Swimming is one of the most relaxing and fun activities in which women like to participate in summer. A half-an-hour session of diving, swimming and floating is a full cardio workout. However, the chlorine in the pool can damage your skin.
The addition of chlorine to swimming pools is a process of disinfecting the water, but the chemical reaction with the skin is almost inevitable. Therefore, every woman must be aware of quick fixes and tips to prevent any damage to the skin.
What Are The Side-Effects Of Chlorine In Swimming Pools?
Chlorine Causes Dryness
It almost seems impossible to accept that while you are diving underwater, your skin is actually losing moisture. Chlorine opens up the pore of your skin and snatches away natural oil. Thus, it is also renowned as a natural irritant.
If you remain in the pool for long hours, the chances of your skin getting irritated and itchy increase. If you swim for long hours, the pool water can show long-term effects like premature ageing.
Chlorine Can Kill Good Bacteria
We know that chlorine is added to the water so that it can kill harmful bacteria and protect us. However, not many know the chemical has the capacity to kill good bacteria as well.
Our dermal layer has beneficial microflora. A few studies have found that chlorinated water from a swimming pool can kill it. Thus, it snatches polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E from our skin.
Chlorine Can Cause Breakouts
Water in the swimming pool deprives your skin of moisture. When the barrier is broken, it leads the dermal layer to produce sebum in large amounts. When the oil is produced in large amounts, it can lead to pimples and acne.
Hence, if you are spending long hours in the swimming pool, you must be aware that it can also lead to break-outs. Thus, women must take preventive measures to avoid it.
Chlorine Can Darken Your Skin
If you go swimming out in the open, your skin is directly exposed to the sun. It can trigger the rate of production of melanin in your dermal layer. Our skin already has it, and overproduction of the compound can make our skin darken.
Since chlorinated water from pools breaks the protective barrier of your skin, therefore, UV rays can penetrate deeper and have a negative impact on your dermal layer. It can also lead to severe tanning and skin burn.
Chlorine Can Worsen Diseases
Women who already have psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis must be cautious while deciding to swim. Your skin might be hypersensitive, and exposure to chlorine can make the condition worse.
When chlorine is dissolved in water, it reacts and forms hypochlorous acid. The acid can cause inflammation of the skin. Hence, it can lead to scaling, rashes, dryness and itching.
Tips To Prevent Damage Caused To Skin By Chlorine In Swimming Pools
Do Not Forget To Moisturise
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! There is no better skincare tip than this. When your body is exposed to chemicals like chlorine, it gets stripped off of its natural moisturisation.
Hence, as soon as you take shower, apply body massage oil or moisturiser to balance the hydration level of the dermal layer. You must always choose a mild moisturiser to keep the pH level balanced.
Swimming Outdoor Is Better Than Swimming Indoor
The indoor swimming pools do not offer proper ventilation. Therefore, the chemical gases get trapped in the air, and they can add more to your skin problems. For this reason, outdoor swimming pools are better than indoor ones.
Take A Shower Before Diving Into The Pool
If you shower before diving into the swimming pool, it removes sweat, perfumes, shampoos, cosmetics and soaps from the body. These substances can absorb chlorine or react adversely with chlorine.
Showering before also prevents the direct penetration of the chemical into your skin. It will slow down the reaction of your skin with chlorine.
Add Vitamin C To Your Skin Care Routine
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is renowned to protect the dermal layer from the harmful effects of the sun. It can also reduce tanning and prevent burning of your skin.
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Do Not Forget To Exfoliate
Exfoliating your dermal layer can help to remove dead skin cells. It can prevent the skin from appearing dull and lifeless. You can create a tomato scrub, it will dissolve the dead skin cells and help maintain a healthy glow on your body. It is skin care hack to get rid of swimming tan.
Wear A Sunscreen
When tanning and sun damage are common side-effects of swimming, why not try a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It will protect your dermal layer from UVB and UVA rays from the sun.
You must use a sunscreen that is resistant to water and apply it for 20 minutes before going for a dive in the pool. You must also apply the cream again after swimming. It will help to keep the damage level to a minimum.
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Use A Lip Balm
The gentle dermal layer of your lips is also a part of your skin. Like the rest of your body, your lips also get damaged during swimming. Therefore, you must apply a lip balm before and after swimming. Women must keep applying the lip balm in short intervals to keep their lips hydrated and soft. It is a crucial part of lip care routine.
Do Not Forget To Drink Water
No, we are not asking you to drink the water from the pool. Instead, we are asking you to hydrate your body with water, juice and supplements. Swimming is a full-body workout after which your body needs to replenish the lost fluid.
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