EDUCATION
You Spend Hundreds on Skincare Every Year. But Your Shower Water Could Be Working Against You!
Your skin is naturally acidic, and chlorine and alkaline tap water may be working against your skin barrier. Here’s why your shower water matters as much as your serum.
You Spend Hundreds on Skincare Every Year. But Your Shower Water Could Be Working Against You!
Your skin is naturally acidic, and chlorine and alkaline tap water may be working against your skin barrier. Here’s why your shower water matters as much as your serum.
You Spend Hundreds on Your Hair… But Your Shower Water Could Be Washing That Money Down the Drain!
You spend hundreds at the salon. Here’s how chlorine in your shower water can fade your hair color faster, and the one small change that helps.
You Spend Hundreds on Your Hair… But Your Shower Water Could Be Washing That Money Down the Drain!
You spend hundreds at the salon. Here’s how chlorine in your shower water can fade your hair color faster, and the one small change that helps.
The Most Harmful Thing for Your Skin Could Be the Water in Your Shower
Chlorine and high-pH tap water can leave skin dry, itchy and irritated and hair frizzy and dull. Here’s what the research says, and the vitamin C shower head built to fix it.
The Most Harmful Thing for Your Skin Could Be the Water in Your Shower
Chlorine and high-pH tap water can leave skin dry, itchy and irritated and hair frizzy and dull. Here’s what the research says, and the vitamin C shower head built to fix it.
How chlorinated is my tap water?
Ever stepped out of a hot shower only to find your skin feeling tight, itchy, or dry, or your hair feeling brittle and straw-like? While we often focus on the quality of our drinking water, shower water is just as—if not more—influential on our daily wellness. To keep tap water safe from harmful bacteria and pathogens as it travels through miles of aging city pipes, municipal water treatment facilities add disinfectants like chlorine and chloramines. While essential for public safety, these chemicals don't disappear once the water reaches your shower head. Here is a breakdown of what chlorine levels look like across major US cities, why warm steam accelerates its effects on skin and hair, and how you can take control of your shower routine. Chlorine Levels Across Major US Cities Chlorine concentrations in municipal water vary significantly depending on local source water quality, climate, pipe distance, and treatment methods. Water disinfectants are measured in parts per million (ppm), where 1 ppm = 1 mg/L (one milligram of chlorine per liter of water). The EPA sets a maximum residual disinfectant level of 4.0 ppm for tap water. However, even levels between 0.5 ppm and 3.0 ppm can cause noticeable dryness, irritation, and color stripping during daily showers. Here is a snapshot of typical chlorine ranges across select American cities: CITY AVERAGE CHLORINE LEVEL (PPM) WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR DAILY SHOWER San Diego, CA 3.0 ± 1.0 ppm High Concentration: Frequently approaches federal limits. Daily hot showers can significantly strip natural lipid barriers from skin and hair. Houston, TX 2.25 ± 1.25 ppm High Concentration: Warmer temperatures and source water require higher disinfectant dosing, leading to a noticeable chlorine scent during steam showers. Las Vegas, NV 1.75 ± 0.75 ppm Moderate to High Concentration: Combined with dry desert air and heavy water hardness, chlorine accelerates skin dryness and scalp irritation. Miami, FL 1.55 ± 0.95 ppm Moderate to High Concentration: Humid climate and warm water supply require steady residual disinfectants to prevent bacterial growth throughout the distribution grid. Boston, MA 1.5 ± 0.5 ppm Moderate Concentration: Consistent residual levels protect aging pipe infrastructure, but can strip color and moisture from hair over time. Honolulu, HI 1.3 ± 0.7 ppm Moderate Concentration: Naturally filtered ground sources require baseline disinfection before reaching coastal homes. Anchorage, AK 1.2 ± 0.7 ppm Moderate Concentration: Cold water slows bacterial growth, but winter conditions combined with chlorine worsen dry, tight skin. Fargo, ND 1.2 ± 0.6 ppm Moderate Concentration: Steady winter dosing combined with low indoor humidity can aggravate seasonal eczema and dry scalp. Los Angeles, CA 1.0 ± 0.5 ppm Moderate Concentration: Levels vary across districts, though chloramines are frequently used alongside free chlorine across Southern California. Seattle, WA 0.9 ± 0.6 ppm Low to Moderate Concentration: Protected mountain watersheds allow for lower required disinfectant additions. Chicago, IL 0.85 ± 0.35 ppm Moderate Concentration: Lake Michigan source water allows for consistent, lower-dosed chemical treatment. Denver, CO 0.85 ± 0.65 ppm Moderate Concentration: Mountain snowmelt keeps baseline dosing moderate, though seasonal shifts cause concentration fluctuations. New York City, NY 0.5 ± 0.8 ppm Low to Variable Concentration: NYC's Catskill and Delaware watersheds allow lower baseline dosing compared to most major metro areas. Why Chlorinated Shower Water Affects Skin & Hair Drinking chlorinated water is one thing, but showering in hot water creates a uniquely intense environment for your skin and lungs: Pore Absorption: Hot water opens up your skin's pores, making it far easier for chlorine and chloramines to strip away sebum (the natural lipid barrier that locks in moisture and protects against environmental stressors). Inhalation of Chlorine Steam: In a closed, hot shower, chlorine vaporizes into a gas faster than in cold water. Inhaling this warm aerosol steam can irritate sensitive airways and mucous membranes. Hair Moisture & Color Depletion: Chlorine breaks down natural hair proteins like keratin and oxidizes hair dye, causing premature color fading, frizz, split ends, and dry scalps. How to Check & Neutralize Your Water If you suspect your shower water is drying out your hair and skin, here are three steps you can take: Check Your Local Water Report: Cities publish annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) online, listing exact residual disinfectant levels and whether your municipal grid uses free chlorine or chloramines. Test at Home: Inexpensive total chlorine test strips allow you to measure the exact ppm coming directly out of your shower head. Incorporate a Shower Filter: KDF-55 and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) chemically neutralize free chlorine and chloramines instantly upon contact, even in high-temperature steam. At Citrus Wellness Co., we offer a shower filtration system enriched with Vitamin C to neutralize harsh chemicals before they touch your skin, restoring balance, hydration, and natural shine to every wash.
How chlorinated is my tap water?
Ever stepped out of a hot shower only to find your skin feeling tight, itchy, or dry, or your hair feeling brittle and straw-like? While we often focus on the quality of our drinking water, shower water is just as—if not more—influential on our daily wellness. To keep tap water safe from harmful bacteria and pathogens as it travels through miles of aging city pipes, municipal water treatment facilities add disinfectants like chlorine and chloramines. While essential for public safety, these chemicals don't disappear once the water reaches your shower head. Here is a breakdown of what chlorine levels look like across major US cities, why warm steam accelerates its effects on skin and hair, and how you can take control of your shower routine. Chlorine Levels Across Major US Cities Chlorine concentrations in municipal water vary significantly depending on local source water quality, climate, pipe distance, and treatment methods. Water disinfectants are measured in parts per million (ppm), where 1 ppm = 1 mg/L (one milligram of chlorine per liter of water). The EPA sets a maximum residual disinfectant level of 4.0 ppm for tap water. However, even levels between 0.5 ppm and 3.0 ppm can cause noticeable dryness, irritation, and color stripping during daily showers. Here is a snapshot of typical chlorine ranges across select American cities: CITY AVERAGE CHLORINE LEVEL (PPM) WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOUR DAILY SHOWER San Diego, CA 3.0 ± 1.0 ppm High Concentration: Frequently approaches federal limits. Daily hot showers can significantly strip natural lipid barriers from skin and hair. Houston, TX 2.25 ± 1.25 ppm High Concentration: Warmer temperatures and source water require higher disinfectant dosing, leading to a noticeable chlorine scent during steam showers. Las Vegas, NV 1.75 ± 0.75 ppm Moderate to High Concentration: Combined with dry desert air and heavy water hardness, chlorine accelerates skin dryness and scalp irritation. Miami, FL 1.55 ± 0.95 ppm Moderate to High Concentration: Humid climate and warm water supply require steady residual disinfectants to prevent bacterial growth throughout the distribution grid. Boston, MA 1.5 ± 0.5 ppm Moderate Concentration: Consistent residual levels protect aging pipe infrastructure, but can strip color and moisture from hair over time. Honolulu, HI 1.3 ± 0.7 ppm Moderate Concentration: Naturally filtered ground sources require baseline disinfection before reaching coastal homes. Anchorage, AK 1.2 ± 0.7 ppm Moderate Concentration: Cold water slows bacterial growth, but winter conditions combined with chlorine worsen dry, tight skin. Fargo, ND 1.2 ± 0.6 ppm Moderate Concentration: Steady winter dosing combined with low indoor humidity can aggravate seasonal eczema and dry scalp. Los Angeles, CA 1.0 ± 0.5 ppm Moderate Concentration: Levels vary across districts, though chloramines are frequently used alongside free chlorine across Southern California. Seattle, WA 0.9 ± 0.6 ppm Low to Moderate Concentration: Protected mountain watersheds allow for lower required disinfectant additions. Chicago, IL 0.85 ± 0.35 ppm Moderate Concentration: Lake Michigan source water allows for consistent, lower-dosed chemical treatment. Denver, CO 0.85 ± 0.65 ppm Moderate Concentration: Mountain snowmelt keeps baseline dosing moderate, though seasonal shifts cause concentration fluctuations. New York City, NY 0.5 ± 0.8 ppm Low to Variable Concentration: NYC's Catskill and Delaware watersheds allow lower baseline dosing compared to most major metro areas. Why Chlorinated Shower Water Affects Skin & Hair Drinking chlorinated water is one thing, but showering in hot water creates a uniquely intense environment for your skin and lungs: Pore Absorption: Hot water opens up your skin's pores, making it far easier for chlorine and chloramines to strip away sebum (the natural lipid barrier that locks in moisture and protects against environmental stressors). Inhalation of Chlorine Steam: In a closed, hot shower, chlorine vaporizes into a gas faster than in cold water. Inhaling this warm aerosol steam can irritate sensitive airways and mucous membranes. Hair Moisture & Color Depletion: Chlorine breaks down natural hair proteins like keratin and oxidizes hair dye, causing premature color fading, frizz, split ends, and dry scalps. How to Check & Neutralize Your Water If you suspect your shower water is drying out your hair and skin, here are three steps you can take: Check Your Local Water Report: Cities publish annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) online, listing exact residual disinfectant levels and whether your municipal grid uses free chlorine or chloramines. Test at Home: Inexpensive total chlorine test strips allow you to measure the exact ppm coming directly out of your shower head. Incorporate a Shower Filter: KDF-55 and Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) chemically neutralize free chlorine and chloramines instantly upon contact, even in high-temperature steam. At Citrus Wellness Co., we offer a shower filtration system enriched with Vitamin C to neutralize harsh chemicals before they touch your skin, restoring balance, hydration, and natural shine to every wash.
What's in our water? A deep dive for Seattle's Eastside
While Eastside water meets federal standards, outdated regulations often ignore the chemicals we inhale and absorb through our skin during a hot shower. This Earth Month, we’re diving into the science of local contaminants and how our circular, plastic-free filtration system is permanently removing toxins from the water cycle without the landfill waste.
What's in our water? A deep dive for Seattle's Eastside
While Eastside water meets federal standards, outdated regulations often ignore the chemicals we inhale and absorb through our skin during a hot shower. This Earth Month, we’re diving into the science of local contaminants and how our circular, plastic-free filtration system is permanently removing toxins from the water cycle without the landfill waste.
Could my shower water be causing this?
Unfiltered shower water can contribute to issues like dry skin, brittle hair, irritation, and even hair loss due to contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and hard water minerals. Switching to a filtered showerhead helps reduce these problems, protecting your skin, hair, and overall health while creating a cleaner, more enjoyable shower experience.
Could my shower water be causing this?
Unfiltered shower water can contribute to issues like dry skin, brittle hair, irritation, and even hair loss due to contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and hard water minerals. Switching to a filtered showerhead helps reduce these problems, protecting your skin, hair, and overall health while creating a cleaner, more enjoyable shower experience.
Why should I buy a filtered showerhead?
A filtered showerhead is a simple yet impactful upgrade that protects your health by reducing exposure to chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants while also improving skin hydration, hair softness, and overall well-being. Beyond health and cosmetic benefits, it saves money by reducing the need for skincare and haircare products, prevents plumbing damage from hard water, and transforms your daily shower into a spa-like experience, making it a worthwhile investment for everyone.
Why should I buy a filtered showerhead?
A filtered showerhead is a simple yet impactful upgrade that protects your health by reducing exposure to chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants while also improving skin hydration, hair softness, and overall well-being. Beyond health and cosmetic benefits, it saves money by reducing the need for skincare and haircare products, prevents plumbing damage from hard water, and transforms your daily shower into a spa-like experience, making it a worthwhile investment for everyone.
Is my tap water safe?
While tap water is regulated under laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act, outdated standards, unregulated emerging contaminants like PFAS and microplastics, and aging infrastructure leave significant health risks unaddressed. Investing in supplemental filtration, such as a filtered showerhead, provides added protection against harmful substances, improving both health and quality of life.
Is my tap water safe?
While tap water is regulated under laws like the Safe Drinking Water Act, outdated standards, unregulated emerging contaminants like PFAS and microplastics, and aging infrastructure leave significant health risks unaddressed. Investing in supplemental filtration, such as a filtered showerhead, provides added protection against harmful substances, improving both health and quality of life.
The Citrus showerhead filter
The Citrus Filtered Showerhead features a long-lasting filter (up to 6 months or 7,000 gallons) that removes contaminants harmful to skin, hair, and overall health using Granular Activated Carbon, KDF-55, and Vitamin C. A detailed table highlights common tap water contaminants, their risks, and how the filter effectively eliminates them for cleaner, gentler water.
The Citrus showerhead filter
The Citrus Filtered Showerhead features a long-lasting filter (up to 6 months or 7,000 gallons) that removes contaminants harmful to skin, hair, and overall health using Granular Activated Carbon, KDF-55, and Vitamin C. A detailed table highlights common tap water contaminants, their risks, and how the filter effectively eliminates them for cleaner, gentler water.
What are the standards for water quality in the U.S.?
The EPA’s water quality standards, while providing a baseline for safety, often fall short of addressing the health risks associated with contaminants like chlorine byproducts and heavy metals, especially during showering where inhalation and skin absorption can amplify exposure.
What are the standards for water quality in the U.S.?
The EPA’s water quality standards, while providing a baseline for safety, often fall short of addressing the health risks associated with contaminants like chlorine byproducts and heavy metals, especially during showering where inhalation and skin absorption can amplify exposure.
