If you spend a lot of time in the pool then surely at one point or another you have felt the unpleasant side effects of Chlorine damaging your skin. Although it is necessary for our health and safety when swimming, we do have to be mindful of the harmful effect it can have on the skin’s natural barrier function.
Before we get to all that let’s start at the basics, WHAT IS CHLORINE?
Chlorine is a disinfectant that kills bacteria, it is used to treat swimming pool water, and drinking water, as well as used in the manufacturing process of products we use every day like paper, paints, fabrics and insecticides.
Swimming with chlorine will affect everyone differently, depending on how much time you spend in the pool, your skin’s health, skin sensitivities, and pre-existing skin conditions.
So what are the negative effects of chlorine on one’s skin?
Chlorine is an irritant and can leave your skin feeling dry, tight and a little raw. The reason this happens is that chlorine tends to strip the skin’s natural oils and lipids, changing the pH balance of your skin and disrupting its barrier function. Leading to trans-epidermal water loss, where the skin becomes dry and irritated.
If you’re exposed to chlorine over the long term, this drying effect can lead to premature ageing in the skin. Depending on how sensitive your skin is or if there is a higher concentration of chlorine in the water there is a chance you can develop a rash, most commonly contact dermatitis, along with itching, redness and inflammation.
Pre-existing skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis or eczema can be made worse when exposed to chlorine as it can lead to further inflammation, pain and dryness.
But if you’re anything like us these side effects will not stop your training, playing, learning, competing or squad-ing. There are steps to take to minimise, neutralise and prevent this damage from happening to our skin.
There are a few easy pre & post-swim habits you should be starting to incorporate into your swimming routine. Start with the pre-swim shower, if you think of skin as a sponge there is only so much it can absorb. By taking a quick shower before you swim, you leave less space for pool water and skin irritants to be absorbed. Apply a barrier cream or body oil to your skin prior to going for a dip. This will offer some protection to your skin while you’re in the pool.
When you’re first out of the pool a spray is a quick and effective way to eliminate the damaging chlorine molecule from the skin and neutralise the odours that would otherwise have you smelling like an aquatic centre for the rest of the day. Choose a Vitamin C-infused spray. Not only is Vitamin a powerful antioxidant that neutralises free radicals on your skin but it does the same to Chlorine. Skincare with added nutrients will boost the skin’s natural renewal process while strengthening the barrier function of your skin.
If you have the opportunity to shower right after a swim, take it! Make sure you are using a body wash that will help to rebalance the skin’s pH levels, add moisture and eliminate dirt and toxins.
Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, essential oils and plant complexes will not only cleanse the skin and rid it of irritants, but these skin-loving ingredients will also hydrate, moisturise and protect the skin to create a healthy and strong skin barrier.