How does pool chlorine affect skin and hair?

Continued exposure to chlorine in the pool can cause skin problems.

A day at the pool often ends with irritation of the eyes of swimmers. The reason is chlorine, a chemical element that is used to prevent the appearance of germs in bathing areas and which, in high concentrations and on susceptible skin, can cause real problems for bathers’ skin.

It can cause dryness and irritation of the skin and eyes, as well as favoring the appearance of skin rashes.

In addition, other factors such as water temperature and pH can increase the irritating effects of chlorine if it is not kept at the right levels.

The effects can be reduced by good pool maintenance and simple actions such as avoiding prolonged exposure, wearing a pool cap, taking a shower when getting out of the pool and immediately applying sunscreen.

This group includes those with atopic skin. These patients have an alteration in the skin barrier that causes a loss of water through the epidermis, resulting in dryness of the epidermis and susceptibility to the penetration of substances that cause skin irritation.

In addition, patients with psoriasis may also experience dryness or irritation of the skin after exposure to swimming pool water, although to a lesser extent than atopic skin.

However, in psoriasis, sun exposure and simply being on vacation in a relaxed environment such as the beach or pool helps to control the psoriasis flare-up.

The main effect chlorine has on hair is to cause it to become dry and brittle. To reach this condition, the hair must be in contact with high concentrations of chlorine for a prolonged period of time and simultaneously exposed to the sun.

As to whether it can cause the hair to become greenish in color, dyed or bleached blond hair can change color and become greenish when exposed to swimming pool water.

Products used for hair bleaching can damage the hair cuticle making it more porous and susceptible to damage from other agents.

Chlorine itself is not the cause of green hair color, but it can cause other metals, such as copper or iron, to oxidize in the water, resulting in green hair coloration.

1 Take a shower after getting out of the pool to remove pool water remaining on the surface of the skin.

2. Apply sunscreen immediately after showering.

3. After bathing at home, apply moisturizer according to skin type.

4 .Wear a swimming cap.

5 .Use shampoo and hair mask with moisturizing effect.