While traditional wisdom emphasizes the connection between a healthy diet, hair care rituals, and radiant skin, the impact of bathing water on skin and hair often goes overlooked. Despite the prevailing advice to consume 3-6 liters of water daily, achieving expected results for radiant skin and shiny hair remains elusive for some. Vijender Reddy Muthyala, Co-Founder and CEO at DrinkPrime, sheds light on the often-neglected aspect of water quality in an interview with HT Lifestyle.
Understanding Water Quality’s Impact on Skin and Hair:
Muthyala points out that the quality of water significantly influences skin and hair health, especially when it contains high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Elevated TDS levels can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, itchiness, and rough texture. Moreover, high TDS water may disrupt the skin’s pH balance, affecting its protective acid mantle against bacteria and pollutants. Similarly, hard water proves detrimental to hair, leaving it dry, lackluster, and fragile. The minerals in hard water interfere with the hair’s natural oils, increasing susceptibility to breakage and damage. These factors can also compromise the skin barrier, elevating the risk of infections and making the body more prone to diseases.
Muthyala underscores that water quality fluctuations are influenced by various factors such as weather, agriculture, industry, land use changes, pollution, climate variations, and water treatment practices. Addressing skin breakouts or hair loss requires a comprehensive approach considering genetics, diet, stress levels, and the skincare regimen.
Tips for Water-Wise Beauty Habits:
To combat water-related issues and maintain optimal skin and hair health, Muthyala recommends the following strategies:
Optimal Hydration and Nutrition: Prioritize proper hydration and nutrition by consuming ample water and maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
Rinse with Bottled or Purified Water: After washing, give your hair and skin a final rinse with bottled or purified water to eliminate mineral residues.
Water Softener or Purifier Installation: Install a water softener or purifier at home to counteract hair loss and skin damage caused by hard water.
Use Clarifying Shampoos and Face Products: Integrate clarifying shampoos monthly to remove mineral deposits from your hair. For your skin, opt for a mild, pH-balanced cleanser and exfoliator to preserve its natural barrier.
Deep Conditioning and Moisturizing: Combat hair dryness with regular deep conditioning and hydrate your skin through routine moisturizing. When exposed to hard water outdoors, especially, shield your skin with sunscreen.
Shorten Shower Time: Minimize skin and scalp exposure to hard water by taking shorter showers, mitigating potential adverse effects.
Muthyala concludes, “By adopting these habits, you can maintain luscious locks and glowing skin, even in challenging water situations. Always be attentive to the flavor, quality, and hue of the water you consume!”
