Whether you’re taking swimming lessons or simply love taking a dip in the pool to ward off the summer heat, it’s necessary to keep your skin protected from chlorine in the pool water. Chlorine is added to pool water to kill bacteria, but it is also a harsh chemical bleach that wreaks havoc on your skin.

Prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can damage the skin tissues, rob the natural oils from the skin and lead to dry, flaky skin. It can also accelerate skin ageing and cause acne breakouts. We are not trying to scare you from stepping foot in the pool; instead, we have a few tips that will help keep your skin protected while you enjoy your swim.

 

01. Shower before and after you swim

Shower before and after you swim - Tips to protect your skin from chlorine

The reason you see so many people standing under the shower before taking a dip is because if your skin is dry, it will quickly absorb the chlorinated water. This water will reach deeper layers and cause more damage. A quick shower will prevent the skin from absorbing a lot of chlorinated water. Don’t forget to take a quick shower post swimming as well to prevent the chlorinated water from drying on your skin.

 

02. Apply an SPF

Apply an SPF - Tips to protect your skin from chlorine

Sunscreen will not only protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays while you swim, but it will also form a protective layer and prevent the water from the pool to come in direct contact with your skin. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen as the Ponds Skin Fit Pre Work Out High Performance Sunscreen SPF50 at least 15-20 minutes before stepping into the pool for maximum protection.

 

03. Moisturise your skin

Moisturise your skin - Tips to protect your skin from chlorine

Exposure to chlorine and other chemicals will leave your skin feeling extremely dry; therefore, it is essential to moisturise the skin soon after taking a shower post your swimming session to lock the moisture back in. Use a body lotion with deeply nourishing and soothing ingredients such as the Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Fresh Body Lotion. Enriched with pure aloe vera extracts, this lotion will soothe and nourish your skin and keep dryness at bay.

 

04. Swim outdoor

Swim outdoor - Tips to protect your skin from chlorine

If possible, avoid indoor swimming pools as they are not very well ventilated and trap the gases from the chemicals. This causes even more skin problems, therefore, pick a place that has an outdoor swimming pool.