The pH value of water, including shower water, is a crucial factor to consider for maintaining healthy skin and hair. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH below 7 is considered acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline. For shower water, a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5 is generally considered safe and ideal for household use.
Factors Influencing the pH of Shower Water
The pH of shower water can be influenced by various factors, including the source of the water and any contaminants or chemicals present. Here’s a breakdown of the typical pH values of different water sources:
| Water Source | pH Range |
|---|---|
| Bottled drinking still water | 6.9 – 7.5 |
| Bottled sparkling water | 4.9 – 5.5 |
| Bottled mineral drinking still water | 7.1 – 7.5 |
| Bottled mineral sparkling water | 5.3 – 6.0 |
| Tap water (after home filtration) | Around 7.5 |
| Boiled tap water | Slightly higher alkaline pH |
| Swimming pool water | 7.2 – 7.5 |
| Seawater | Approximately 8.0 |
| Rainwater (urban areas) | Around 6.0 |
| River water | More than 7.0 |
| Distilled water | 5.7 |
| Normal saline | 5.4 |
| Facial mineral water | 7.5 – 8.0 |
| Facial makeup removing water | Acidic pH |
The Importance of pH in Shower Water
The pH of shower water can have a significant impact on your skin and hair. A slightly acidic bath pH (between 5 and 6) is generally considered healthier for your skin and hair, as it helps close up pores and hair cuticles, making them stronger, smoother, clearer, and shinier.
Additionally, a slightly acidic bath pH can enhance your immune defense system by preventing the entry of microscopic organisms like bacteria, fungus, algae, mites, or allergens into your skin pores.
Dealing with High pH Levels in Shower Water
High pH levels in shower water can lead to dryness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like atopic dermatitis. To address this issue, you can consider the following options:
- Use a shower filter that adds vitamin C to the water, which can help lower the pH.
- Install a water softener if your building allows it, as this can also help regulate the pH of the water.
- Use low pH body washes and pH-balanced skincare products to help counteract the effects of high pH water on your skin and hair.
Conclusion
The pH value of shower water is an essential factor to consider for maintaining healthy skin and hair. A slightly acidic pH (between 5 and 6) is ideal for both your skin and hair, as it helps close up pores and hair cuticles, making them stronger, smoother, clearer, and shinier. Contaminants and chemicals in shower water can affect its pH value, leading to dryness and irritation. By using a shower filter, water softener, or pH-balanced skincare products, you can help counteract the effects of high pH water on your skin and hair.
References:
– What Is The Ideal pH Level For Water? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.americanhomewater.com/what-is-the-ideal-ph-level-for-water/
– Kanokvalai Kulthanan, Piyavadee Nuchkull, & Supenya Varothai (2013). The pH of water from various sources: an overview for recommendation for patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 12(3), 205-210. doi:10.1111/jocd.12042
– Unbalanced pH Levels in Drinking Water: Causes and Solutions (2019). Retrieved from https://www.water-right.com/homeowner-resources/unbalanced-ph-levels-in-drinking-water-causes-and-solutions/
– How to Make Your Bath PH Just Right (2014). Retrieved from https://www.alkalinewaterplus.com/blog/how-to-make-your-bath-ph-just-right/
– 10.1 pH of city water – how to deal? : r/AsianBeauty – Reddit (2016). Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/AsianBeauty/comments/58w4qc/101_ph_of_city_water_how_to_deal/