Hey there, fellow clean-skin seekers! Have you ever moved into a new place, only to find that your skin has decided to throw a surprise party of breakouts? If you’ve been dealing with body acne since your big move, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into this puzzling predicament and explore how your water might just be the sneaky villain in your skincare saga.
Ever since moving into my new house, as a family we have been struggling with some form of body acne, which never plagued us before. After trying various remedies and working heavily with my water softener company, it came to light that it maybe my actual water that is the issue, namely our TDS or Total Dissolved Solids level. Here are some symptoms to lookout for, remedies and hopefully ways to for you to move forward.
What’s Going On? The Symptoms of Body Acne
First things first, let’s chat about those pesky symptoms. Body acne can manifest in a few ways, and it’s important to recognize them:
- Bumps and Breakouts: Small, red pimples on your back, shoulders, or chest that seem to appear out of nowhere.
- Inflammation: Those bumps can get angry and inflamed, making your skin feel sensitive or sore.
- Discoloration: Left untreated, those pesky pimples can leave behind dark spots or scars that linger longer than we’d like.
If you’ve noticed these symptoms since moving, it might be time to investigate further!
The Link Between TDS and Your Skin:
- In extreme cases, there are Corrosive effects: Water with low TDS can be corrosive, leading to the leaching of toxic materials like lead and copper into household water systems, posing a health risk.
- pH imbalance: TDS can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance, leading to irritation, dryness, and other skin issues.
- Mineral overload: High levels of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can cause skin problems like acne, eczema, and dermatitis.
- Sodium and chloride: Excessive sodium and chloride ions can lead to skin irritation, dryness, and flaking.
Common Skin Issues Associated with TDS:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Acne and pimples
- Eczema and dermatitis
- Skin irritation and redness
- Hair loss or brittle hair
Can You Treat Your Water?
Yes, TDS in water can be reduced through various methods. So, if your body acne has been making a debut since the big move, your water quality might be worth investigating!
Here are some approaches:
- Filtration: Fine filters (0.45 microns or smaller) can remove particles larger than 2 microns, including charged atoms and ions, from water. This method is effective for removing suspended solids and particulate matter.
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO membranes can remove up to 99% of TDS, including dissolved salts, minerals, and other inorganic substances. This method is commonly used in water purification systems.
- Ion Exchange: This process replaces ions in water with other ions, reducing TDS levels. Ion exchange systems can remove dissolved minerals, metals, and other inorganic substances.
- Distillation: Distillation involves boiling water and then collecting the condensed steam, leaving impurities behind. This method can effectively remove TDS, but it requires energy and may not be practical for large-scale applications.
- Activated Carbon Filtration: Activated carbon can adsorb (attract and hold) organic compounds, including some dissolved solids, reducing TDS levels.
- Water Softening: Water softeners can remove calcium and magnesium ions, which contribute to high TDS levels, by exchanging them with sodium or potassium ions.
- Biological Treatment: Biological treatment processes, such as biological filtration or biological oxidation, can break down organic matter and reduce TDS levels.
There are however Limitations and Considerations
- Some methods may not be effective for all types of dissolved solids or contaminants.
- The choice of method depends on the specific water quality, contaminants present, and desired level of TDS reduction.
- Some methods may require additional treatment steps or chemicals to achieve desired results.
- TDS reduction may not always improve water quality or taste, as some dissolved solids may be beneficial or harmless.
Remedies to the Rescue!
Now that we’ve pinpointed the potential culprit, let’s explore some remedies to help you get back to clear skin:
Prevention and Mitigation:
- Water testing: Regularly test your water for TDS levels to identify potential issues. You can get a TDS meter online or contact your water provider for a report. Knowing your water’s TDS level can help you make informed decisions moving forward.
- Softener Solutions: Dial Down the Dissolved Solids
- If your TDS levels are high, work with your water softener company to adjust your system. Soft water can help reduce the number of irritants your skin encounters.
- Water filtration: Install a water filtration system that can remove excess minerals and ions, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters.
- Skin care: Show Your Skin Some Love
- Use gentle, pH-balanced skin care cleansing products
- Moisturize: Look for non-comedogenic moisturizers that won’t clog your pores. Your skin needs hydration to heal!
- Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, the answer lies in what you consume. Drinking plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin looking fresh and fabulous.
- Consult a dermatologist: If you experience persistent skin problems, consult a dermatologist to rule out other underlying causes and develop a personalized treatment plan.
A Clear Path Ahead
Don’t Despair - Remember, while TDS is generally considered an aesthetic issue, excessive concentrations can still have negative effects on skin and hair. By investigating your water quality, adjusting your routine, and staying informed, you can reclaim your clear skin and maintain healthy, resilient skin. Here’s to happy, healthy skin ahead!
Want to read more...
Total dissolved solids - Wikipedia
What Is TDS in Water & Why Should You Measure It? – Fresh Water Systems
TDS and pH — Safe Drinking Water Foundation
Total Dissolved Solid - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
What Are Total Dissolved Solids and Are They Safe to Drink?
What Is Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in Water? - SpringWell Water Filtration Systems