Minerals in Water and Their Effects on Skin: Benefits, Risks, and How to Find Balance

When we talk about skin health, we usually think of creams, serums, and diet. But there’s one factor we often overlook — the water our skin comes into contact with every day. Washing your face, taking a shower, or a bath — these everyday habits can either support or damage your skin’s health, depending on the minerals present in the water.

Minerals aren’t just something we get from food — they’re also present in tap water, especially in regions with what’s known as hard water. This type of water contains high levels of:

• Calcium (Ca²⁺)
• Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
• And in some sources — also zinc, selenium, strontium, silicon dioxide, and others.

When we wash our face or take a shower, water comes into direct contact with the skin, and its mineral content can have both beneficial and harmful effects.

A study published in Advances in Therapy (2020) shows that moderate levels of certain minerals in water can benefit the skin:
Magnesium and Zinc

• Strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation
• Help the skin recover more quickly from microdamage
• Especially beneficial for sensitive skin or those prone to dermatitis

Selenium and Strontium

• Help reduce the production of inflammatory substances (cytokines)
• Relieve symptoms of rosacea and psoriasis

Silicon Dioxide and Calcium Bicarbonate

• Reduce histamine release, which means less itching and irritation — especially in cases of eczema

Source: "The Role of Mineral Elements in Skin Health," Advances in Therapy, 2020

When the mineral content of water exceeds the optimal balance — especially in hard water with high levels of calcium and magnesium — the skin begins to suffer.
A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2018) found that:

• Hard water increases the irritating effects of soaps and shower gels
• Residual salts form an invisible "soapy film" on the skin, clogging pores and preventing the skin from "breathing"
• The skin’s natural moisture level decreases → leading to dryness, itching, and flaking
• The risk of developing atopic dermatitis (eczema) increases

Source: "The effect of water hardness on surfactant-induced irritation," International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2018
Additionally, the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2017) confirmed that children living in areas with hard tap water are significantly more likely to suffer from skin conditions, especially eczema.

Because we come into contact with water every single day — often multiple times a day. And if that water irritates the skin, no cream or serum will help in the long run until the root cause is addressed: the quality of the water itself.

The water you use to wash your face and body every day isn’t just a neutral liquid — it’s an active factor that can either support your skin’s health or damage its protective barrier. The right mineral composition keeps your skin soft, calm, and well-hydrated. But an excess of minerals — especially calcium and magnesium — can leave it dry, irritated, and sensitive.
Skincare starts with water. Make sure it’s working for you, not against you.