Protect Skin From Chlorinated Water
Chlorine Effects
A common question that water adventure lovers have is – Do water parks use chlorine water? Yes, both swimming pools and waterparks use chlorine water. But why is it used? Also, is chlorine water good for the skin? Let’s learn more about the use and effects of chlorine in water on skin.
Why is Chlorine Required in the Pools?
Chlorine is an essential additive to water because it kills harmful germs that can be responsible for illnesses, including swimmer’s ear and diarrhoea. To be specific, chlorine kills bacteria, such as salmonella, E.coli and other viruses. With its disinfecting property, chlorine helps eliminate harmful organisms and algae. If waterparks and pools are not treated with chlorine, the water over time turns into a cloudy green color. Contaminants start accumulating and the pool not only looks dirty, but is also a breeding ground for infection and disease. Hence, it is important to add chlorine to water to ensure the safety, health and wellness of visitors using the waterpark and pool.
What Chlorine Does to Your Skin?
Chlorine is a safeguard that keeps the water clean and safe for swimmers. But is chlorine water bad for the skin? Also, does chlorine water tan your skin? The ideal pH level of your skin should be 5.5. When chlorine comes in contact with the skin, the pH increases, leading to dryness. For those already suffering with dry skin, the interaction with chlorine water can cause further dryness. However, the good news is that it is easy to protect skin from chlorine. Simple measures and skin care can ensure no chlorine damage to skin.
Additionally, chlorine water alone doesn’t tan your skin. It works in a combination with the sunlight and other elements. Yes, there might be a temporary change of shade in skin color, where the skin might lighten or darken up. But again, there is no need to worry as there are no long-term effects of chlorine on skin. The slight discoloration can be easily removed using soap, shampoo or body lotion. One can also apply moisturiser or hyperpigmentation creams.
Chlorine water also does not increase the risk of sunburn. By applying sunscreen when exposed to the sun and chlorinated water, there is minimal to no effect of the chlorine on skin.
How to protect skin from chlorine
Chlorine water has many benefits and the minor inconveniences that it causes the skin, can be remedied. Here are some tips to help protect your skin from chlorine water.
- Take a shower before jumping into the pool. When the skin is wet it tends to absorb less chlorine.
- Apply oil or petroleum jelly of your choice before swimming. This layer of protection will decrease the amount of chlorine penetrating through the skin.
- Apply sunscreen and reapply often when you go in the water. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays.
- Take a bath after you are done with the water rides. A good scrub will rinse off most of the chlorine.
- Using a swim spray after a swim helps remove the chlorine from your skin and hair.
- Wear a shower cap to minimise the amount of chlorine reaching your hair.
- For dry skin, make sure to apply a moisturiser before you venture into the water. For chapped lips too a moisturiser helps. If your skin is already cracked, then avoid using scented creams.
- In case, your skin is too dried out, then avoid going back to the pool for another 2 to 3 days.
Chlorine Maintenance in Waterparks
Waterparks and swimming pools maintain chlorine levels in their waters to ensure there are no chlorine effects on skin. The level of chlorine is monitored rigorously by waterparks and pools. Through different ways, such as pool testing kits, shocking , adjusting pH levels etc. experts and staff at the swimming pools regularly maintain the chlorine levels. At Wet’nJoy Water Park, for instance, the chlorine levels are frequently and stringently watched and maintained.
Finally, the effects of chlorine in water on skin are negligible for most people. However, those with sensitive skin are advised to take protection to avoid any major detrimental long-term effects of chlorine on skin. It is important to understand that chlorine in fact, helps to maintain the health and hygiene of the pool. It eliminates harmful bacteria and algae to create a safe environment for swimmers and guests to enjoy. Take essential measures, apply moisturiser, sunscreen and shower well. That’s about all it takes to splash without any worry in a chlorinated water pool!