5. Chlorine Can Sometimes Worsen Skin Conditions
Because chlorine strips away the natural oils in your skin that act as a protective barrier, spending time in a chlorinated pool can lead to a flare-up or worsening of psoriasis and eczema (sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, the main type of eczema), Jaber says. However, the effects vary from person to person.
In fact, swimming in a chlorinated pool may benefit some people with eczema. Chlorine is a bleach, and bleach baths may reduce eczema symptoms by killing bacteria on the skin, reducing itching, redness, and scaling.
Many people with eczema find that swimming in a chlorinated pool has a similar soothing effect, but some people managing eczema find that chlorinated pools irritate their skin.
Similarly, some people with psoriasis may handle chlorine just fine. However, others are more sensitive to the drying effects.
People with acne may also benefit from chlorine. “Chlorine has antibacterial properties, so it can actually kill the bacteria that causes acne,” Jaber says.
However, if chlorine dries out the skin, it can make acne worse, he adds. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, dry skin is irritated skin, and anytime you irritate your skin, acne can become more severe.
What to Do About It
If you’re among those people with eczema who find chlorinated pools irritating, you may want to stick to swimming in fresh water.
The same goes if you have psoriasis, especially if you have infected plaques.
You may find that swimming in salt water offers some symptom relief, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, though you should take care to keep your skin moisturized after a dip.
Avoid swimming if your skin is infected or you have sores or open wounds.
If you decide to swim in a chlorinated pool, rinse with lukewarm water beforehand. Then shower with a gentle skin cleanser as soon as you get out of the pool and apply a thick, cream-based moisturizer, Jaber suggests.
If your acne worsens due to chlorine, Jaber recommends washing your skin with a mild cleanser after swimming. Use a nonabrasive cleanser that doesn’t contain alcohol or oil. Be sure to restore your skin barrier with a gentle moisturizer. Look for products that are labeled “oil-free” and “noncomedogenic.”