The long-term battle with Bangalore's hard water: Its effects on Skin and Hair

When it comes to reaching the highest paths of our lives, we become so fast-paced, that we sometimes forget to look at the basic necessities. Our intentions to become modernized and make life comfortable somewhere lead us to forget to protect our natural resources. Bangalore is one such city that creates an example that, as you become modernized and totally dependent on artificial things, you lose your relationship with nature. Losing the relationship with nature causes many environmental problems. One such environmental problem Bangalore faces is Hard water.

Source: healthsuperbuy.com

In recent study on water quality in Bangalore showed that 24 % of areas in Bangalore receive hard water. Hard water is characterized by high levels of mineral ions like magnesium and calcium. The hardness of water is measured by the levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which are elements present in water. If the TDS ranges from 320 to 420 ppm it is considered as hard water. The hard water can have several impacts on hair and skin.

Some of the effects that hard water can cause on the skin are premature aging, dryness, eczema, and flare-ups. For hair, the hard water can cause dullness, fizziness, dry scalps, and thinning.

Source: Femina

Source: Insider

Dr Jagadish a Dermatologist said that hard water can mostly cause dryness to the hair and skin, it is the tanning effects that occur after getting exposed to warm hard water. “To protect the hair and skin, conditioner should be used after post-hair wash so that it keeps your hair smooth and settled and thereby reduces hair damage. People should apply moisturizer and use sunscreen to protect themselves from sun exposure. During the winter season, the skin is more prone to get damaged due to the weather. It depends on the amount of hard water the skin and hairs get exposed to and also depends on the individuals who get exposed to the wear and tear of the environmental condition of the city.” Said Dr Jagadish.

Sameen Salah a geologist says that due to excessive industrial activities, the water turns harder. “The hardness of water can be due to anthropogenic reasons or geogenic reasons. The hardness of the water can increase due to geological reasons. If the geology of that area contains lime stones and such kinds of rocks, but Bangalore doesn’t have that condition. So, the major reason for the hardness of water can be due to anthropogenic reasons only; which is caused by man-made activities. The hardness of water can be majorly due to industrial affluence”.