Chlorine and Skin: what you need to know
- Maryana Lishman
- Feb 10, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 24
A nice long shower. Swimming lessons. Soaking in the tub.
Splashing in the pool. A big drink on a hot day. Things most people don't think twice about.
But when you have a family member with eczema, water becomes less simple than it may first appear, thanks to chlorine. A common disinfectant that removes harmful bacteria, viruses and pathogens with a distinct smell, for anyone navigating eczema or skin issues especially the wee ones, conditions this is an article you'll want to read.
Chlorine can strip away the natural oils on our skin and hair leaving them dry and irritated, and prone to damage. A compromised skin barrier can contribute to topical over-growths creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. It also creates a bleaching agent when mixed with water that sits on the surface of our skin, which we breathe into our lungs. When combined with organic compounds like sweat, urine, skin and even certain shampoos or soaps, chlorine may create potentially harmful compounds known as HAAs. Some studies suggest inhalation leads to increased irritability, and exposure to chlorinated swimming pools in early life is associated with higher risk of airway inflammation and IgE sensitization to dust mites, independent of other risk factors (study).
We can't always avoid chlorine completely but we can take steps to reduce our exposure.
SHOWER FILTERS 🚿
Chlorine not only disrupts the pH balance of your skin and hair causing dryness and irritation, it may also kill the good bacteria on your skin and as you shower, chlorine can enter your system through inhalation and absorption. Attaching a shower filter is a relatively simple and inexpensive way of minimising this risk, change the filter every six months or when you can smell chlorine again!
New Zealand:
New Zealand & Australia:
United States & Worldwide
BATHS 🛁
The cheapest way of degrading chlorine in the bath is Vitamin C!
How to reduce chlorine in the bath
According to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, just 1,000 mg of Vitamin C neutralises chlorine so here's how you can do it:
Run the bath water quite hot at first, adding one-quarter of a teaspoon of Sodium Ascorbate while it's running.
Allow it to naturally cool to a comfortable lukewarm temperature (it can take a little time so plan for this) to off-gas baseline chlorine naturally.
That's it, because of the combination of allowing the hot water to cool and adding Vitamin C, you'll have a chlorine free bath ready to go every time!
My favourite Vitamin C is NutriBiotic's Sodium Ascorbate powder. In NZ, this tub costs $25 and has 181 doses meaning each bath only needs around 14 cents of Vitamin C. If you're after a filter, Well Verti is my pick for Australia and New Zealand
HOUSE, BENCH TOP & UNDER SINK FILTERS 🚰
Whole House Filters
While these are pricey, they are also an excellent investment in your family's wellness especially if you're not planning on moving any time soon, covering all water coming into the home.
Under Sink Filters (NZ)
This under sink filter removes chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS and microplastics and is compact as well as easy to maintain. If filters are just out of your budget, then prioritise spring water from the supermarket such as these 10L boxes for drinking, broths and general hydration.
SWIMMING POOLS 🏊🏻
BEFORE:
If you're sweaty or your skin isn't clean, have a quick shower first.
Use goggles to help protect eyes from chlorine irritation.
Apply a natural emollient to form a barrier, such as shea butter or the incredible It's All Good Elemental tallow/zinc lotion (15% off with code MARYANA15)
AFTER:
Shower straight away. Spray skin with my DIY Vitamin C spray (see below). Take more Vitamin C as above. Have an epsom salts bath at home, and follow with chamomile tea.
VITAMIN C SPRAY RECIPE
½ cup filtered water
½ tsp Sodium Ascorbate (buffered Vitamin C) powder
Add water and Sodium Ascorbate together in a glass spray bottle. Twist lid closed, and shake well to combine. Apply over entire body but do not spray on/near the face or on broken skin. Vitamin C degrades in water so this spray will only last six hours (with around half the Vit C degrading in the first hour so make as close to needed as possible).
GET OUTSIDE ☀️
After spending time in a chlorinated environment, make it a habit to head outside for some fresh air. Open up the windows at home, take a walk or simply relax in a well-ventilated space to allow your body the space to naturally detoxify. If you need some sunscreen suggestions, I have this article.
Proper hydration is essential to flush toxins. Drink plenty of filtered water (ideally mineral rich spring water) before, during and after swimming. Chlorine-free swimming options include natural bodies of water or those that use alternative disinfection methods such as salt, ozone and UV light.
Find this article helpful? You may also want to join our free Facebook group, The Healing Tribe and follow more of our content at Instagram. If you want comprehensive guidance and support especially if dealing with eczema, allergies or other gut health related challenges, work with me 1:1 .
This article is not meant to replace the advice of your primary healthcare practitioner or to provide medical advice. It is intended to share knowledge and provide additional information to help you make informed decisions about supporting your body after probiotics. It is recommended that you always consult with your doctor if you or your child is suffering from a medical condition.
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