Why You Should Filter Your Shower Water: The Science Behind Healthier Skin & Hair

If you're investing in natural skincare but still showering in unfiltered tap water, you're missing a huge piece of the puzzle. Tap water might look clean, but it often contains invisible chemicals and contaminants that can damage your skin barrier, dry out your hair, and worsen conditions like eczema or acne.

SKINCARE

5/22/20251 min read

What’s Really in Your Shower Water?

Most municipal water systems disinfect with chlorine or chloramine—powerful chemicals that kill bacteria but also strip your skin of natural oils. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chlorine exposure in showers can also come through inhalation and skin absorption, not just drinking water.

On top of that, your water may also contain:

  • Heavy metals like lead and mercury (from old pipes)

  • Hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

  • Microplastics and sediment

This chemical cocktail is known to cause:

  • Dry, flaky skin

  • Increased sensitivity or redness

  • Breakouts and irritation

  • Frizzy, dull, or thinning hair

🧪 A 2007 study published in Pediatric Dermatology showed that hard water is strongly linked to increased risk of eczema in children.

How Shower Filters Help (and Why They Work)

A high-quality shower filter can remove or significantly reduce:

  • Chlorine & chloramine

  • Heavy metals

  • Sediment and rust

  • Hard water minerals

Some even add vitamin C or activated carbon to neutralize chlorine on contact. The result?
Your skin retains its moisture barrier, your scalp stays balanced, and your hair feels softer and shinier—without changing any other part of your routine.

Our Top Shower Filter Picks (All Available on Amazon)

AquaBliss High Output Shower Filter

  • Multi-stage filter: removes chlorine, dirt, and odors

  • Great for sensitive or acne-prone skin

  • Easy to install – fits standard shower heads
    👉 Check price on Amazon

AquaHomeGroup 15-Stage Shower Filter

  • Adds vitamin C and minerals back into water

  • Great for hard water areas
    👉 View on Amazon

Berkey Shower Filter

  • Known for removing up to 95% of chlorine

  • Ideal for those with eczema, psoriasis, or dry hair
    👉 See details on Amazon

Final Thoughts

Switching to a filtered shower is one of the easiest and most underrated skincare upgrades. It's not just about luxury—it’s about health. If you’re going chemical-free in your products, take the next step and purify what you're rinsing with every day.
Your skin and hair will thank you.