Bacteria in Tap Water: The Hidden Trigger for Skin Issues

We’re all pretty good at cleaning our faces. But what if the water you’re using to cleanse is part of the problem?

Most of us trust our tap water — it’s clear, odourless, and regulated. But that doesn’t always mean it’s completely clean. One invisible factor often overlooked in skin flare-ups? Bacteria in tap water.

Let’s unpack what that means, and how it could be messing with your skin.

Where does bacteria in tap water come from?

Tap water travels through a long journey before it reaches your bathroom sink. Along the way, even with treatment, microorganisms like bacteria can still slip through — especially in older plumbing systems or during pipe repairs, heavy rain, or supply disruptions.

Common waterborne bacteria that may linger include:

• E. coli
  

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  

• Legionella
  
  

While Aussie water systems are considered safe, trace levels of these bacteria can still make it to your tap — particularly in certain suburbs or rural areas.

What does that mean for your skin?

Even small amounts of bacteria in your shower water can:

• Trigger breakouts, especially around the jawline and forehead
  

• Cause itching, redness, or flare-ups in sensitive skin
  

• Disrupt your skin’s natural microbiome
  

• Slow healing of existing acne or eczema
  

• Increase your skin’s vulnerability to infection
  
  

Think of it this way: You’d never cleanse your face with a dirty sponge. Why do it with water that might carry bacteria?

Is your skin barrier under attack?

Your skin has its own defence system — a protective barrier made up of oils, good bacteria, and moisture. But when that barrier is exposed to low levels of harmful bacteria on a daily basis (yep, even in your shower), it can become inflamed, reactive, and more prone to breakouts.

If you’ve ever said:

“I’m doing everything right but my skin’s still irritated!”
...the problem might not be your skincare. It could be your water.

How Lushi Filter helps

This is exactly why we created Lushi.

Our filter isn’t just about softening water — it’s about protecting your skin from hidden nasties like bacteria, chlorine, chloramine, and heavy metals. We designed it to give you a gentler, cleaner shower experience that supports your skincare, not sabotages it.

Less irritation. Fewer breakouts. And water that actually feels clean.

You can’t control what’s in your tap water. But you can filter it out.

Your skincare is only as good as the water you rinse with.
So if your skin is acting up, don’t just switch products. Start by switching your shower filter.

Lushi makes it easy. One simple change = clearer, calmer skin.