Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise low-impact, great for cardiovascular health and brilliant for boosting mood. Whether you’re a dedicated lane swimmer, enjoy family pool days or train regularly for competitions, spending time in chlorinated water can take a toll on your skin if you’re not careful.
At Novus Health, our dermatology team often sees swimmers with dry, itchy or irritated skin caused by frequent pool time. The good news? A few simple skincare steps can help protect your skin from chlorine and keep it healthy all year round.
Below, we share our top dermatologist-approved tips for keeping your skin in great condition so you can spend more time enjoying the water, without the unwanted side effects.
Why does chlorine affect your skin?
Chlorine is added to swimming pools to kill harmful bacteria and keep the water safe but it’s a powerful chemical that can strip away your skin’s natural oils. This can leave your skin feeling dry, tight and sometimes itchy.
Over time, regular exposure to chlorinated water can weaken the skin barrier, making it harder for your skin to retain moisture. This can lead to dryness, irritation, redness and for some people, flare-ups of conditions like eczema or dermatitis.
It’s not just chlorine itself that can be a problem the combination of chlorine and frequent showers can further strip away natural oils if you don’t replace that lost moisture.
How to protect your skin before swimming
1. Take a quick shower first
It might sound absurd, but rinsing your skin with fresh water before you get in the pool can help reduce how much chlorinated water your skin absorbs. Well-hydrated skin acts a bit like a sponge that’s already full, it’s less likely to soak up as much chlorine.
2. Apply a pre-swim barrier
A light layer of waterproof sunscreen or an emollient cream can act as a physical barrier between your skin and chlorinated water. Look for a fragrance-free product to avoid irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
3. Tie up long hair and protect your scalp
Your scalp can also be affected by chlorine. If you’re a regular swimmer, wearing a swim cap helps protect your hair and scalp from drying out.
Skincare tips for after your swim
1. Rinse off immediately
As soon as you leave the pool, rinse your skin and hair thoroughly with fresh water. This helps remove as much chlorine as possible and prevents it from drying on your skin.
2. Use a gentle cleanser
A mild, fragrance-free body wash can help remove residual chlorine without stripping your skin further. Avoid harsh soaps or overly hot showers, which can make dryness worse.
3. Moisturise straight away
Moisturising is the single most important step after swimming. Apply a good quality, fragrance-free moisturiser while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help repair the skin barrier and retain moisture.
4. Pay attention to problem areas
If you’re prone to eczema or dry patches, you might find these areas flare up more after swimming. Apply an extra layer of emollient to these spots and speak to a dermatologist if you need help managing flare-ups.
5. Don’t forget about your hair and nails
Chlorine can be just as harsh on your hair and nails. Rinse hair before and after swimming, wear a swim cap if you’re in the pool often, and use a gentle shampoo and conditioner formulated for swimmers.
For nails, keep them trimmed and moisturise your cuticles. If your nails become dry or brittle, apply a nourishing cuticle oil or hand cream regularly.
What about sensitive skin or skin conditions?
If you have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or dermatitis, chlorine exposure can sometimes make symptoms worse.
It’s still possible to enjoy swimming but you might need to take a few extra steps:
- Use an emollient before and after swimming to protect your skin barrier.
- Rinse off immediately and moisturise generously.
- Avoid staying in the water too long.
- If you notice a flare-up, speak to your GP or dermatologist for tailored advice.
Listen to your skin
Everyone’s skin reacts differently. If you start to notice new rashes, persistent itching, or severe dryness that doesn’t improve with good skincare, it’s worth getting professional advice.
At Novus Health, our experienced dermatology team can help with skin concerns related to swimming, chlorine exposure, dry skin and a wide range of other skin conditions. We can advise on prescription treatments if needed, as well as practical ways to keep your skin healthy and comfortable.
Need help with your skin?
Don’t let chlorine put you off doing what you love. With the right routine, you can keep your skin healthy, comfortable and protected all year round.
If you’re worried about dry or irritated skin or any other skin concern our friendly team at Novus Health Dermatology is here to help.
Our specialist services are available by GP referral, so speak to your GP if you’d like to access support.
Find out more about our dermatology service here.
Stay safe, enjoy your swim and take care of your skin!
