Ishita Roy

Are Chlorinated Pools Causing Skin Damage and Increasing Health Risks? What You Need to Know

Summers are here, it is hot and humid and no direct sun on us. This makes it best for going out and swimming. Everyone enjoys swimming, but the chlorine that is used to clean the water might damage your <span>skin</span> and cause risks to your <span>health</span>. 

The chlorine that is used to sanitise the pool consists of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite and chlorine gas. All of this together makes hypochlorous acid, which is a cleaning agent. When chlorine dissolves in water, byproducts like trihalomethanes and chloramines are formed. These products can be irritating to the skin. 

<h5><span rel="noindex">Skin Risks</span> from Chlorine</h5>Experts suggest that risks of xerosis or dry skin are common for people with sensitive skin. Other issues can be allergic contact, dermatitis or eczema flares, dryness, and itchiness. 

Chlorine can also cause acne as it can strip off the natural oils and the good bacteria of the skin, leading to acne. Often, prolonged exposure in the pool may lead to the appearance of white spots and changes in pigmentation, leading to discolouration. Another risk could be premature ageing. When we come out of the pool, we see our skin has wrinkled. This happens because chlorine breaks down the collagen and elastin in our skin, as a result, the skin loses its tightness. 

<h5>Other Health Risks</h5>Apart from skin infections, if chlorine enters your eyes or nose, it can cause irritation, red eyes and itchiness. Frequent swimming can also lead to respiratory hazards. In rarest of the cases, changes in the skin’s pH levels can lead to low blood pressure. 

<h5>How to be Safe?</h5>One must swim in moderation. A 30-to-40-minute swimming session won’t expose you to such risks, as per the experts. However, if the time and the frequency of swimming increases, you might be at the edge of these risks. 

<h5>What Can You Do?</h5>Go for alternatives. There are now chlorine-free or reduced-chorine swimming pools. For instance, in saltwater pools, generators convert salts into chlorine making for a more natural experience without the smell of chemicals or skin irritants. 

Some pools use UV disinfectors which neutralises the bacteria in the water and reduce the need for chlorine. 

Biological filters and plants are also good options to maintain water quality. 

<h5>Be Safe, Follow These Measures</h5>If you are unable to find these alternatives nearby, here are some preventive measures you can take before and after you dive into the swimming pool. 

Always rinse before you enter the pool, you do not want to take your dirt to the pool. Do not forget to use sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you jump into the pool, so your skin can absorb the lotion. You can also apply coconut oil to protect your skin against irritants. 

Use goggles to avoid getting an eye infection when in the pool. Once done swimming, take a shower and use antiseptic soap to wash your body. This will also help you avoid any infections. Use a vitamin C moisturiser to avoid dryness and wrinkly skin. 

As might as it seems appealing, do not eat in the pool. This will attract pests and bacteria and will lead to other health concerns. 

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Summers are here, it is hot and humid and no direct sun on us. This makes it best for going out and swimming. Everyone enjoys swimming, but the chlorine that is used to clean the water might damage your skin and cause risks to your health. What is Chlorine? The chlorine that is used to sanitise the pool consists of sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite and chlorine gas. All of this together makes hypochlorous acid, which is a cleaning agent. When chlorine dissolves in water, byproducts like trihalomethanes and chloramines are formed. These products can be irritating to the skin. Skin Risks from ChlorineExperts suggest that risks of xerosis or dry skin are common for people with sensitive skin. Other issues can be allergic contact, dermatitis or eczema flares, dryness, and itchiness. Chlorine can also cause acne as it can strip off the natural oils and the good bacteria of the skin, leading to acne. Often, prolonged exposure in the pool may lead to the appearance of white spots and changes in pigmentation, leading to discolouration. Another risk could be premature ageing. When we come out of the pool, we see our skin has wrinkled. This happens because chlorine breaks down the collagen and elastin in our skin, as a result, the skin loses its tightness. Other Health RisksApart from skin infections, if chlorine enters your eyes or nose, it can cause irritation, red eyes and itchiness. Frequent swimming can also lead to respiratory hazards. In rarest of the cases, changes in the skin’s pH levels can lead to low blood pressure. How to be Safe?One must swim in moderation. A 30-to-40-minute swimming session won’t expose you to such risks, as per the experts. However, if the time and the frequency of swimming increases, you might be at the edge of these risks. What Can You Do?Go for alternatives. There are now chlorine-free or reduced-chorine swimming pools. For instance, in saltwater pools, generators convert salts into chlorine making for a more natural experience without the smell of chemicals or skin irritants. Some pools use UV disinfectors which neutralises the bacteria in the water and reduce the need for chlorine. Biological filters and plants are also good options to maintain water quality. Be Safe, Follow These MeasuresIf you are unable to find these alternatives nearby, here are some preventive measures you can take before and after you dive into the swimming pool. Always rinse before you enter the pool, you do not want to take your dirt to the pool. Do not forget to use sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you jump into the pool, so your skin can absorb the lotion. You can also apply coconut oil to protect your skin against irritants. Use goggles to avoid getting an eye infection when in the pool. Once done swimming, take a shower and use antiseptic soap to wash your body. This will also help you avoid any infections. Use a vitamin C moisturiser to avoid dryness and wrinkly skin. As might as it seems appealing, do not eat in the pool. This will attract pests and bacteria and will lead to other health concerns. Lastly, remember to stay hydrated. 