6 Tips to Protect Your Skin and Hair From Chlorinated Swimming Pools

Water babies will affirm that there ain’t no party like a pool party and the best cardio workout is the one done in a swimming pool. Swimmers can go on and on about just how rejuvenating it feels but if we don't take care of our skin and hair, before and after swimming, it may not be so much fun later! If you ever felt itchy post a dip, it's primarily due to your skin getting exposed to the chlorine present in the water. We don't want that now, do we? 

Worry not, here’s what we need to do. 

Water before water 

Dry skin is a complete no-go when you enter the pool. A hydrated body helps in purifying the skin, replenishing lost moisture in the skin, and flushing out chlorine or other toxins from the body. This is why it’s important to drink lots of water in the hours before a swim. 

Take a shower before hitting the pool

Dry skin is chlorinated water’s best friend and your worst enemy! Your hair and skin are both less likely to absorb water from the pool once they’re already wet. That’s why it’s extremely important for you to take a shower before you enter the pool. The last thing you want is the chemicals in the water damaging your skin and hair. If you ask us, it’s non-negotiable. 

Moisturise and protect

Before taking a dip, apply body lotion, a good sunscreen and some lip balm. Yes, we know it’s a lot, but you’ll thank us later. The battle against chlorine in swimming pools begins even before you enter the pool. Using a swim body lotion or coconut oil, creates a barrier between the water and the skin, thus protecting the latter. 

Choose a swimming cap over style

After you’ve showered and applied either a conditioner or hair oil, it’s time to put your swimming cap on. Sure, it may not be the best look for Instagram, but it will help you protect your hair from damage. 

Wash off the chlorine with a shower 

A shower after swimming is also equally important because it helps to prevent the chlorinated water from drying on the skin and irritating it.  

Bonus tip: Opt for outdoor swimming pools

One might tend to think that this isn’t an important point, but guess what, it really is. If you’re swimming, it’s best done outdoors because indoor pools are often not well-ventilated. It can lead to the excessive chlorine in the air, which may impact your lungs and also cause even more skin problems. 

Happy swimming!