Hard water can have a number of negative impacts on your health. However, water softeners can also create some adverse impacts that you might not think about before you get into the shower for the first time after they are installed. One of the primary downsides to soft water is that it may make your skin feel slimy instead of clean.
Why Does Soft Water Feel Slimy on Your Skin?
The main reason why water feels slimy on your skin has to do with the way water softeners work. Specifically, the salt ions used to make the water easier to manage enhance the bond between your skin and the soap that you use to get clean. Therefore, no matter how much time you spend rinsing your skin, there may still be a layer of soap on it.
Fortunately, there shouldn’t be any long-term effects on your skin other than an urge to dry off faster than usual after you get out of the shower. Once your skin is dry, it should feel better, and there is only a minimal risk that an adverse amount of soap residue will remain on your skin after that happens.
What You Can Do to Fix the Situation
There are a few ways that you can make your skin feel less slimy when you are showering in softened water. First, you can choose to use less soap. Although this may make it harder to get clean in a timely manner, it will reduce the amount of time and water needed to get the soap off of your skin.
Next, you can switch to a soap that uses synthetic materials instead of a soap base. This will allow you to use as much cleaner as you need without feeling slimy or as if you can’t get the cleaner off of your body. However, you may need to try multiple products to find something that you like. It may also be a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have sensitive skin or other health issues that a synthetic cleaner might exacerbate.
Finally, you can attempt to use a softener that has a non-salt base. This will help to soften the water without changing the way that water and soap interact with your skin while getting clean. Using an alternative cleaner may also make it easier to wash your hands, wash dishes, or otherwise engage in activities where your skin might get wet and achieve that slimy feel.
Rainwater Might Be an Option
Rainwater is naturally soft, which means that it will be easier to rinse off of your skin. Although it may not be a convenient or practical option at all times, it may be something to consider during a rainy season when you might be able to collect rainwater. You may also be able to obtain partial relief by standing outside while it rains and allowing the water to rinse soap out of your hair, arms, or legs.
Get in Touch with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Today
If you are worried about the quality of your home’s water, get in touch with our team today. We can work with you to create a system that will protect your skin as well as your home’s plumbing system from damage. If necessary, we can take a look at your current water softening system, pipes, or other plumbing components to determine if any upgrades or repairs might be beneficial.