Chlorine drying out skin

bahhoweya

Hi,
I've recently (2 weeks ago) started swimming regularly (4-5 times per week) and I've noticed that since then my skin has become extremely dry and itchy! Never had a problem like this before, so I imagine it has been caused by the increased exposure to chlorine.
Just wondering if anyone else suffered similarly and if there was any body gels etc. that could be recommended?

iron_man

I know you can get a shampoo and shower gel from Boots that is designed for people that use the pool or gym regularly. Its not bad, maybe give it a try. Or something like E45 cream also may help...

anybody else any ideas?

swimforever

Depending on what pool I swim in I sometimes have this problem. I swam for up to 30hours per week in my training pool last year and never had much of a problem. However, I can spend half an hour in the pool where I teach and end up itching for the rest of the day! It just depends on the chemical levels (not only chlorine) and how busy the pool is.

The main thing I do is to make sure I wash off really well after swimming. I use lots of shower gel, I'm not particularly fussy about what type. I go through so much of it that I don't use anything too expensive...usually just something that smells strong enough to at least partly mask the chlorine smell! I have tried the products designed especially for pool use and I haven't noticed that they're particularly better than any others.

It's also a good idea to use plenty of moisturiser after the pool to stop your skin from drying out too much. As iron_man said, E45 is a very good one for dry or itchy skin.

If it's still causing a problem after doing that, you could try putting on a barrier cream before swimming. If you do this make sure it's something that doesn't come off easily. First of all, if it's going to come off straight away then it's not going to help much anyway. But more importantly, if it's going to wash off in the pool then it causes water quality problems for everyone using the pool. The best way to do it is probably to put it on at home and let it soak in (that way it'll form a good barrier anyway) and then have a shower before getting into the pool to wash off any that's just going to come off straight away in the pool otherwise. Some of the staff where I teach suffer badly with their skin and, again, E45 cream seems to be the thing that works best for them, it's not too greasy and doesn't come off easily.

Of course the other alternative is to swim in the sea instead

dekbhoy

Vaseline is a very good cheap alternative for conditions when swimming , apply to the particular areas you suffer most before getting in pool . after a good wash apply E45 , then if you find you are still suffering apply vaseline to affected area before bed . by morning you will be fine , key is too keep applying moisturiser once or twice a day and drink plenty of water before swimming to keep skin hydrated

Michael Phelps

Yeah happens a bit, I use E45 cream.

Starburst85

My skin becomes itchy if I spend too long in the shower, it could be that your skin is sensitive, E45 or Aloe Vera are both good

AgentPotato

Yeah that happens to me all the time. Just drink lots of water beforehand, and put some moisturizer on your skin afterwards and if that doesn't work, put on some Vaseline before you go to bed. Then you'll be fine.

AgentPotato

Or use E45 cream like most people are saying. That works too.

ician

Despite most posters advice I would use E45 cream.