Water Softeners and Eczema – What They Are and Why They’re Good for Your Skin
If you or your child has eczema, you may have noticed that your skin sometimes feels worse after showering or washing clothes. Hard water — water with high levels of calcium and magnesium — can make eczema symptoms worse by drying out the skin and irritating sensitive areas. Installing a water softener can help reduce these triggers and make daily routines gentler on eczema-prone skin.
What Are Water Softeners?
A water softener is a device that removes minerals such as calcium and magnesium from water. These minerals cause “hard water,” which can leave deposits on your skin, hair, and household surfaces. Water softeners work by replacing the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium or potassium ions, creating “soft water.”
​
How they work:
​
-
Hard water enters the softener.
-
The softener’s resin beads exchange calcium and magnesium ions for sodium or potassium ions.
-
The water leaving your home is softer, smoother, and gentler on the skin.
Why Hard Water Can Affect Eczema
​
-
Hard water can worsen eczema symptoms in several ways:
​
-
Drying the skin: Mineral deposits strip natural oils, making skin dry and itchy.
​
-
Increasing irritation: Hard water reacts with soaps and detergents, leaving residues that aggravate eczema.
​
-
Rough fabrics: Clothes and bedding washed in hard water may feel scratchy, irritating sensitive skin.
Benefits of Water Softeners for Eczema
​
-
Smoother Skin: Soft water is gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
​
-
Better Moisturiser Absorption: Without hard water residue, creams and ointments penetrate more effectively.
​
-
Fewer Flare-Ups: Reduced irritation helps prevent eczema flare-ups, especially after bathing or handwashing.
​
-
Gentler Laundry: Clothes and bedding washed in soft water feel softer on sensitive skin.
​
-
Comfortable Daily Routines: Washing hands, bathing, or doing dishes is less irritating for eczema-prone skin.
Tips for Using Soft Water Effectively
​​
-
Use fragrance-free moisturisers and gentle cleansers.
-
Take short, lukewarm showers or baths.
-
Moisturise immediately after bathing.
-
Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton for clothing and bedding.
Recommended Products for Eczema-Friendly Water Care
​​
-
Fragrance-Free Moisturisers & Ointments – to lock in hydration.
-
Soap-Free Cleansers – gentle for sensitive skin.
-
Eczema-Friendly Laundry Detergents – to keep clothing and bedding soft.
Final Thoughts
Water softeners are not a cure for eczema, but they can help reduce irritation caused by hard water, improve the effectiveness of moisturisers, and make daily routines much gentler on sensitive skin. Understanding what a water softener is and how it works can help you make informed decisions for your home and your skin.