SOS CHLORINE: another summer enemy of your skin

In addition to the sea and the beach, summer is synonymous with fantastic places with spectacular pools where you can dive and cool off during the hot days. On the one hand, all this generates a strong sense of well-being and relaxation, on the other it undermines a sad reality: the negative effects that chlorine can trigger on our skin. Chlorine is a chemical commonly used to keep public and private swimming pools clean, and although it is effective in fighting bacteria, viruses, and algae, it can cause serious skin problems if you do not adequately protect yourself. So, it is important to understand how chlorine can affect your skin and know some strategies to protect it from chlorine.

Preserving skin health in summer is crucial, as it is the time of year when it is most exposed to risks. Nevertheless, taking care of it all year round is an effective way to get to the summer with more resources. In this regard, click here to allow the skin to receive the necessary treatments for perfect care.

The contraindications of chlorine on the skin

Although chlorine is essential to preserve the safety of swimming pools, if you exceed with bathing in the pool, the skin can suffer several dermatological problems. This happens because chlorine, penetrating the skin through the pores, alters the pH of the epidermis and reduces the hydrolipidic film, that is the layer of fat that covers the skin and protects it from external aggressions. Here are some consequences:

1. Dryness, as chlorine can remove natural oils from the skin, causing dryness and flaking, and the consequences may be more noticeable for those suffering from dry skin and sensitive skin;

2. Premature aging, a direct consequence of dehydration of the skin. Chlorine acts by drying the epidermis that, in the long run, leads to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of tone;

3. Itching and skin irritation;

4. Redness and rashes;

5. Dermatitis;

6. Eczema, or worsen pre-existing symptoms.

How to preserve the health of the skin from the effects of chlorine?

It is essential to take precautions to minimize these negative effects and keep your skin healthy during the summer season. Here are some tips and preventive measures to reduce them:

• Shower before and after: Taking a shower before and after entering the pool can help reduce your skin’s exposure to chlorine. It is advisable to take a shower first to remove any oils, bacteria, and sunscreen residue that may come into contact with chlorine and cause a reaction. After exiting the pool, taking a second shower is necessary to remove the residual chlorine from the skin.
• Apply natural oils: Before entering the water, applying natural oils helps to create a protective barrier between the skin and chlorine, thereby reducing its absorption and preserving the skin from any skin damage.
• Moisturize the skin: To prevent the skin from drying out, after the post-pool shower, it is essential to moisturize the skin with moisturizers to restore the moisture lost due to chlorine.
• Stay hydrated: Keeping your body well hydrated is another way to keep your skin hydrated. Drinking plenty of water during the day, at least two liters, can help moisturize the skin from the inside and reduce the dehydrating effects of chlorine.

Conclusion

In order to keep the skin healthy and shield it from the damaging effects of chlorine, it is imperative to protect the skin barrier from it during the summer. By heeding the advice given above, you can reduce the damaging effects of chlorine on your skin and have more fun swimming in the summer. Taking care of your skin before, during, and after exposure to chlorine can significantly improve its hydration, protection, and softness.