Buzz
Photo: Getty ImagesHave you ever moved or traveled and noticed the shower water feels completely different? We've all had that experience of stepping out of the shower with skin and hair feeling drier than before. Enter: filtered showerheads. They eliminate harmful chemicals and minerals from the water, helping you achieve healthier skin, shinier hair, and more.
TL;DR: For hydrated skin or healthier hair, investing in a filtered showerhead for cleaner water is key. We spoke with board-certified dermatologists to break down the benefits of shower filters and recommend the best options for you to try.
What Is a Showerhead Filter?
“A showerhead filter is a device that attaches to your shower to remove minerals, chlorine, and other chemicals,” explains Dr. Kiran Mian, FAAD, a board-certified medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery. The minerals in water can damage skin cells, clog pores, and contribute to free radicals.
This serves as a shield for your skin and hair, protecting them from harmful minerals in the shower water. "Filtered showerheads work by passing water through a filtration medium that reduces the concentration of chemicals and irritants," says Dr. Carolyn Stull, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. With the help of a filtered showerhead, these chemicals are eliminated, promoting healthier, hydrated skin and hair.
Showerhead Filter Benefits
Skin
"Hard water refers to water with elevated levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave a film on your skin, clogging pores and causing irritation," explains Dr. Stull. Using a filtered showerhead can enhance water quality, leaving the skin feeling cleaner, smoother, and less prone to irritation.
Dr. Mian notes that while chlorine helps purify water, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to irritation and conditions like eczema and acne. For those with sensitive skin or skin issues, a filtered showerhead can aid in improving and hydrating the skin.
Hair
The chemicals in hard water can irritate and dry out hair, particularly if it's color-treated. Additionally, mineral and chemical buildup can occur on the scalp and hair. Dr. Stull recommends using a filtered showerhead alongside a clarifying shampoo to eliminate mineral buildup caused by hard water.
"To check if you have hard water in your area, you can consult online databases based on your location or purchase a home test kit," says Dr. Stull. If hard water is present, using a filtered showerhead is recommended to minimize chemicals and impurities in the water.
How to Use a Showerhead Filter
Most filtered showerheads are compatible with your existing shower setup, whether it's a handheld or wall-mounted fixture. To install, you'll need a wrench and some plumber's tape. Generally, the filter is placed between the shower mount and the hose.
"You can either buy a showerhead with an integrated filter or a separate device that attaches to your showerhead to filter the water,” says Dr. Mian. For maintenance, carbon filters typically need replacing every four to six months.
Best Showerhead Filters to Try
- Canopy Filtered Showerhead: Love aromas and essential oils? The Canopy Filtered Showerhead lets you personalize your shower experience with different aroma oils while filtering the water.
- Jolie Filtered Showerhead: If you want an aesthetically pleasing shower, try the Jolie Filtered Showerhead designed with elegance and recommended by Dr. Stull. It enhances your skin, hair, and wellbeing by eliminating chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants from the water.
- Brondell Filtered Showerhead: This Brondell Filtered Showerhead is an affordable option with a sleek chrome finish. Dr. Mian highlights its effectiveness in filtering shower water.
- VOESH Vitamin C Shower Filter: For aromatherapy lovers, this budget-friendly VOESH Vitamin C Shower Filter incorporates Vitamin C and aromatherapy, removing chlorine and impurities from hard water.
- Mist 8 Stage Aluminum Shower Filter: The Mist 8 Stage Aluminum Shower Filter reduces exposure to harmful substances. “Mist is highly effective in removing minerals and heavy metals such as iron, copper, magnesium, and mercury,” says Dr. Mian.
