**Tucson Tap: Desert Minerals Inflaming Pores?**
By Franklin Everett ShawIs your skin staging a revolt against Tucson’s tap water? You’re not alone. Many Tucson residents find their skin drier, itchier, or more prone to breakouts than they used to. The culprit? Often, it’s the water flowing from our taps. But don’t despair! With a little knowledge and some proactive steps, you can reclaim your radiant complexion.
First, let’s understand what’s in Tucson’s water. It’s primarily sourced from the Colorado River and groundwater aquifers. This water is naturally hard, meaning it contains high levels of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. While these minerals aren’t harmful to drink, they can wreak havoc on your skin.
So, how do you know if your water is the problem? The first step is to test your tap water. You have a few options:
DIY Test Kits: These are readily available online or at local hardware stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot in Tucson. Look for kits that specifically test for hardness, calcium, and magnesium. API Aquarium Test kits are a good option, and can be found at local pet stores. These kits are designed for aquariums, but the chemistry is the same. Follow the instructions carefully, noting the parts per million (ppm) or grains per gallon (gpg) for each mineral. A hardness level above 7 gpg is generally considered hard water.
Professional Water Testing: For a more comprehensive analysis, consider hiring a professional water testing service. Several companies in Tucson offer this service, including Arizona Water Analysis and Water Check. They can test for a wider range of contaminants, including heavy metals and bacteria, providing a detailed report of your water quality. This is the most accurate, but also the most expensive option.
Tucson Water Quality Report: The City of Tucson publishes an annual water quality report, which provides information on the levels of various contaminants in the city’s water supply. While this report doesn’t give you specific data for your tap, it offers a general overview of water quality in the area. You can find this report on the City of Tucson website.
Once you have your water test results, it’s time to interpret them. High levels of calcium and magnesium can lead to several skin problems:
Clogged Pores: Hard water minerals can combine with soap and skincare products to form a scummy residue that clogs pores, leading to breakouts, especially blackheads and whiteheads.
Dry Skin: The minerals in hard water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it feeling dry, tight, and itchy. This is especially problematic in Tucson’s already arid climate.
Eczema and Psoriasis Flare-Ups: Hard water can exacerbate existing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, causing increased inflammation and irritation.
Reduced Effectiveness of Skincare Products: Hard water can interfere with the lathering and absorption of soaps, cleansers, and moisturizers, making them less effective.
Now for the solutions! Here’s how to combat the effects of Tucson’s tap water on your skin:
Invest in a Water Filter: This is the most effective way to address hard water issues.
Whole-House Water Softener: This is the most comprehensive solution, softening all the water that enters your home. It’s a significant investment but can improve the quality of your water for drinking, bathing, and laundry. Consider brands like Rheem or GE, available at local retailers.
Shower Filter: A more affordable option is a shower filter, which attaches to your showerhead and filters the water as it comes out. Look for filters that specifically remove chlorine and reduce hardness. Brands like AquaBliss and Culligan are popular choices. Replace the filter cartridge regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer.
Faucet Filter: For washing your face, consider a faucet filter that attaches to your bathroom sink. This provides filtered water specifically for your skincare routine. Brita and PUR offer faucet filters that are readily available.
Adjust Your Skincare Routine: Even with a water filter, you may need to make some adjustments to your skincare routine.
Use Gentle Cleansers: Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that can strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free cleansers that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. Cetaphil and CeraVe are good options.
Double Cleanse: Consider double cleansing to ensure you’re removing all traces of makeup, dirt, and mineral buildup. Use an oil-based cleanser first, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser.
Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Use a gentle chemical exfoliant, such as an AHA or BHA, once or twice a week. Paula’s Choice and The Ordinary offer effective exfoliating products.
Moisturize Immediately After Washing: Apply moisturizer to your skin while it’s still damp to lock in hydration. Look for moisturizers that contain hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and other hydrating ingredients.
Consider a Toner: A toner can help to balance your skin’s pH and remove any remaining residue after cleansing. Look for toners that are alcohol-free and contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile.
Rinse with Filtered Water: If you don’t have a shower or faucet filter, consider rinsing your face with filtered water after washing. This can help to remove any remaining mineral residue.
Consult a Dermatologist: If you’re still struggling with skin problems, consult a dermatologist in Tucson. They can assess your skin and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Some popular dermatologists in Tucson include Dr. Emily Tierney at Saguaro Dermatology and Dr. Vivian Bucay at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics. They can offer prescription-strength treatments and advice tailored to your specific skin type and concerns. Many Tucson dermatologists are familiar with “Tucson Tap” skin issues and can provide targeted recommendations.
Consider Chelating Soaps: Chelating soaps are designed to bind to minerals and remove them from the skin. These can be particularly helpful in combating the effects of hard water. Look for soaps containing EDTA or phytic acid.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them:
Not Testing Your Water: Don’t assume your water is the problem. Test it to confirm and identify the specific minerals present.
Using the Wrong Type of Filter: Make sure your filter is designed to remove the specific minerals causing your skin problems. A simple carbon filter won’t remove hardness.
Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliating too often can irritate your skin and make it more susceptible to damage. Stick to once or twice a week.
Ignoring Other Factors: Skin problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including diet, stress, and genetics. Don’t rely solely on water filtration to solve all your skin issues.
Not Replacing Filter Cartridges: Filter cartridges need to be replaced regularly to maintain their effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
By taking these steps, Tucson residents can effectively combat the negative effects of hard water on their skin and achieve a healthy, radiant complexion. Don’t let “Tucson Tap” win! Take control of your water and your skin.