Originally written August 3, 2021

There’s nothing quite like diving into a swimming pool to get away from the sweltering summer heat. Between the cool water and the gentle movements, it is a fan favorite this time of year. However, like most things, there can be a drawback when using the pool for long periods of time, especially when it comes to your skin.

In This Article...

1. What does swimming pool water contain?
2. Is chlorine bad for your skin?
3. How can I keep my skin healthy while swimming?
4. Does CEENTA offer skincare services?

What does swimming pool water contain?

A swimming pool uses a recipe of different chemicals to keep it sanitary against bacteria and algae. The most common and well-known chemical is chlorine, which reacts with water to create hypochlorous acid. While the name sounds intimidating, this weak acid is actually a non-toxic compound that does the heavy lifting for pool cleaning.

Is chlorine bad for your skin?

Swimming in a pool can be relaxing, but it is another activity that needs moderation. Too much exposure to chlorine from swimming (or too much chlorine in the cleaning process) can strip away your body’s natural oils, making your skin dry and prone to itchiness. Some people can even be sensitive to pool water and wind up with contact dermatitis as a result.

How can I keep my skin healthy while swimming?

This isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy your time in the pool, but rather there are some steps you can take to make it more enjoyable afterwards.

• Apply lotions and other barriers to your skin before swimming to block chlorine drying, especially those that have sunscreen for your face.
• Drink water to stay hydrated while you’re outside during a hot day.
• Shower as soon as you can once you leave the pool to wash off the chlorine and other chemicals, preferably with lukewarm water.
• After showering, apply moisturizers to your skin to retain your natural bodily oils.

Does CEENTA offer skincare services?

Swimming in the pool might affect your skin, but CEENTA is here to help. We offer medical-grade skincare products at many of our offices to keep your skin nourished during the summer, from the HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 by Alastin to the Rx C-Clarifying Serum from Obagi. 

If you find yourself spending too much time in the pool or outside this summer, Dr. Jewel Greywoode in Uptown and Dr. Neela Rao and her licensed esthetician Amanda Mackey in Fort Mill provide laser and light skin rejuvenation to treat sun damage and hyperpigmentation for smooth, blemish-free complexion. This service is best suited for fall, but they are available for your skincare questions any time of year.

Browse through our wide selection of products and schedule your laser and light skin consultation with Drs. Greywoode and Rao and Amanda Mackey using our online portal or myCEENTAchart.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor.