How to Take Care of Your Skin This Pool Season

 How Chlorine and Pool Water Affect Your Skin

Swimming is one of the best ways to cool off, relax, and stay active during summer—but chlorine and pool chemicals come at a cost to your skin.

Prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can lead to:

• Dryness and flakiness
  
  

• Irritation, redness, or rashes
  
  

• Breakouts from a stripped skin barrier
  
  

• Dull, rough texture due to pH imbalance
  
  

• Increased sensitivity or stinging
  
  

To keep your skin soft, healthy, and glowing all season long, you need a pre- and post-swim skincare routine that shields, soothes, and rehydrates your skin.

 

 Pre-Swim Skincare Routine: Protect Before You Dive In

 

 

 1. Apply a Barrier Cream or Pre-Swim Shield

Why it matters:
Chlorine strips away natural oils, leading to dehydration. A protective layer minimizes absorption of pool chemicals and locks in moisture.

What to use:

• A lightweight moisturizer with ceramides and hyaluronic acid
  
  

• A few drops of jojoba oil or squalane to act as a moisture sealant
  
  

• A barrier balm (especially for sensitive skin or eczema-prone areas)
  
  

Apply 15–30 minutes before swimming so it has time to absorb.

 

 2. Don’t Skip Sunscreen—Even in the Pool

Why it matters:
UV rays reflect off water surfaces, increasing your sun exposure while swimming.

What to look for:

• Water-resistant, broad-spectrum SPF 50
  
  

• Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for sensitive skin
  
  

• Sport or swim-friendly formulas that won’t wash off easily
  
  

 Reapply every 80 minutes or after towel drying.

 

Post-Swim Skincare Routine: Cleanse, Rehydrate, Repair

 

1. Rinse Off Immediately After Swimming

Why it matters:
Chlorine residue continues to irritate and dry your skin if left on too long.

What to do:

• Take a lukewarm (not hot!) shower ASAP
  
  

• Rinse off thoroughly, including behind ears, scalp, and neck
  
  

• Avoid using loofahs or exfoliants on freshly exposed skin
  
  

Hot water can intensify dryness—keep it cool and quick.

 2. Use a Gentle, Hydrating Cleanser

Why it matters:
Harsh soaps can strip already sensitive post-swim skin. You need a pH-balanced, sulfate-free cleanser to remove chlorine without damaging the skin barrier.

What to use:

• Cream or gel cleansers with glycerin or aloe vera
  
  

• Oat-based or micellar cleansers for sensitive skin
  
  

• Avoid cleansers with alcohol, fragrance, or sulfates
  
  

 Use fingertips, not scrubs, to wash your face post-pool.

 

 3. Rehydrate with Targeted Moisture

Why it matters:
Chlorine depletes your skin’s hydration, leaving it tight, itchy, or flaky. Restoring water and lipids is key.

What to apply:

• A hydrating serum with hyaluronic acid or polyglutamic acid
  
  

• A ceramide-rich moisturizer to rebuild your skin barrier
  
  

• Body lotion or after-swim balm with shea butter or colloidal oatmeal
  
  

 Layer hydration: serum → moisturizer → body cream for maximum recovery.

 4. Soothe Irritated or Itchy Skin

Why it matters:
Redness, tingling, or rashes can result from chlorine sensitivity or micro-abrasions from pool surfaces.

What to apply:

• 100% aloe vera gel for instant soothing
  
  

• Thermal spring water spray to cool and calm
  
  

• Oat-based or chamomile-infused creams to relieve itching

 If irritation persists, reduce swim frequency or see a dermatologist.

Bonus: Protect Your Hair from Chlorine, Too!

Chlorine not only damages skin—it also weakens and dries out your hair.

Before Swimming:

• Rinse hair with clean water first (wet hair absorbs less chlorine)
  
  

• Apply leave-in conditioner or a few drops of hair oil
  
  

• Wear a swim cap to reduce chlorine contact
  
  

After Swimming:

• Use a clarifying shampoo to remove chlorine buildup
  
  

• Deep condition once a week
  
  

• Apply argan oil or keratin treatments to smooth and protect
  
  

Extra Poolside Skincare Tips

✔ Keep a hydrating mist and lip balm with SPF in your swim bag
✔ Use non-comedogenic products to avoid chlorine-triggered breakouts
✔ Avoid exfoliating the day of or after swimming—your skin needs recovery
✔ Choose UPF-rated rash guards or cover-ups for extended poolside lounging

 

Final Thoughts: Swim Smart, Glow On

Enjoying the pool doesn’t mean sacrificing your skin health. By taking a few proactive steps before and after your swim, you can:
✔ Shield your skin from chlorine damage
✔ Prevent dryness and post-pool breakouts
✔ Maintain hydration and a smooth, summer-ready glow

Whether you’re a casual swimmer or a daily pool-goer, these skincare tips are your ultimate defense for radiant, protected skin all season long.