Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. It improves cardiovascular health, builds endurance, and offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. However, if you are spending hours in the pool every
week, there’s one thing you shouldn’t ignore: chlorine.
While chlorine is added to swimming pools to keep the water clean and germ-free, repeated exposure can take a toll on your skin and hair. Over time, it can strip away natural oils, leaving skin dry and irritated and hair dull, frizzy, and prone to breakage.
According to Dr Chandani Jain Gupta, MBBS, MD, Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician at Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi, swimmers can protect their skin and hair by following a few simple steps before and after entering the pool.
How Does Chlorine Affect Your Skin And Hair?
“Swimming daily offers great health benefits, but over time, your skin and hair are exposed repeatedly to chlorine,” says Dr Gupta.
Chlorine can remove the skin’s natural protective oils and weaken the hair’s protective barrier. As a result, frequent swimmers may experience
- Dry, itchy skin
- Skin irritation and sensitivity
- Dull and frizzy hair
- Split ends
- Increased hair breakage
The effects can be even more noticeable in people with sensitive skin, eczema, or colour-treated hair.
Before Swimming: Prepare Your Skin And Hair
A little preparation before entering the pool can significantly reduce chlorine exposure.
Take A Quick Shower First: Before getting into the pool, rinse your body and hair with clean water. According to Dr Gupta, pre-wetting helps reduce the amount of chlorinated water absorbed by the skin and hair.
Apply A Light Moisturiser: A water-resistant lotion can create a protective layer between your skin and the chlorinated pool water, helping minimise dryness and irritation.
Protect Your Hair: Hair acts like a sponge. If it’s already soaked with clean water, it absorbs less chlorinated water from the pool.
Dr Gupta recommends wetting your hair before swimming and applying a leave-in conditioner or a silicone-based hair serum for additional protection.
Wear A Swim Cap: If you’re a regular swimmer, investing in a well-fitting swim cap is one of the simplest ways to reduce direct exposure to chlorine.
After Swimming: Don’t Skip This Step
What you do after getting out of the pool is just as important as your pre-swim routine.
Rinse Off Immediately: Shower with fresh water as soon as possible after swimming to wash away chlorine residue from your skin and hair.
Use A Gentle Shampoo: Regular swimmers should consider using a mild shampoo or a swimmer’s shampoo to remove chlorine buildup without excessively drying the hair.
Follow Up With Conditioner: Chlorine can leave hair dehydrated, making conditioning a non-negotiable step. A nourishing conditioner helps restore moisture, reduce frizz, and minimise damage.
Additional Tips For Frequent Swimmers
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
- Apply sunscreen before using outdoor pools
- Follow a consistent skin and hair care routine
- Pay extra attention to your skin if you have eczema or sensitivity
- Use additional hair protection if your hair is coloured or chemically treated
Dr Chandani Jain Gupta points out that swimmers don’t have to choose between healthy skin and a healthy lifestyle. With the right care routine, you can continue enjoying the benefits of swimming while keeping chlorine-related damage at bay.
