## Santa Fe Skin: Is Hard Water Hurting Gains?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

August 4, 2025

The sting of chlorine, the grit of sand, the burn of lactic acid – these are familiar sensations for athletes. But what if something else was subtly undermining your performance and irritating your skin in Santa Fe, New Mexico? It’s not the altitude, but the water. Santa Fe’s notoriously hard water, packed with minerals, can wreak havoc on skin and hinder fitness gains, especially for those pushing their bodies to the limit.

Hard water is water with a high mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium. Santa Fe’s water supply, sourced from groundwater and the Rio Grande, is particularly hard. This isn’t just an aesthetic issue; it’s a performance and skin health problem waiting to happen.

The immediate impact is often on the skin. Hard water interferes with soap’s ability to lather, leaving a residue that clogs pores and dries out the skin. This is especially problematic for athletes who shower frequently after workouts. The residue traps sweat, dirt, and bacteria, leading to:

Acne breakouts: The clogged pores become breeding grounds for bacteria, leading to inflammation and acne, particularly on the face, back, and chest.
Eczema flare-ups: Hard water can exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema, causing itching, redness, and inflammation. The minerals disrupt the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants.
Dry, itchy skin: The mineral residue strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, flakiness, and intense itching. This can be incredibly uncomfortable, especially during dry Santa Fe winters.
Delayed wound healing: For athletes prone to cuts and scrapes, hard water can hinder the healing process. The mineral buildup can irritate wounds and create a less-than-ideal environment for cell regeneration.

But the problems don’t stop at the surface. Dehydrated skin compromises the body’s ability to regulate temperature effectively. This is a critical issue for athletes, especially those training in Santa Fe’s high altitude and variable weather conditions. Impaired temperature regulation can lead to:

Reduced endurance: The body has to work harder to cool down, diverting energy away from muscle performance.
Increased risk of heatstroke: In hot weather, the body’s cooling mechanisms are already under stress. Dehydrated skin further impairs this process, increasing the risk of heatstroke.
Muscle cramps: Dehydration contributes to electrolyte imbalances, which can trigger muscle cramps, hindering performance and increasing the risk of injury.

So, what can a Santa Fe athlete do to combat the effects of hard water? The solution isn’t to move; it’s to adapt.

Step 1: Invest in a Shower Filter. This is the single most impactful change you can make. A shower filter removes chlorine, heavy metals, and minerals from the water, significantly reducing the negative effects on your skin and hair. Look for filters specifically designed to reduce calcium and magnesium. A good shower filter can cost between $50 and $100, and the cartridges need to be replaced every 6-12 months. Consider it an investment in your performance and well-being.

Step 2: Adjust Your Skincare Routine. Ditch the harsh soaps and opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers. Look for products that are fragrance-free and specifically designed for sensitive skin. After showering, immediately apply a thick, moisturizing cream or lotion to lock in moisture. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter are particularly effective.

Step 3: Consider a Water Softener for Your Home. While a shower filter is a good starting point, a whole-house water softener provides the most comprehensive solution. These systems remove minerals from all the water entering your home, protecting your skin, hair, and appliances. However, they can be expensive to install and maintain, costing several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Step 4: Hydrate Strategically. While this is always important for athletes, it’s even more crucial when dealing with hard water. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat dehydration and support healthy skin function. Consider adding electrolytes to your water, especially after intense workouts, to replenish lost minerals.

Step 5: Exfoliate Regularly, But Gently. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells and mineral buildup, preventing clogged pores and promoting healthy skin turnover. However, avoid harsh scrubs that can irritate the skin. Opt for a gentle chemical exfoliant, such as a lactic acid or glycolic acid peel, once or twice a week.

Step 6: Protect Your Skin from the Sun. Santa Fe’s high altitude means increased sun exposure, which can further dry out the skin and exacerbate the effects of hard water. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.

Step 7: Pay Attention to Your Laundry. Hard water can also affect your clothes, making them feel stiff and scratchy. Use a laundry detergent specifically designed for hard water, and consider adding a water softener to your washing machine.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:

Assuming all shower filters are created equal: Not all shower filters are effective at removing the specific minerals found in Santa Fe’s water. Research and choose a filter that is specifically designed to reduce calcium and magnesium.
Using harsh soaps and cleansers: Many soaps contain harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils, making the effects of hard water even worse. Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers instead.
Not moisturizing immediately after showering: The window of opportunity to lock in moisture is short. Apply moisturizer within a few minutes of showering to prevent water loss.
Ignoring the signs of dehydration: Pay attention to your body and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Signs of dehydration include thirst, headache, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
Over-exfoliating: Exfoliating too often or too aggressively can damage the skin’s natural barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation. Exfoliate gently and only once or twice a week.

Living in Santa Fe offers incredible opportunities for outdoor recreation and athletic pursuits. Don’t let hard water hold you back. By taking proactive steps to protect your skin and stay hydrated, you can minimize the negative effects of hard water and maximize your performance. It’s about understanding the unique challenges of your environment and adapting accordingly. Your skin, and your athletic performance, will thank you for it.