We’re deep in the summer, and swimming is (for many of us) one of the key activities on our to-do lists. Apart from being a fun and affordable activity, swimming is also quite an effective total body exercise.
Nonetheless, the chlorinated water in your favorite backyard swimming pool could be detrimental to your hair and skin. The chemical ravages the skin and hair’s natural oils, leaving you with dry skin and brittle hair. So how can you maintain glowing skin or healthy hair while enjoying your regular swimming sessions?
Treat Your Hair Before You Swim
Dry hair typically absorbs chlorine faster than wet hair. You are therefore advised to wet your hair a few minutes before hitting the pool and then coat it with an oil or silicone-based product like coconut oil or serum. Basically, oiling your hair creates a chemical barrier that slows the absorption of chlorine. On the other hand, silicone-based hair products cover most of the hair shaft and ensure that no unwanted residue is left on the pool.
You may also consider wearing a swim cap to keep most of the water away from your hair. Since caps are not 100% effective, wetting your hair before you put on a cap is recommended. Moreover, it is not advisable to use any skin protection products before going to the pool. This is because they wash off easily, hence affecting the water chemistry.
Have a Thorough Shower After Leaving The Pool
Chlorine, by itself, won’t turn your hair green. It is the oxidized metals (particularly copper) in the water that deposits the green concentrate on hair. Chlorine just hastens the oxidation process. Hence, you need to thoroughly wash your hair with shampoo to remove metal particles. Thereafter, rinse and apply your regular hair conditioner.
Moisturize Your Hair and Skin After Swimming
If you have sensitive skin, you may experience dryness and irritation when exposed to chlorine. To prevent this, take a shower straight after you get out of the pool. Notably, you may use soap and clean water to wash off the chemicals from your body. Thereafter, apply a body moisturizer to not only keep your skin moist but to also neutralize the chlorine. If you have super sensitive skin, you are better off using swimmer body washes that are specifically made to neutralize chlorine.
How to Protect Your Skin & Hair From The Effects of Chlorine
If exposure to chlorine has adverse effects on your body, you may consider avoiding pools that use the chemical. Admittedly, this is not easy, as most public swimming pools use it, as it is affordability and readily available. However, if you have your own backyard swimming pool, you should ideally use mineral chlorinators as opposed to chlorine-based products. One product that you may consider is the PoolRX Mineral, which uses 50% less chlorine. It also excludes all the other harsh chemicals used in chlorinators, including sodium bromide and clarifiers. It’s as simple as that!