Usually, your skin gets exposed to chlorinated water when you enter the swimming pool to enjoy a therapeutic swimming session. In swimming pools, chlorine is a disinfectant to kill harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. After swimming, your skin can feel dry and itchy.

This is due, in part, to the effects of chlorine, which is commonly used to disinfect pool water. Some of the effects of chlorine on the skin include dryness and itching, eczema flare-ups, acne, discolouration, and premature ageing.

Chlorine can also strip the skin of its natural oils and erode your skin's natural protective barrier. Without this barrier, your pores open, and your skin becomes more vulnerable to the effects of water and chlorine.

Besides, chlorinated water can deprive your skin of moisture. When the barrier is broken, the dermal layer produces sebum in large amounts. When the oil is produced in large quantities, it can lead to pimples and acne.

Given the harmful effects of chlorinated water, protecting your skin from it is paramount.

Here are some of the things that you need to keep in mind before and after getting exposed to chlorinated water, in other words, swimming pool water.

Before you hit the swimming pool

Before going to the swimming pool, apply pre swim body lotion or some essential oil like olive, coconut, or baby oil. It will create a barrier between the chlorine water and the skin.

Before going to swim, it's always necessary to shower because if the skin is dry, it will help absorb the chlorinated water quickly. Otherwise, the chlorinated water of the swimming pool can reach deeper layers of the skin and cause more damage.

Taking a shower before going to swim helps to prevent the skin from absorbing a lot of chlorinated water.

Just before you step into the swimming pool, apply sunscreen. Sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, both UVA and UVB, while swimming. Also, it can form a protective layer on the skin and prevent the chlorinated water from the swimming pool from directly contacting the skin. Always wear broad-spectrum sunscreen for at least 15- 20 minutes before stepping into the swimming pool.

After the swim session

Take a quick shower after swimming, as this will help to prevent the chlorinated water from drying on the skin. Use an anti-chlorine soap or vitamin C crystals while showering after swimming.

Vitamin C is known as an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin against UV damage. It can also help reduce sun tan by inhibiting tyrosinase, a melanin-producing enzyme in the skin.