While the winter may bring warm mugs of hot chocolate and relaxing evenings by the fire, it may also bring bouts of dry, irritated skin. Although frustrating to treat, dry winter skin is more common than you may think.
Our skin becomes dry when it lacks moisture. Low humidity in the winter can dry out skin, and this problem is then exacerbated by cold temperatures and harsh winds. Additionally, the lipids in our outermost layer of skin cannot effectively protect us from toxins when they are not hydrated, increasing levels of irritation and discomfort.
Unfortunately, staying inside won’t help much. Electric heaters, fire places, and hot showers can contribute to excessive dryness just as much as the elements can. Not only does this dryness feel uncomfortable to touch, but it can result in itching, stinging and raw sensations when left untreated. If you find yourself constantly scratching or buying dozens of lotions each winter, try these five easy ways to soothe your skin till spring time.
1. Humidify. The easiest way to combat the effects of low humidity is to add humidity back to your air. Dermatologists recommend that those with chronic dry skin or other conditions like eczema consider using a humidifier overnight to help replenish moisture in the epidermis of the skin. Running a humidifier in your home can not only help rehydrate the skin but combat other winter ailments like nosebleeds, cracked lips, irritated throat or vocal folds, and allergy symptoms. A recent study also found that increased indoor humidity levels helped to halt the spread of airborne viruses, as moisture is able to prevent movement of germs.
2. Try a skincare routine. While keeping good hygiene is important all year round, it is paramount in keeping your skin healthy during the colder months. Consider implementing a simple-yet-effective skincare regimen into your morning and evening routines. Try using an exfoliant scrub to gently relieve dry patches, use a gentle cleanser to avoid stripping your skin of its natural oils, and consider switching to a heavy duty moisturizer. If you’re interested in going the extra mile, treat your skin with products containing vitamin C and SPF in the morning and products with colloidal oatmeal at night to maximize results. It is also best to avoid any products with added fragrance, as these can further irritate and dry out your skin.
3. Consider a water softener. If your dry skin doesn’t respond to typical remedies for dryness, your water could be to blame. Hard water, or water with excessive calcium and magnesium, can create build up of these minerals on your skin and hair, creating dryness, dullness, and irritation. Hard water also does not clean as effectively and can leave soap residue on your skin even after rinsing. Even if your dry skin is only seasonal dry skin, hard water is present all year long. If these symptoms are familiar, check for other hard water-ness related issues like streaky dishes, soap scum, and difficulty using cleaning products effectively. Stop hard water at the source by installing a water softener to rid your home’s water of any harsh and irritating minerals for good.
4. Watch what you wear. Sporting the wrong type of clothing can also have an adverse effect on your skin’s moisture. Instead of wool and synthetic fabrics that can rub against and inflame your skin, opt for naturally soft materials like cotton. Additionally, consider choosing looser fitting garments instead of tight ones that may chafe or cause constriction. If your clothing seems to irritate you no matter the fabric or shape, try switching to a free and clear, non-scented detergent or other sensitive skin laundry products.
5.Shower intentionally. Excessive time in the shower won’t wash away your dry skin– in fact, it will likely make it worse. This winter, strive to shower only once a day for no more than 5-10 minutes at a time. While bathing, it is also important to keep the temperature lukewarm, as hot water is more aggressive on your skin and quickly acts to remove its natural oils.
Dry skin is a nuisance any time of year. However, with the correct products, hydration, and humidity, you can take proactive steps to feel comfortable in your own skin no matter the season.
If you’re curious about water filtration systems for your home, cost is likely one of the biggest topics on your mind. How much should you expect to spend on water filter solutions?
That all depends on what you’re trying to accomplish. Some of the least comprehensive filters can cost just $15, while a more complete filter system will be upwards of $1,000. The specific price depends on a lot of factors, from the system’s filtration approach, technology and capacity to installation and replacement filters.
Here’s how to find the house water filtration solution that fits your budget, needs and water quality goals.
Determining The Cost of Water Filtration Systems
Every water filter system has its own costs, from the simplest pitcher filter to the most comprehensive reverse osmosis (RO) solution. That’s why you’re not likely to find any “one-size-fits-all” answer to your pricing questions.
However, you can learn more about what to expect from any home water filtration solution by considering a few key factors:
Brand
A strong brand name adds quality and reliability to your filter system. You’re paying a little more for expert craftsmanship, long-term experience, third-party certifications and often even experienced service. You’ll likely see the benefits every day, from the beginning of the water filtration installation process to everyday questions and support.
Capability
Water treatment comes in all shapes and sizes — and so do the filters that help make it possible. Generally speaking, the less you pay for a system or individual filter, the less work it does. For example, cheaper fridge filters often primarily address chlorine, while more comprehensive RO systems can address more than 70 contaminants.*
Capacity
Every house water filter has a set capacity — that is, the number of gallons the system can treat per day or per minute. If you need more water in a shorter period of time — for example, when there are a lot of people in your household — you’ll want a system with a high capacity. That’s another reason simpler options like pitcher filters aren’t usually ideal long-term solutions.
Labor/Installation
While you can set up many simple water filtration systems on your own, the more comprehensive solutions require expert service. The cost of this labor and installation depends on various factors, including the size and type of your water filter, the deals offered by the manufacturer and more.
You should also think about ongoing maintenance. Does the system require any expert care? If so, is there a service package available so you don’t have to think about it? Another important factor here is reliability. Will there be replacement parts available for your system in the long term?
Replacement Filters
Did you know you’re supposed to change fridge water filters every six months and some pitcher filters as often as every two months? Each system and manufacturer has different recommendations — and if you don’t stick to these timeframes, your house filtration system might start letting contaminants through. That means two things: First, it’s important to stay on top of filter replacements, and second, this kind of maintenance can significantly increase the total cost of ownership.
Things get a bit more complicated with higher-end filtration solutions. For example, good RO systems have reverse osmosis membranes that can last up to five years with proper maintenance — but these systems may also have additional filters that need to be replaced at different times. This varies based on models and optional features. That’s why it’s particularly important to understand how a home water filtration system works and what kind of maintenance it needs when determining total price.
Top Water Filtration System Types
There’s one more thing to consider when breaking down the cost of a water treatment system, and that’s the type. Generally, the right option for your needs will depend on your contaminant concerns, water usage and more.
Here are the top kinds of filtration solutions:
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Filtration
If you choose a reverse osmosis system from Culligan Water®, you’ll enjoy up to seven stages of filtration and 14 interchangeable filters, some of which can last up to two years. In fact, Culligan RO systems are certified to reduce 12x more contaminants than the leading standard filter pitcher.**
Overall, an RO house filter system can address fluoride, iron, lead, mercury, some pesticides and more. That means you’re getting the best of reverse osmosis — a process that forces water through a semipermeable membrane to address the presence of certain contaminants — and other stages of filtration designed to provide a virtually limitless supply of filtered water.
Takeaway: RO systems have a higher upfront cost than simpler solutions because they do a whole lot more. Plus, with the right options, you’ll have to deal less with filter and membrane replacements over time.
Whole House Water Filtration
A whole house water filter system provides cleaner water from every faucet. That means drinking, bathing, cooking and cleaning water all see the same benefits — including reduced foul tastes and odors, sediment content and more. Because these are best for specific problem water issues (sediment, hydrogen sulfide, iron and more), they typically address fewer contaminants overall than RO systems. However, whole house water filtration solutions are far more comprehensive than standalone carbon or sediment filter options.
These systems do need occasional replacements of filtration media depending on the specific options you choose. However, like our RO systems, the whole house filter solutions from Culligan Water are designed to work harder and last longer.
Takeaway: Unlike RO, a whole house water filtration system addresses more specific issues and treats all your home’s tap water. That’s far more comprehensive than standalone filters — and often more efficient, too.
Simple Filtration
This category includes fridge, pitcher, countertop and faucet filters. While some options are more capable than others, their main selling points are affordability and simplicity. It may be better to use these than to drink unfiltered water or constantly buy single-use water bottle packs — but for a longer-term solution, invest in more comprehensive water treatment.
Takeaway: While the upfront purchase price may be attractive, remember that you’ll spend more overall on constant filter replacements — all while potentially seeing fewer benefits.
Signs You Need a Water Filtration System
Although all factors are important when choosing the right house filter system, none of that matters until you know what your water quality needs look like.
Here are a few signs that something isn’t right:
You Notice Unpleasant Odors
Have you ever grabbed a glass of water only to smell a swimming pool, rotten eggs or something else you certainly don’t want to drink? If so, you may have issues with chlorine, sulfur or other contaminants that can cause unpleasant odors. Fortunately, solutions like an RO or whole house system can help straighten out your water experience.
You Taste Something Strange
Metallic or rotten egg tastes can ruin your favorite food or drink and might even make you less likely to hit your daily hydration goals. This is another big sign that you might want to look into a water filtration system, as certain contaminants and chemical reactions can cause these bad flavors.
Your Tap Water Doesn’t Look Clean
Sometimes, an odd appearance — like white, bubbly water, which is the result of high turbidity — isn’t something a water filtration system can fix. Other times, strange colors or sediment can be quickly, easily and effectively addressed by an RO system.
Your Area Had a Recent Boil Advisory
Whether you use a private well or city water, it’s smart to keep an eye on boil advisories. These are warnings shared when a potentially harmful contaminant or other issue affects local water quality. No matter where your water comes from, a boil advisory is a sign that it’s time to learn more about filtration.
Your Water Test Came Back With Concerning Results
A professional water test is the best way to learn what’s really happening when you turn on your tap. If that test comes back with concerning results, your local water expert can explain where the issue likely came from and what filtration solution will best address it.
You Notice Other Issues
Have you noticed mineral buildup around your faucets, showers and bathtubs? What about spotty dishes, dry hair and itchy skin? These are water quality problems, too — but a water filter system isn’t the answer. Instead, these hard water issues should be solved by a water softener.
Keep in mind that filtration and softening are two different processes, and they address two different sets of issues. Fortunately, you can have both a filtration system and a water softener for a complete water treatment solution.
Find Your Water Filtration Match
No matter what capabilities, capacity or price you’re looking for, there’s a perfect water filtration match waiting for you. All you have to do is find out what works best for your water needs.
The first step is a professional water test. Our experts will uncover potential hardness levels, chlorine, iron and more — and, better yet, they’ll outline the next steps and ideal solutions.
Why you'll love the world’s most efficient water softener.*
Best-in-class efficiency With patented technology, this system saves on salt, water and electricity usage, reducing operating costs by up to 46%.*
Advanced monitoring & convenient alerts Culligan’s WiFi-connected water softeners keep you in the know with salt refill alerts, maintenance updates and water usage tracking.
Customized softness With the Dial-a-Softness® control, you can determine just how soft you’d like your water to feel.
Hassle free Enjoy the ease of minimal maintenance that Culligan’s long-lasting, certified systems and end-to-end professional service provides.
100% satisfaction guarantee If you are dissatisfied with your Culligan product for any reason within 30 days of your purchase, Culligan will remove the product and refund the purchase price.**
Call Culligan Fort McMurray today to set up your FREE in home water test and visit. 780.791.0856
