminant reduction. A Culligan filter, easily found at the Boise Home Depot on Franklin Road, is a solid starting point.
Whole Foods Market: For a more natural approach, Whole Foods on Broadway Avenue often carries shower filters with KDF-55 media. KDF-55 is a copper-zinc alloy that removes chlorine and heavy metals through a chemical process. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a filter that doesn’t use activated carbon.
Local Plumbing Supply Stores: Don’t overlook local plumbing supply stores like Ferguson or Winnelson. While they might seem geared towards professionals, they often carry higher-quality shower filters with better filtration capabilities and longer lifespans. Ask for filters designed for hard water and chlorine removal.
Installation and Maintenance: A Boise DIY Project
Installing a shower filter is usually a breeze. Most models simply screw onto your existing showerhead arm.
Step 1: Preparation. Turn off the water supply to your shower. This is usually a valve located near the shower or in an adjacent bathroom.
Step 2: Removal. Unscrew your existing showerhead. You might need a wrench, but be careful not to scratch the finish.
Step 3: Installation. Attach the shower filter to the showerhead arm, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this involves screwing it on tightly.
Step 4: Re-attach Showerhead. Screw your showerhead onto the filter.
Step 5: Test. Turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks. Tighten connections as needed.
Common Pitfalls:
- Forgetting Teflon Tape: Use Teflon tape on the threads to ensure a watertight seal. You can find this at any hardware store.
- Over-tightening: Don’t over-tighten the connections, as this can damage the filter or showerhead arm.
- Ignoring Filter Replacement: Shower filters have a limited lifespan. Replace them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (usually every 6-12 months) to maintain their effectiveness. Set a reminder on your phone!
Now, let’s move beyond the shower and focus on replenishing those lost lipids.
The Boise Lipid-Replenishing Post-Shower Routine
Even with a shower filter, your skin needs extra love. Boise’s dry climate and hard water demand a proactive approach.
The “Soaking Wet” Rule: The most crucial step is to apply moisturizer immediately after showering, while your skin is still damp. This traps the moisture and helps it penetrate deeper. Don’t towel off completely; just pat dry lightly.
Oil-Based Cleansing: Consider switching to an oil-based cleanser for your body. These cleansers gently remove dirt and grime without stripping away as many natural oils as traditional soaps. Look for options containing ingredients like jojoba oil, almond oil, or grapeseed oil, readily available at health food stores like Natural Grocers on Milwaukee Street.
Ceramides are Your Friend: Ceramides are lipids that naturally occur in your skin and play a vital role in maintaining its barrier function. Look for moisturizers containing ceramides to help replenish what the chlorine has taken away. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, widely available at Boise drugstores like Walgreens and CVS, is a great option.
DIY Lipid Boost: Create your own post-shower body oil blend. Combine equal parts of:
- Jojoba Oil: Mimics the skin’s natural sebum.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids.
- Rosehip Seed Oil: Contains antioxidants and helps with skin regeneration.
Apply this blend liberally to damp skin after showering. You can find these oils at health food stores or online retailers.
Humidify Your Home: Boise’s dry air exacerbates the effects of chlorine. Invest in a humidifier, especially for your bedroom, to add moisture back into the air. This will help prevent your skin from drying out overnight.
Addressing Specific Skin Concerns:
Eczema: If you have eczema, chlorine can be a major trigger. In addition to the above steps, consider using a colloidal oatmeal bath soak (available at most drugstores) to soothe irritated skin. Consult a dermatologist for prescription-strength creams if needed.
Dry, Itchy Scalp: Chlorine can also dry out your scalp. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner, and consider a weekly scalp oil treatment with coconut oil or argan oil.
The Long-Term Game:
Combating the effects of chlorine is an ongoing process. Consistency is key. Make these steps a part of your daily routine, and your skin will thank you.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Strategies
Vitamin C Shower Filter: For even more chlorine removal, consider a shower filter that incorporates Vitamin C. Vitamin C neutralizes chlorine and chloramine, providing an extra layer of protection. These are harder to find locally but are available online.
Water Softener: If you’re serious about addressing Boise’s hard water, a whole-house water softener is the ultimate solution. This will remove minerals like calcium and magnesium that contribute to water hardness, making your water gentler on your skin and hair. However, this is a significant investment.
Dietary Considerations: While not a direct solution to chlorine exposure, a diet rich in healthy fats and antioxidants can support overall skin health. Include foods like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish in your diet.
By taking these proactive steps, Boise residents can effectively mitigate the drying effects of chlorine and enjoy healthy, hydrated skin, even with our city’s water conditions. Don’t let chlorine win! Take control of your skincare and embrace the beauty of the Treasure Valley, inside and out.