Chlorine removal quick picks
Chlorine removal for hair: UltraSwim Chlorine Removal Shampoo
Chlorine removal for skin: TriHard Advanced Swimmer's Lotion
Taking a dip in the cold, refreshing water of a swimming pool feels amazing in the moment but less so after you dry off and realize you need to remove the chlorine from your now dry, itchy skin and frizzy, tangled hair. Having products on hand that can prevent damage and remove chlorine after exposure will help you avoid these side effects. We consulted dermatologists about the best skin care and hair products for the job and tips for how to get rid of chlorine on your hair and body. After all, you can’t let the pool itself ruin your pool day.
How chlorine affects your hair and skin
“Chlorine is an effective disinfectant, added to swimming pools to kill bacteria and other microorganisms and prevent infections,” Dr. Adam Mamelak, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin, Texas, says. While it’s important for swimmers’ health and safety, Mamelak says that “chlorine exposure has been associated with some negative effects on the skin and hair.” These include dry hair and skin, hair discoloration and chlorine rashes.
“Chlorine is a skin irritant that can strip skin of its natural protective oils and break down the skin barrier, causing dryness, itching and inflammation,” Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, says. “The effects on hair include dryness, increased brittleness and discoloration.”
Moreover, people with light-colored hair may notice that blond hair turns green as the heavy metals in the water become oxidized and bind to hair proteins, Mamelak explains. “Lighter hair is also more porous and therefore can lose its moisture and shine more easily,” he adds. Although, dark hair is also prone to some color-shifting due to chlorine exposure. “Chlorine has a bleaching or lightening effect on dark hair by both binding with artificial color and stripping the hair of its natural melanin pigment.”
These side effects are often temporary, but they can make existing conditions more bothersome. “Amongst other things, chlorine has been associated with skin flaking and itching, redness and eczema flares, and, with time, even wrinkling and premature aging,” Mamelak says.
How to protect your hair and skin from chlorine damage
To minimize the amount of chlorine that actually gets absorbed by the skin and hair, it’s best to take a shower before you jump in the pool. For the hair especially, this ensures that clean water is absorbed first, and then there won’t be as much room for the chlorinated water to get soaked up.
Likewise, it’s best to shower right after swimming too. Both dermatologists suggest using a clarifying shampoo to further remove chlorine deposits from the hair. Murphy-Rose says to follow up with a rich conditioner or moisturizing mask to nourish the hair too. As for the skin, after cleansing with body wash or a gentle soap, Mamelak says the best natural way to neutralize chlorine on the skin is to apply a vitamin C lotion or spray.
Best chlorine removal products
Mamelak recommends this affordable shampoo for its ability to remove chlorine, copper and heavy metals from the hair. For light-colored hair, this will help keep the green tint away.
Mamelak recommends Trihard's collection of products that are made by and for athlete swimmers. The line features pre- and post-swim hair and skin care, including this lotion that acts as a barrier between your skin and chlorinated water when applied before a swim. After your pool time, the algae and mineral-rich formula hydrates the skin and neutralizes any lingering chlorine smell.
This post-swim rinse-out treatment is "designed to remove chlorine, copper and other minerals from hair to prevent further damage," Murphy-Rose says. Some reviewers say it's able to restore blond hair and get the green tint out after just one use.
This lotion is made for swimmers or anyone who spends a lot of time outside. It relieves sunburns, heals dry and cracked skin and neutralizes chlorine, bromine and salt water. The formula includes natural skin care ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter and coconut oil.
No more chlorine smell when you use this salon-grade shampoo that was made specifically to remove the chemical. It'll clarify the strands, and it even works to remove the heavy metals found in hard water.
"The best way to reduce skin irritation is to apply ... occlusive ointments like petrolatum jelly or Aquaphor to skin before [chlorine] exposure," Murphy-Rose says. This creates a barrier between your skin and the chemicals.
Similar to Aquaphor, pure coconut oil can be used as a protective shield on your skin and hair before you dive into the pool. Since oil repels water, applying it to your hair and skin will make it less likely for chlorine to be absorbed. After swimming and rinsing off, the occlusive can be used as a hair mask or skin moisturizer to lock in hydration. Mamelak says coconut oil and jojoba and almond oils "contain antioxidants that further protect and restore the skin."
Dermasport was co-founded by a dermatologist who is also an avid swimmer and the triathelete behind the Triswim brand. Mamelak says the products, which are safe for sensitive skin and feature botanical ingredients, are a good option for clean skin care enthusiasts.
This is a great everyday body lotion, but even better for after a day at the pool thanks to the chlorine-neutralizing vitamin C, which also has tons of other skin benefits like brightening, firming and protecting against free radical damage.