Chlorine-Proof Your Skin: A Pool Day Survival Guide
With summer around the corner, pool days are inevitable—but so is that dreaded dried-out skin feeling after a long swim. So, how can we protect our skin from the harsh chemicals that keep our pools clean? Before diving into the best post-pool products, let’s break down what’s in the water.
What is Chlorine?
Most pools (besides saltwater ones) are treated with chlorine to keep bacteria and algae at bay. Chlorine disinfects and oxidizes unwanted materials, including dirt and chloramines. Now, what are chloramines exactly? They’re compounds formed when chlorine combines with contaminants like sweat, urine, and bacteria. So yes, chlorine is doing us a favor by keeping pool water safe and hygienic, but the downside is that it’s tough on our skin. Since we can’t avoid it, our best bet is to take steps to lessen its effects.
Pre-Swim: Set Up a Skin Barrier
Chlorine’s disinfecting powers come at a cost: it dries out the top layer of our skin, leading to itchiness, flakiness, and even eczema flare-ups. The easiest way to prevent this? Apply sunscreen, moisturizer, or body oil before you hit the water. These create a barrier between your skin and the chlorine. How? Most of these products contain oils, which are nonpolar (no charge imbalance), unlike water, which is polar (meaning it has positive and negative charges). Nonpolar oils repel polar water, letting your skin stay shielded while you swim.
Post-Swim: Cleanse and Rehydrate
Once you’re out of the pool, the first step is to wash away the bacteria and chemicals. Use a gentle cleanser with ceramides to rehydrate your skin and strengthen its natural barrier. Ceramides are fats that help restore and protect your skin, keeping it moisturized. Avoid harsh ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide right after swimming, as these can make dryness worse. Instead, follow up with a thick lotion, and for extra hydration, seal it with a thin layer of Vaseline. Vaseline’s oil locks in moisture, preventing water loss and keeping your skin soft.
My Pool-Day Essentials:
Now you’re all set to dive into summer with healthier, happier skin. So go on, enjoy those pool days—you’ve got the tools to keep your skin protected and glowing!
