Chlorine is necessary to keep water disinfected. That way, you can enjoy swimming safely without worrying about being exposed to bacteria like E. coli. However, even though chlorine helps you stay safe and healthy when you're swimming, it can cause problems for your skin, hair and swimsuit. Before we discuss the best ways to protect yourself from chlorine and remove it after a swim, let's take a look at the reasons why you should be concerned about chlorine exposure.
Chlorine can adversely affect your skin, hair and bathing suit in the following ways:
Effects of chlorine on your hair: Chlorine deprives your hair of the natural oils that otherwise keep it soft and healthy. If you have repeated exposure to chlorine, the problem will be compounded, and your hair may become dry and brittle. Another problem is that, if your hair has been color-treated, chlorine can cause the color to fade.
Effects of chlorine on your skin: When it comes to your skin, chlorine can leave you feeling dry, itchy and sensitive. This is because chlorine strips away the natural oils that protect your skin and keep it moist. Some people are more sensitive to chlorine than others, so you could experience more severe symptoms of irritation. Repeated chlorine exposure can eventually lead to fine lines and wrinkles on the skin.
Effects of chlorine on your suit: It isn't just your body that's affected by chlorine. Chlorine can also take a toll on your bathing suit. It forms hypochlorite when combined with water, which fades the color of your suit over time and can even cause the fabric to fray and disintegrate. For many people, the idea of losing their favorite swimsuit too quickly due to chlorine eating away at it is disheartening, to say the least.