Do You Really Need a Shower Filter?

Yes, you do need a shower filter. The quality of your shower water can have a significant impact on your skin, hair, and overall health. Even if your tap water meets local safety standards, it can still contain contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS (forever chemicals), and microplastics—all of which can be harmful over time. But why exactly is a shower filter so important, and how can it make a difference in your daily life? Let’s explore.

Chlorine is commonly added to municipal water supplies to kill bacteria and other pathogens. While it’s effective at keeping your water safe to drink, it’s not so great for your skin and hair. Chlorine strips away the natural oils that protect your skin and hair, leading to dryness, irritation, and even damage over time.

Chlorine exposure can cause significant dryness and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema. Repeated exposure to chlorine may aggravate eczema, leading to a weakened skin barrier that becomes more susceptible to irritation and infections.

Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic can sometimes be present in your water due to corroded pipes or environmental contamination. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified prolonged exposure to heavy metals in water as a serious health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

When absorbed through the skin, heavy metals can accumulate in the body and pose serious health risks. These risks range from mild skin irritation to severe neurological damage, as heavy metals disrupt essential bodily functions. Exposure to heavy metals in water can exacerbate skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis, making them more difficult to manage and increasing the risk of chronic health issues. The long-term effects of heavy metal exposure can include cognitive decline, kidney damage, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer products for decades. These "forever chemicals" are notoriously difficult to break down and can persist in the environment—and in your body—for years.

A recent study from the University of Birmingham confirmed that PFAS can be absorbed through the skin during activities like showering, raising serious concerns about their long-term impact on health. PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of health problems, including hormone disruption, immune system damage, and even cancer.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has conducted extensive research on PFAS, revealing that these chemicals are present in the water supplies of millions of people. The fact that they can be absorbed through the skin during a simple shower underscores the importance of using a shower filter that can effectively remove them from your water.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that have made their way into water supplies around the world. These particles are invisible to the naked eye but can have a significant impact on your health. Research has shown that microplastics can penetrate the skin barrier and enter the body, where they may contribute to inflammation and other health issues.

A study by the the U.S. Geological Survey highlights the growing concern about microplastics in water, revealing that these tiny particles are found in various water sources, including those we use for showering. While the long-term health effects of microplastic exposure are still being researched, their presence in shower water raises significant health concerns. Microplastics can potentially penetrate the skin or be inhaled during showering, making it crucial to consider using a shower filter to minimize exposure to these contaminants.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s highly absorbent. This means that anything in your shower water, from chlorine to heavy metals, can be absorbed into your body through your skin. Here’s how unfiltered water can affect your skin and hair:

Chlorine, heavy metals, and other contaminants can strip away the natural oils that keep your skin and hair hydrated. This can lead to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. If you have sensitive skin or a condition like eczema, the effects can be even more pronounced.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, exposure to chlorine in shower water can cause contact dermatitis, a condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. This is especially concerning for people with pre-existing skin conditions, as chlorine can exacerbate symptoms and make management more challenging.

Your hair can suffer as well. Hard water, which contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, can make your hair feel rough, tangled, and difficult to manage. Chlorine can also cause hair to become brittle and prone to breakage. If you color your hair, the chemicals in unfiltered water can speed up color fading, leading to dull, lifeless locks.

Dr. Oyetewa Oyerinde, assistant professor of dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine notes that chlorine can damage hair by stripping it of its natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. This is particularly true for people with color-treated or chemically processed hair, which is already more vulnerable to damage.

Now that we’ve explored the potential dangers lurking in your shower water, it’s clear that a shower filter is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The Weddell Duo Shower Filter is specifically designed to protect you from the contaminants we’ve discussed, ensuring that your shower water is clean, safe, and gentle on your skin and hair.

Weddell Duo is the only shower filter on the market that’s NSF certified to reduce Free Available Chlorine while also filtering out microplastics and PFAS. This means that it’s been rigorously tested and proven to effectively remove harmful substances from your water, providing you with peace of mind every time you step into the shower.

Unlike many other shower filters that make unverified claims, Weddell Duo has been dermatologist tested and approved. This means that it’s safe for even the most sensitive skin and has been clinically shown to improve skin hydration and scalp health. Whether you have dry skin, eczema, or just want to protect your hair from damage, Weddell Duo is designed with your needs in mind.

One of the standout features of Weddell Duo is its user-friendly design. The filters are conveniently installed on the sides, allowing you to easily monitor their condition. You can see when it’s time to replace the filters and simply twist them off for quick and easy maintenance. With a filter life cycle of 8,000 gallons , the Weddell Duo is both cost-effective and powerful.

Yes, a shower filter is essential for protecting your skin, hair, and overall health. The contaminants in unfiltered water can have serious long-term effects, from dryness and irritation to more severe health risks like hormone disruption and cancer. By using a shower filter like the Weddell Duo, you can ensure that your shower water is free from harmful substances, making it a step zero of your self-care routine.

With Weddell Duo, you’re not just taking a step toward cleaner water—you’re taking a step toward better health. So, the next time you step into the shower, make sure you’re protected. Because when it comes to your health, every drop counts.

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Shower better. In WaterSense. https://www.epa.gov/watersense/shower-better
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, March 1). Chlorine factsheet. https://www.cdc.gov/chemicalemergencies/factsheets/chlorine.html
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Basic information about lead in drinking water. https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water
4. World Health Organization. (2022). Guidelines for drinking-water quality (4th ed., incorporating the 1st and 2nd addenda). https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020863
5. University of Birmingham. (2024, June 14). New study confirms forever chemicals are absorbed through human skin. https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2024/new-study-confirms-forever-chemicals-are-absorbed-through-human-skin-1
6. Environmental Working Group. (n.d.). What are PFAS chemicals? https://www.ewg.org/what-are-pfas-chemicals
7. U.S. Geological Survey. (n.d.). Microplastics in our nation’s waterways: Understanding the problem. https://labs.waterdata.usgs.gov/visualizations/microplastics/index.html
8. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, June 17). Does pool water affect your skin and hair? https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2024/06/17/does-pool-water-affect-your-skin-and-hair
9. Baylor College of Medicine. (2024, August 6). Taking a dip? Here’s what to know to protect your hair and your skin. https://blogs.bcm.edu/2024/08/06/taking-a-dip-heres-what-to-know-to-protect-your-hair-and-your-skin/