Imagine the smells of summer. It could be the salty smell of the ocean, a burger sizzling on the grill or, if you’re poolside, the chemical smell of chlorine.
Of course, chlorine is a necessary element for summer fun; after all, you wouldn’t want to take a dip in a swimming pool without it. The chemical helps keep us safe from an otherwise bacteria-filled pool.
But is chlorine dangerous?
It’s true that “too much chlorine can cause a lot of skin irritation.” But the amounts that are used in swimming pools are typically not a cause for worry.
An over-chlorinated pool, on the other hand, can cause eye irritation, dry out the hair and skin (by stripping them of natural oils), and sometimes cause color-treated hair to turn shades of green. Because of this, it’s important to have the right levels of chlorine in the pool.
Recommendations from a Dermatologist
In general, swimmers need not worry about chlorine. If you do get a minor skin irritation, shower off immediately after getting out of the pool, and apply a good moisturizer like HH Sciences’ MaeBee Honey Body Butter lotion.
To ward off eye irritation while swimming, we recommend wearing goggles.
For children, it is important to make sure they are avoiding peak sun hours (10am-2pm), and by wearing and re-applying sunscreen of SPF 50+, hats, and protective clothing is a must.
Take Care Of Your Skin
After swimming:
- Shower Immediately
- Wash Your Bathing Suit
- Apply Moisturizer
- Hydrate Yourself
