As summer approaches and pool season heats up, a refreshing swim may sound like the perfect escape. But according to a leading dermatologist, spending too much time in chlorinated water can cause unexpected damage to your skin, hair, and more.
Dr. Jennifer Lucas, a dermatologist with the Cleveland Clinic, is sounding the alarm and offering practical advice for swimmers who want to enjoy the pool while minimizing harm to their skin and overall health. “When it comes to the pool, it’s one of those things where an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure,” Dr. Lucas told Surrey Live. “You really want to protect your skin and your hair before you get in the water.”
One of her top tips: get wet before diving in. While it may seem counterintuitive, Dr. Lucas explains that rinsing off in the shower first saturates your skin and hair with clean water, limiting how much chlorinated pool water they absorb. “Already absorbed that moisture and won’t absorb the chemical water when you get into the pool,” she added.
But the risks of chlorine go beyond dry skin. Prolonged exposure can leave hair brittle, sting the eyes, damage nails, and even turn blonde hair a greenish hue. To minimize this, Dr. Lucas recommends using a swim cap or applying a leave-in conditioner or hair mask before swimming.
After a dip, don’t linger. A quick shower with gentle soap and a “rich conditioner” helps wash away lingering chemicals and rehydrates the skin and scalp. Moisturizing afterward is critical, especially if you’ve spent time in a hot tub, which contains similar skin-stripping chemicals.
Sun protection remains essential. “It’s particularly important for you to wear sunscreen,” said Dr. Lucas. “Putting that sunscreen on, getting that layer of coverage from the sun, that’s equally important, but also putting that barrier on your skin before you get into the water is important.”
Those with skin conditions such as eczema need to be especially cautious. Chlorine can trigger flare-ups of irritant contact dermatitis. The National Eczema Society advises avoiding swimming during active or infectious flares and recommends applying a generous amount of emollient cream before pool time.
“It is a good idea to put on more cream than you usually would, so that it acts as an effective barrier to the water,” the society advises. Outdoor swimmers with eczema should opt for sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Experts suggest applying an emollient about 30 minutes before sunscreen to avoid dilution and ensure maximum UV protection.
Just don’t overdo it. “Try not to overdo your emollient when outdoors,” the society warns, “as it may produce a ‘frying’ effect in the sun if it hasn’t been properly absorbed.”