Why I Always Use a Shower Filter

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Five reasons to use a shower filter
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Most of us know the importance of drinking enough water and filtering it to avoid harmful chemicals or contaminants, but did you know that shower water can be just as harmful (if not more so) than drinking water?

Here’s why:

What’s in Shower Water?

Unfiltered shower water can contain an array of chemicals like chlorine (which we try to avoid whenever possible) as well as bacteria and fungus from the shower head.

The skin is much more than just a covering for the body. It is the largest organ and is responsible for important functions like vitamin d creation and synthesis. It also has the ability to absorb much of what it comes in contact with and we are learning that it has its own unique and important microbiome!

This is why topical magnesium oil works so well and why sunlight is so important.

It is also why a shower filter is so vital:

Chlorine is effective at killing pathogens in the water, but the properties that make it able to do this may affect the skin microbiome and the delicate balance of bacteria on the skin.

These are some of the biggest risks associated with the chemicals in shower water (and the reasons I use a shower filter):

1. We May Absorb More Chlorine Through Showering than Through Drinking Water

It may seem counterintuitive, but showering in chlorinated water can lead to more chlorine absorption than drinking chlorinated water. This is because we typically shower at warm temperatures, which makes absorption easier and because this water is coming in contact with such a large area of the body. In fact, research shows that the chlorine in shower (or bath) water can easily enter the bloodstream as it has a low molecular weight and can easily pass into the body.

Chlorine can also interact with other matter in the water to form harmful byproducts like trihalomethanes (THMs). One of these trihalomethanes is chloroform, which I’m familiar with from my childhood days of reading Nancy Drew mysteries, as it was often used by criminals to cause victims to pass out. Thankfully, it isn’t found in high enough amounts in shower water to cause that severe of a problem, but it certainly isn’t good to come into contact with regularly.

Warm air and water also open lungs, making inhalation of these chemicals easier as well. In fact, a study found a higher than normal concentration of chloroform in the lungs of study participants after a warm shower.

Chemicals absorbed through the skin can enter the blood stream quickly and have a tremendous impact on the body. This is great when it comes to things like topical magnesium that we want to enter the body quickly and in large enough amounts, but not so good when it comes to harmful disinfectant byproducts. This study even showed a greater lifetime risk of cancer and other problems from bathing or showering in chlorinated water than from drinking it.

2. Shower Water Releases Chemicals into the Air in the Home

There are some obvious offenders of indoor air-pollution:

Scented candles release harmful fragrances and paraffin into the air and are a major source of indoor air pollution. Air fresheners and cleaning chemicals are also major offenders, but many of us don’t realize that shower water is also high-up on this list!

The heat of shower water can cause chemicals to vaporize and be released into the air at higher amounts than they are even present in the water itself. The EPA found significant and detectable levels of THMs and other byproducts in indoor air as a result of bath and shower water.

3. Chemicals in Shower Water may Cause Harm to the Skin Microbiome & Irritate Skin

As I already mentioned, the microbiome isn’t limited to the gut. While the importance of beneficial bacteria in the gut is becoming much more well known, there are lesser known “biomes” on the body, including the mouth and skin.

Logically, showering in a disinfecting agent like chlorine that is chemically tested to reduce bacteria in the water  may have a tremendous impact on the skin biome. Many of the effects to the beneficial bacteria are not visible and many people don’t seem to have any noticeable affects, though some experience dry skin, eczema or irritation.

4. Chemicals Present in Shower Water are Linked to Cancer & other Health Problems

As a follow up to the first point, some of the chemicals present in the water supply have been linked to various types of cancers. These chemicals can be problematic enough when consumed in water but are even more harmful when inhaled or absorbed through skin. Chris Kresser explains:

Research conducted on the health effects of chlorinated drinking water have demonstrated a variety of toxicity issues. Several studies have found that communities using chlorinated or chloraminated drinking water have an increased risk of bladder, kidney, and rectal cancers. (456) THMs from chemically treated water have been associated with a variety of poor birth outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion, birth defects, and low birth weight. (7) Chlorine and chloramine vapors are associated with greater risk of asthma, and may damage the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract. (8) Free radicals in chlorinated water have been linked to liver malfunction, weakening of the immune system and pre-arteriosclerotic changes in arteries. (9)

and Food Renegade points out a more specific link between chlorine and breast cancer:

Breast cancer, which now effects one in every eight women in North America, has recently been linked to the accumulation of chlorine compounds in the breast tissue. A study carried out in Hartford Connecticut, the first of it’s kind in North America, found that, “women with breast cancer have 50% to 60% higher levels of organochlorines (chlorination byproducts) in their breast tissue than women without breast cancer.”

Of course, correlation does not equal causation, but in this case, the evidence is strong enough to at least warrant caution and further study. At the very least, I find it worth taking precautions against easy-to-eliminate sources of chlorine exposure by using things like drinking water filters and shower filters.

5. Chloramines May be Even more Harmful than Chlorine

Another chemical often used in the water supply is chloramine, a mixture of chlorine and ammonia. As you may imagine, it has its risks as well and may be even more irritating to the skin and lungs that just chlorine.

Unfortunately, many filters that remove chlorine do not easily remove chloramines, so it is important to research options and address both chemicals when considering shower filters.

As I explained in this post, certain types of Vitamin C can remove chloramines and can be added to a bath to remove chlorine and chloramines in the water, though this is certainly more difficult to add to a shower.

Types of Shower Filters

There are various types of shower filters that are effective against chlorine and chloramines and I’ve personally tried several over the years. Filters may use charcoal/carbon, Vitamin C or KDF (kinetic degradation fluxion). There are pros and cons to each type of filter, including (from least effective to most effective):

  • Carbon filters:  Simple carbon filters like the popular Sprite filters are effective at removing chlorine (though not as effective against chloramines) and with a caveat: They don’t work very well at warm temperatures. In fact, they become less effective the warmer the water gets, making them more effective for drinking water filtration (usually filtered cool) and less effective for shower filters. They are a budget friendly option that can be helpful, especially for those who don’t take really hot showers.
  • KDF filters: Another relatively budget friendly option, a KDF filter is very effective at removing chlorine, but not as effective at removing chloramines. These may be a good option in places where chloramines are not used in the water supply.
  • Vitamin C Filters: My favorite option for removing both chlorine and chloramines. Vitamin C creates a chemical reaction that completely changes chlorine and chloramines, rendering them harmless. These types of filters remove both chlorine and chloramines almost completely and can also benefit the skin. In fact, many people report skin and hair improvements after using these filters. I’ve tried this vitamin C filter with great results.

Unfortunately, I’ve never found a shower filter that completely removes chlorine and chloramines (though some, like the Vitamin C filters, remove 90+%). The only filter I’ve found that seems to completely remove chloramines, chlorine (as well as most fluoride and other contaminants in shower water is a completely whole house filter (like this one).

How to Filter Bath Water

For a long time, I filled my children’s bath from the shower head so that the water would run through the filter to remove the chlorine before finding a better way. There is a bath dechlorinator that removes chlorine (and some of the chloramine) in bath water in just a couple of minutes. This is the one I’ve used.

Shower Filters: Bottom Line

Filtering shower water is one simple and relatively inexpensive step that can make a big difference in reducing chlorine and other chemical exposure in the home. Some people (like me) seem to be much more sensitive to chlorine and notice the effects more readily, but these chemicals affect all of us on a cellular level.

Using a simple shower filter or bath dechlorinator is an easy way to remove chlorine and other harmful chemicals in bath and shower water.

Do you use a shower filter? If so, can you tell a difference in your health? 

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

142 responses to “Why I Always Use a Shower Filter”

  1. Sandra Avatar

    Hi , I was reading your other article about the 14 stage filter . Will a shower filter still be necessary after getting the 14stage system ? I am looking into getting this installed .

  2. Gwyneth Avatar

    Thank you for this! Do you know for a family of four how long the Sonaki filter would last? According to their website they are saying we should be good for 18 months.

  3. hailey prince Avatar
    hailey prince

    Do you know if the Berkey Shower Filter is good? That is the brand I have been using for a few years now. I definitely have noticed a difference in my hair and skin, but I want to make sure it is as good as the other brands you recommend. I know you speak highly of the Berkey Water Filter, I own the Big Berkey and I love it 🙂
    Thank you so much for all the research you do btw, I love your blog!

  4. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Thanks for all your great articles and being such a wonderful resource.

    Question about this article … I’ve read that Vitamin C takes at least several minutes to neutralize chlorine and chloramines, which makes me think that a Vitamin C shower filter wouldn’t be terribly effective for the person showing (since I assume the water would have, at most, just a few seconds of exposure to the Vitamin C before hitting your body). I’d love for that information to be wrong, since a Vitamin C filter would be much cheaper than a good whole house filter. Thoughts?

  5. Marie Avatar

    I have heard ‘reverse osmosis’ filters are one of the best type of filters for drinking water. Apparently it can remove most chemicals found in drinking water, even medicines residues. I was wondering if you have heard of ‘reverse osmosis’ filter and what is your view on it.

  6. alayne Avatar
    alayne

    Amazing thread…wow the things that came up….water revealing it all!! Your skin is the largest organ on the body and definitely absorbs everything! It is very important to get the toxins out of the water and ideally with a whole house filter…and if not, then a shower filter. Hot water definitely gets absorbed even more into your skin. Thank you for posting this article Wellness Mama!! Keep them coming!…!!!

  7. Pam Avatar

    Love this! Thanks for mentioning the bath. I had no idea they made the bathtub ball s:) I am ordering. I usually just run a bath with the shower head filter lol (for my kids). I use aquasana and have had GREAT results!

  8. Danny Avatar

    I started using one about 6 months ago, I just stopped in at home depot and grabbed one that filtered chlorine and other contaminants. It is at the end of it’s life cycle so I will have to try some of these other kinds out. Thanks!

  9. Michele Avatar
    Michele

    I was wondering about salt-water pools, though intuitively, I think I know the answer. Finding this kind of information is really hard, all I can find is toxic exposure to chlorin gas, as if I just inhaled a bunch of chlorine, not went swimming. Our pools here recently switched to salt water for disinfection. This works by making the pool salty (NaCl) then the salt water is passed through electricity to separate the Chloride ion (Cl-) from the Sodium ion (Na+). just wondering if this has the same effect has chlorinated water?

    Its supposed to better for you. Some of the drinking water systems use it too on the other coast.

  10. Jay Avatar

    I recently purchased a shower filter that can be refilled without needing brand-specific cartridges. There is a chamber that can be filled with carbon and a chamber that can be filled with “your favorite bath salts”. Is it possible to buy loose vitamin c (not sure what form to look for) to use in my filter instead of carbon? Also, does vitamin c help with hard water buildup on hair? Thanks!

    1. Laura Avatar

      I don’t know about your first questions, but from a chemistry standpoint, vitamin C would probably not help with that. Hard water is caused by positively charged ions like magnesium and calcium. To attract those away from hair, you’d need negatively charged ions. Ascorbic acid, aka vitamin C is also positively charged. No clue what to suggest but maybe baking soda? It’s something you add to water that makes it more alkaline

  11. Dennis Avatar

    I shower at my health club more than home, but unfortunately they don’t have shower filters. I’ve done a few things to minimize being exposed to the bad stuff in the water, but does it work?
    I’ve done the following:

    1) Shower with cooler water: hoping the skin pores are smaller and less absorbent.
    2) Shower, then head into the sauna for a couple minutes, until a sweat almost breaks, then towel off. (someone mentioned to me that might make it worse, but I don’t see why).

    What do you think? Any other ideas / knowledge on this subject?

  12. Sherry Avatar

    Awesome articles, Wellness Mama! While doing searches for things online, your posts come up the most and usually has the best information, as well. You’re doing a great job and a great service for all of us.

    Unfortunately, I noticed that you also get some grief from some who what all the right answers, as well as, the right tone. I think we may sometimes come from an entitlement mentality and expect you to give us everything we need, and do it now.
    But, you obviously supply what, or some of what, we are looking for or we wouldn’t be here. And we are free to continue our own searches when we need more advice with cheaper versions of what you recommend, etc. Great job, and thanks for all the research you do and your willingness to share it with the rest of us! Blessings on your day to day!

  13. Nichole Avatar

    We have well water (water than comes from a ground source, not treated at a water treatment plant). Would you still recommend filtering this type of water? It’s something I’ve considered, but never pursued because I don’t want to spend money unnecessarily.

  14. Stacey Avatar

    Katie, thank you so much for this article. We purchased a Berkey last year and LOVE it. I have a question about filtering the shower water. Would this still be necessary for us as we live out in the middle of nowhere and have a well? Would our well water have these things in it? Thank you so much!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      You would need to have the water tested to know for sure, but with the amount of pollution that is so prevalent, it’s quite likely your water isn’t as pure as you’d hope.

  15. Joan Avatar

    My water comes from our own well. We also have a traditional septic system. We also use a water softener. Should I be using a drinking/shower water filter? What would I need to filter for? Thank You.

  16. Sheila Avatar

    I feel very fortunate to live in an area with an amazing water co-op. They very rarely add chlorine, maybe once a year in the summer, and instead use reverse osmosis and UV light to keep our water clean and tasting awesome.

  17. Teresa Avatar

    We have a whole house water filter. Would you suggest a shower filter in addition? I am not sure what kind of filter it is, will have to look into it. Just curious. And also glad to hear that you will be doing an article in anxiety. I have recently learned more about organic foods, environmental toxins, GMO s, etc. And it is easy to feel overwhelmed. I’m a new subscriber. Looking forward to reading more!

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      It would depend on if the whole house filter removes chlorine or chloramines as this is what the shower filter is most helpful with.

  18. Sharon Avatar

    I have looked at shower filters for years but I never got one for one simple reason. I love having a handheld shower head so I can move it all over my body. I’ve never found a filter that would fit between the shower piping and the handheld shower head. Every one I’ve seen is for a stationary shower head. Suggestions??

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      This one may work, depending on if there is any room on the pipe in your shower where it comes out of the wall before it attaches to the handheld shower head

  19. Alyssa Avatar

    Looking over the comments, I haven’t seen a reference to well water vs. municipal water. Are you saying that these chemicals are in all water, or only water from municipal sources? We have hard well water and use a water softener with regular softener salt, but otherwise the water is free from chemicals and chlorine as far as I know. Would you use a shower filter with this water?

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      The main purpose is the remove chlorine from municipal water sources so if yours doesn’t contain it, you shouldn’t need a filter 🙂

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