Sensitive Skin and Your Water: Shower Filters and What They Can Do
Quick answer: Sydney water is treated with chlorine or chloramine. Some people with sensitive skin find a whole-house or shower filter helps, but speak to your doctor about skin conditions. A plumber can install the right filter for your water.
Some of my customers with eczema or sensitive skin have asked whether anything in their plumbing can help. I’m a plumber, not a doctor, so please talk to your GP or dermatologist about skin conditions. But I can explain the plumbing side.
Chlorine in Sydney water
Sydney’s water is treated with chlorine or chloramine to keep it safe to drink. That’s a good thing. Some people with sensitive skin find that chlorinated water, especially in long hot showers, leaves their skin feeling drier.
What a filter can do
- Whole-of-house filters treat all the water coming into the home, including showers and baths
- Shower filters are a cheaper option that only treat the shower
- Under-sink filters are mainly for drinking water
Make sure the filter is designed for what you want to reduce. Chlorine and chloramine need different filter media, and cartridges need replacing on schedule or they stop working.
Other things that help
- A shower with steady temperature control, so you’re not blasting it hotter than you need
- A well-maintained hot water system that holds a consistent temperature
- Lukewarm rather than very hot showers
If you’d like a filter installed or want to talk through options, call me on 0451 001 503. We cover the North Shore, Ryde, Epping and North West Sydney.
Quick questions
Can a shower filter help with dry skin?
Some people find filtered water in the shower feels gentler. Check the filter is designed for chlorine or chloramine.
How often do water filter cartridges need changing?
Follow the manufacturer’s schedule. An old cartridge stops working.