Pool protection tips: Prevent skin and hair damage from pool chlorine if you go swimming every day

Swimming tips: Wear a swim cap, and shield your skin from direct exposure to chlorine by wearing a rash guard or swim shirt (Image: Canva)

After spending time in chlorinated pool water, you may experience dryness, itching, redness, and irritation of the skin. Your hair may become brittle, frizzy, and discolored, with a greenish tint often appearing in lighter hair colours. Chlorine, a common disinfectant used in swimming pools, is the primary culprit behind pool-related skin and hair damage.

While chlorine effectively kills bacteria and prevents the spread of waterborne illnesses, it can also strip the skin and hair of their natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Addressing these symptoms can help prevent long-term damage to the skin and hair.

Prevention and treatment strategies:

Shower before and after swimming: Before entering the pool, rinse off in the shower to remove oils, sweat, and cosmetics, which can react with chlorine to exacerbate skin and hair damage. After swimming, shower again to rinse off chlorine residue. Showering before swimming helps reduce the amount of organic material on the skin, minimising the formation of chloramines—a byproduct of chlorine reacting with sweat and urine—which can irritate the skin and respiratory system.

Apply a protective barrier: Before swimming, apply a layer of moisturising lotion or oil to the skin to create a barrier between the chlorine and the skin's surface. Moisturisers containing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid help hydrate the skin and replenish lost moisture, reducing the drying effects of chlorine exposure.

Wear protective gear

Protect your hair and scalp: Wear a swim cap, and shield your skin from direct exposure to chlorine by wearing a rash guard or swim shirt. Swim caps create a physical barrier that helps minimise chlorine exposure to the hair and scalp, thus reducing the risk of damage.

Rinse hair with fresh water: Before entering the pool, wet your hair with fresh water to prevent it from absorbing as much chlorinated water. Wetting the hair with fresh water before swimming helps reduce the porosity of the hair shaft, minimizing the amount of chlorine absorbed and decreasing the risk of damage.

Use chlorine-neutralising products: After swimming, use chlorine-neutralizing shampoo and conditioner to remove chlorine residue from the hair and scalp. Chlorine-neutralizing products contain ingredients that help break down and remove chlorine from the hair, reducing the risk of dryness and damage.

Hydrate before and after: Drink plenty of water before and after swimming to stay hydrated, and apply moisturiser to the skin immediately after showering. Hydrating the skin from within by drinking water helps maintain its elasticity and resilience, while applying moisturiser externally helps lock in moisture and protect the skin's barrier function.

Watch your time: Limit the amount of time spent in chlorinated pool water, especially if you notice signs of skin or hair damage. Prolonged exposure to chlorinated pool water may increase the risk of skin and hair damage, so limiting exposure can help lessen the effects.

Seek professional help: If you experience persistent or severe skin or hair damage from pool exposure, consult a dermatologist or trichologist for tailored treatment recommendations.