Secret To Your Best Skin & Hair, Why You Should Filter Your Shower Water + The Vitaclean Story w/ Founders Sara Douglas and Kristina Velkova
On the Pursuit of Wellness podcast, founders Kristina Velkova and Sara Douglas share the personal experiences that inspired them to create VitaClean, the first shower wellness product featuring a vitamin C-infused, triple-filtered showerhead. They discuss the damaging effects of hard water and impurities like chlorine on skin and hair, including issues like dryness, irritation, eczema, and discoloration.
The founders explain how VitaClean's unique three-layer filtration system, combined with infused vitamin C, neutralizes chlorine and removes contaminants. They describe how this technology helps moisturize skin and hair while offering optional aromatherapeutic scents and preventing mold buildup. The episode provides insights into the product's origins and its innovative solution for enhancing shower wellness.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jul 29, 2024 episode of the Pursuit of Wellness
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The founders' personal experiences led to VitaClean's creation
VitaClean founders Kristina Velkova and Sara Douglas experienced sludge buildup in their shower, leading them to recognize their hard water-related skin and hair issues. Velkova suffered from dry scalp, eczema, and hair loss, while Douglas had red, irritated skin, brassy hair, and itchiness. Realizing water quality was the culprit, they researched filtration but found conventional options impractical. Driven by their entrepreneurial spirit and the UK market need, they created VitaClean, the first shower wellness product: a vitamin C-infused, triple-filtered showerhead.
The effects of hard water on skin and hair
Per Velkova, hard water leaves behind a telltale crusty residue, revealing its high mineral content and potential for issues like dry scalp, eczema, irritation, and brassy hair. Douglas recounts her own red, irritated skin and itchy legs from hard water.
Also problematic are chlorine, which Velkova says negates vitamin C's benefits, and pipe residue. Even "good" water areas may have contaminants from old pipes, indicated by black microfiber cloths from filtered gunk.
VitaClean's triple-filtration and vitamin C technology
VitaClean's three-layer filtration includes a vitamin C shot to neutralize chlorine, ceramic beads, and a microfiber cloth to remove impurities like Velkova witnessed.
The vitamin C technology moisturizes skin and hair. Scents like citrus, lavender, and coconut provide an aromatherapeutic element, while an unscented option is available, per Douglas. The showerhead is also treated to prevent mold buildup.
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Counterarguments
- The connection between hard water and skin conditions like eczema is not conclusively proven; other factors may also contribute to these conditions.
- The effectiveness of vitamin C in neutralizing chlorine and its benefits for skin and hair when used in a shower filter is not universally accepted and may vary from person to person.
- The claim that VitaClean is the first shower wellness product may be contested, as other shower filtration and wellness products existed before VitaClean.
- The aromatherapeutic benefits of scented showerheads are subjective and may not provide the same level of benefit to all users.
- The long-term cost-effectiveness and environmental impact of replacing vitamin C shots and filters in the VitaClean system compared to other water softening or filtration methods could be a concern.
- The ability of a showerhead to prevent mold buildup may depend on various factors, including user maintenance and environmental conditions, not solely on the treatment of the showerhead itself.
- The implication that conventional filtration options are impractical may not take into account the wide range of existing water filtration technologies that have been effective for many consumers.
- The assertion that even "good" water areas may have contaminants could be seen as fearmongering unless supported by specific, credible water quality reports or studies.
- The effectiveness of ceramic beads and microfiber cloths in filtering out all relevant impurities from water may not be as comprehensive as suggested, depending on the specific contaminants present in the water supply.
Actionables
- You can test your water hardness at home using a DIY kit to understand the mineral content and take appropriate action. Purchase a water hardness test kit from a local hardware store or online, follow the instructions to collect a water sample, and use the provided strips or reagents to measure the hardness level. If the results indicate high mineral content, consider installing a water softener or exploring other filtration systems that suit your budget and needs.
- Create a simple shower filter maintenance schedule to ensure your filtration system remains effective. Set reminders on your phone or calendar to check and clean your shower filter regularly, such as monthly or bi-monthly, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations. Cleaning might involve rinsing the filter with water, soaking it in vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup, or replacing filter components if necessary.
- Enhance your shower experience with homemade aromatherapy solutions if you're sensitive to scents or prefer natural options. Mix essential oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or rosemary with a carrier oil and apply a few drops to the corners of your shower before you turn on the water. The steam will help diffuse the scent, providing a spa-like atmosphere that can also have potential skin and hair benefits.
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The founders' personal experiences and motivations for starting VitaClean
The founding story of VitaClean is rooted in the personal challenges faced by its founders, Kristina Velkova and Sara Douglas, with hard water. Their journey began with personal struggles that led them to an innovative solution for healthier skin and hair.
The founders discovered the need for better shower water quality through their own struggles with skin and hair issues.
Sara Douglas recounts how she and Kristina Velkova first crossed paths at hot yoga studios around the world, eventually becoming roommates. While living together, they encountered a significant plumbing problem—a complete halt in their shower's water flow due to sludge buildup. This incident was one of their first indications of poor water quality in their home.
Kristina was suffering from severe dry scalp and eczema, while Sara experienced red, irritated skin, brassy hair, and itchy legs. It wasn't until they experienced the "sludge story" that they began to piece together that the water quality in their shower was to blame for their skin and hair issues.
The founders were motivated to find a solution to their water-related problems and create a product to help others with similar issues.
Upon realizing the link between their health problems and hard water, they dove into researching water filtration. However, conventional options appeared expensive and impractical, especially considering that they would be moving out in a few months. When faced with a hefty 6,000-pound quote for a water filter system, they scoffed at the impracticality and started seeking out alternative solutions.
With Kristina and Sara's complementary skill sets and a strong symbiosis in their working relationship, they hatched the idea to start their venture. They sought to create something they were both passionate about and something that would grant them independence. Driven by their entrepreneurial spirit and the bad water quality they experienced in the UK, they sensed a significant market need.
They launched Vit ...
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The founders' personal experiences and motivations for starting VitaClean
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Counterarguments
- The founders' personal experiences may not be representative of a wider market need; anecdotal evidence does not necessarily indicate a widespread problem.
- The link between water quality and skin or hair issues, while plausible, may not be as direct or significant as the founders believe, considering other environmental and genetic factors could also play roles.
- The effectiveness of vitamin C-infused shower heads in improving skin and hair health is not universally accepted or proven by extensive scientific research.
- The cost of the product might still be prohibitive for some potential customers, even if it is less than conventional water filtration systems.
- The assumption that the UK market was resistant to wellness trends might overlook other factors, such as existing competition or market saturation.
- The success in the US market might not solely be due to the product's merits but could also be ...
Actionables
- You can assess your home's water quality by using a DIY testing kit to understand if you're facing similar issues. Purchase a home water testing kit from a local hardware store or online, and follow the instructions to check for common contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, and hardness. If you find concerning levels, consider reaching out to local water treatment experts for advice on addressing these issues.
- Create a simple filtration solution by adding a shower filter attachment to your existing showerhead. Look for a filter that targets the specific contaminants you've identified in your water test. This can be a cost-effective way to improve water quality without the need for expensive systems or professional installation.
- If you're experiencing skin ...
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The science and effects of hard water on skin and hair
Douglas and Velkova reveal the negative effects of hard water on personal care and advocate for the importance of recognizing these signs in domestic water use.
Hard water, characterized by a high mineral content, can have detrimental effects on skin and hair.
The high mineral content in hard water is known to leave a white, crusty residue, commonly called limescale, in showers. This is a telltale sign of hard water in the home and a warning of the potential skin and hair issues that may accompany it.
Hard water often leaves behind a white, crusty residue in showers, known as limescale, which is a sign of its high mineral content.
Kristina Velkova highlights the white, crusty residue left behind by hard water and how it indicates a high mineral content. Through personal experience, she addresses how hard water contributed to her dry scalp, brassiness, and hair falling out, suggesting the severe impact hard water can have on hair health.
The minerals in hard water can cause issues like dry scalp, eczema, red and irritated skin, brassy hair, and itchiness, particularly after shaving.
Sara Douglas shares her own struggles, including red and irritated skin after showering with hot water, which opens pores, brassy hair, and itchiness after shaving. These symptoms are attributed to the minerals in hard water, which can dry out skin and hair, causing a range of dermatological issues.
Chlorine and pipe residue in the water can also contribute to skin and hair problems.
In addition to the minerals in hard water, chlorine and pipe residue are also noted to be significant contributors to skin and hair problems.
Chlorine, which is commonly used to treat water, can neutralize the benefits of the vitamin C technology in VitaClean.
Kristina Velkova explains that the vitamin C in their product is instrumental in neutralizing chlorine—an additive in water treatment that can exacerbate brassiness and dryness in hair. She also points out that the benefits of vitamin C could be negated if the chlorine content is not addressed.
The buildup of pipe residue and sediment in old ...
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The science and effects of hard water on skin and hair
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Clarifications
- VitaClean is a brand that offers shower filters containing vitamin C technology. The vitamin C in their product helps neutralize chlorine in water, which can be harmful to hair and skin. This technology can help combat issues like brassiness and dryness caused by chlorine in water. VitaClean's filters are designed to improve water quality for better hair and skin health.
- Chlorine in water can strip natural oils from hair, leading to dryness and damage. It can also interact with hair dyes, causing brassiness. Using products with vitamin C can help neutralize chlorine's effects on hair health.
- "Sludge" in pipes is a term used to describe a thick, tar-like buildup that can accumulate in plumbing systems, especially in areas with hard water. This sludge can affect water quality by trapping contaminants and impeding water flow. It is a common issue in older plumbing systems and can contribute to skin and hair problems by introducing additional impurities into the water supply. Removing or addressing this sludge buildup is crucia ...
Counterarguments
- While hard water can leave limescale, not everyone experiences negative skin or hair effects, suggesting individual sensitivity varies.
- Some people may have skin and hair that are well-adapted to hard water, and they might not notice any adverse effects.
- The minerals in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, can be beneficial for health, and their impact on skin and hair might not be universally negative.
- There is evidence that vitamin C can neutralize chlorine, but the effectiveness of vitamin C infused shower filters like VitaClean in significantly improving hair and skin health is not universally accepted and may vary from person to person.
- The presence of pipe residue and sediment could be a concern, but it's also possible that water treatment and home filtration systems can mitigate these issues effectively.
- New buildings with ...
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The VitaClean product and its unique features
VitaClean is a unique shower head designed to counteract the damaging effects of hard water on skin and hair by infusing water with vitamin C.
VitaClean is a triple-filtered shower head that infuses water with vitamin C to address the damaging effects of hard water.
The three-layer filtration system includes a vitamin C shot, ceramic beads, and a microfiber cloth, each designed to remove different impurities from the water.
Kristina Velkova and Sara Douglas explain that VitaClean boasts a sophisticated three-layer filtration system. This includes a vitamin C shot, ceramic balls, or an alternative option of using shungite, and a microfiber cloth specifically designed to remove various impurities from water. Kristina shares an example of how, particularly in places like New York City with its old piping, the microfiber cloth in the filter can become visibly dirty within a week, evidencing the filtering action.
The vitamin C technology helps neutralize chlorine and increase moisture levels in skin and hair, providing a more nourishing shower experience.
The founders enriched the VitaClean design with vitamin C technology after it was observed to significantly alleviate the skin and hair problems that they faced themselves. Continuous use led to an observable glow and silkiness in their skin and hair—a result superior to what generic water filters provided. Lab tests confirmed these benefits, indicating an enhancement in the moisture of skin and hair after using their product.
VitaClean offers a range of scented and unscented options to provide an aromatherapeutic element to the shower.
The essential oil-infused vitamin C shots come in various calming and refreshing scents, such as citrus, lavender, and coconut, to create a spa-like ambiance.
VitaClean enhances the showering experience by adding aromatherapy attributes through different soothing and uplifting scents, suc ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The VitaClean product and its unique features
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of vitamin C in neutralizing chlorine and its impact on skin and hair moisture levels may vary from person to person, and some may not notice a significant difference.
- The long-term costs associated with replacing the vitamin C shots and filters could be a financial consideration for some users.
- The environmental impact of regularly replacing the vitamin C shots and filters should be considered, as this could contribute to waste.
- The claim that VitaClean can create a "spa-like ambiance" with scented options is subjective and may not be a universal experience for all users.
- The necessity of a triple-filtered shower head may not be evident in areas with soft water or high-quality municipal water treatment systems.
- Some users might be allergic or sensitive to even natural essential oils, making the scented ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your shower experience by creating a DIY water testing kit to measure the hardness and chlorine levels before and after installing any filtration system. This will allow you to see the tangible benefits of using a filtered shower head. For example, use a water hardness test strip and a chlorine test kit to compare the water quality.
- Consider blending your own essential oils to create custom scents for your shower that cater to your mood and health needs. For instance, mix eucalyptus and peppermint for an invigorating morning shower or chamomile and lavender for a relaxing evening routine.
- To maintain the cleanliness o ...
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