I’m happy to welcome back our Beauty on a Budget expert Jessica! Ms. Jessica has worked in the skin and beauty industry for 10+ years and is an awesome resource for all things beauty related. She’s also a girl on a budget, and knows what its like to want more bang for your buck and to walk the fine line between cost and quality. Her monthly contributions will give us all the lowdown on what brands and products can give us the best beauty boost without breaking our bank accounts. This month’s contribution is a way to stretch her favorite budget beauty tips even further with one simple solution…
I love Sacramento, but my skin doesn’t. Let me explain. According to the Sacramento Water Agency, the water I shower in and wash my face with is hard (40-180+ mg/L, which falls within a range of slightly hard and very hard) , meaning that it contains high mineral content.
What does this have anything to do with skin health? Mineralized water results in clogged pores and dry, dull skin and hair. Skin can become over-sensitized by mineral residue as well, as bacteria feed on it. If you’re showering with hard water, you’re probably over-using soap and shampoo to get a good lather. And no matter how wonderful your topical products claim to work, mineral deposits on the skin and hair will prevent them from penetrating as well as they should.
Don’t lose hope after reading this depressing information. Water softeners prevent residue from wreaking such havoc on the skin and hair, allowing for the use of less soap and shampoo, softer, more hydrated hair and skin (as well as less skin redness) due to less mineral build-up, and a truly clean cleansing experience, which paves the way for other products to be more effective. The Culligan Level 2 Wall Mount Shower Head is a steal on Amazon.com, currently selling for just $26.99, 23% less than retail. This filter, which lasts up to six months before its cartridge needs to be replaced, has five shower settings—and I am most notably excited about the massaging pulse setting (that alone is an upgrade from my current shower situation).
Before you try the next miracle product claiming to perfect your skin or hair, get a water filter. It really is the missing link in between all the other diligent steps you’ve been taking.