Dry Skin – Drinking Water Issues (Part II)

At the Know Your H20 Portal, we have many users asking if there is a connection between their dry skin and in some cases psoriasis and the water they are using or drinking.   We decided to ask the in-house aesthetician for the Know Your H20 Program to ask Chat GPT some questions.

Question 1: What is Psoriasis ?

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to rapid skin cell turnover. This causes patches of thick, scaly skin that can be dry, inflamed, and sometimes itchy or painful. While hydration (drinking water) is important for overall skin health, psoriasis often requires more targeted treatment. (Recommendation Link to Diet)

If you're dealing with dry skin due to an autoimmune skin disease like psoriasis, and you're also concerned about water contaminants, it’s important to address both the skin condition and any potential environmental factors contributing to skin irritation.

Question 2:  How Psoriasis Contributes to Dry Skin?

Inflammation: Psoriasis causes chronic inflammation in the skin, which can disrupt the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it more prone to dryness.

Flaky skin: The rapid buildup of skin cells leads to flaking and scaling, which can create a rough, dry texture.

Skin barrier dysfunction: In people with psoriasis, the skin's barrier doesn't work as well to keep moisture in and irritants out, contributing to dryness.

Question 3:  How to Manage Psoriasis-Related Dry Skin ?

Here are a few strategies for managing dry skin when you have psoriasis:

Moisturize frequently: Using thick, hydrating creams or ointments (especially those with ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid) can help replenish the skin’s moisture. It’s best to apply moisturizer immediately after a bath or shower when your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.

Topical treatments for psoriasis: Prescription or over-the-counter treatments like corticosteroids, calcipotriene (a form of vitamin D), or coal tar can reduce inflammation and scaling. These treatments help manage the underlying psoriasis, which in turn reduces dryness.

Avoid irritants: Harsh soaps, fragrances, or skincare products with alcohol can further irritate psoriasis-prone skin, making it drier. Opt for fragrance-free, hydrating, and gentle cleansers designed for sensitive skin.

Consider phototherapy: UVB light therapy can sometimes help treat psoriasis by reducing inflammation and slowing skin cell turnover. This can result in smoother, less dry skin.

Question 4:  What Drinking Water Contaminants are related to Skin Irritation ?

Contaminants in water (like chlorine, hard water minerals, heavy metals, or industrial pollutants) can aggravate psoriasis or other skin conditions. This can make existing dry skin worse, leading to irritation, inflammation, and further drying (Get Your Drinking Water Tested - City Water  / Well Water).

Potential Water Contaminants That Affect Skin

Chlorine: Commonly found in tap water, chlorine can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin like psoriasis.  (Note from the Know Your H20 Team - there is some data and information that chlorine may be beneficial, but it could be a double edge sword).

Hard Water: Water with high mineral content (especially calcium and magnesium) can leave a residue on your skin, which may irritate it and lead to dryness. Hard water can also make it harder to rinse off soap or body washes completely, further drying out the skin.

Heavy Metals: Contaminants like lead, mercury, and arsenic (which can sometimes be found in untreated water) can also contribute to skin irritation, particularly in individuals with pre-existing skin conditions.

Article III - Dry Skin Autoimmune Issues (Go to Part III) 

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