Pool: How to Protect Skin and Hair from Chlorine

Summer is the time for swimming not only in the sea, but also in the pool. If you notice that your skin or hair looks dry after visiting the pool, the chlorinated water may be the cause, says a dermatologist expert.

«Chlorine is very useful in swimming pools because it disinfects the water, reduces bacteria and viruses, and helps keep the water clean and safe.” says dermatologist and skin surgeon Dr. Jennifer Lucas of the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio and a board member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

The problem is that chlorine is irritating, drying out the skin and hair. The result can be irritant contact dermatitis, which manifests itself as a skin rash.

Chlorinated water can strip the natural oils from your skin and hair. This can lead to severe dryness, which can leave your hair feeling stiff and dull. It can also make your hair brittle, he says, and the same can happen to your nails. Chlorine can also irritate your eyes, he adds. So how protect myself? Dr. Lucas gives some practical advice:

• Apply plenty of sunscreen to your skin before entering the pool. Sunscreen will also act as a barrier against chlorine.
• Before entering the pool, wet your hair and skin with fresh water. This way they won't absorb too much chlorine.
• Apply a protective mask to your hair (it's similar to conditioner, but you can't wash it off)
• Swim with a cap and goggles.
• As soon as you leave the pool, take a shower with fresh water.

“The last thing you want is to sit in the sun with chemicals on your body,” says Dr. Lucas. “As long as chlorinated water residue remains on your skin, it can cause irritation. So, shower first, lathering your body and hair with a gentle cleanser. It’s also a good idea to moisturize afterwards,” she says. The product should contain ingredients that replenish the sebum (oil) removed by chlorinated water. Look for those that contain ceramides or alpha hydroxy acids. This will help reduce irritation and dryness of the skin and hair, she says.

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