Do you have itchy, irritated skin caused by swimming? You may be suffering from chlorine itch. Learn how to reduce the effects of pool chemicals (including chlorine) on your skin and how to naturally protect swimmers.
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Chlorine itch is the term used for the sensitive itchy skin you sometimes develop after swimming in a chlorinated pool or hot tub. The itch may be caused by a sensitivity or allergy to chlorine… or just plain over exposure to chlorine.
Luckily there are easy ways to reduce the effects of pool water chemicals (including chlorine) and naturally protect swimmers.
How Chlorine is Used in the United States
Pools and hot tubs in the U.S. are treated with chlorine to prevent illnesses caused by germs and bacteria found in water. Municipal water systems are also treated with chlorine, EPA guidelines allow up to 4 ppm of chlorine in drinking water (tap water).
We are lucky to have a safe water supply in the United States, but it is important to understand the undesirable effects of chlorine in our water as well.
Why You Should Protect Your Skin from Chlorine
My kids swim year round for swim team and recreation. I love that they are interested in a sport they can participate in whether they are 5 or 95. But spending several days a week in the pool can wreak havoc!
- Swimming in a chlorinated pool means exposure to known skin irritants that can cause skin to become dry and itchy.
- Research suggests that chlorine in swimming pools can increase rates of asthma, cancer, and skin/throat irritation.
- When chlorine mixes with water it forms hypochlorite, a bleaching agent that causes fabrics to fade (Ever notice how faded swimsuits get?).
Chlorine Byproducts
In addition to direct risks, chlorine reacts with organic matter to form chemicals known as trihalomethanes, commonly called “disinfection byproducts.” These dangerous byproducts (including chloroform) are released when chlorinated water reacts with organic matter from swimmers such as sweat or urine. You can read more about trihalomethanes in the EWG 2013 Tap Water Guide.
How to Naturally Protect Swimmers from Chlorine
I hate exposing my kids to dangerous substances but love the enjoyment and exercise they get from swimming. What’s a parent to do?
I’ve decided to reduce chlorine exposure as much as possible and, as Dory might say, “Just keep swimming!”
Five non-toxic ways to naturally protect swimmers from chlorine:
- Wear a swim cap and goggles.
- A tightly fitting swim cap and pair of goggles prevents the chlorinated water from further reaching the hair and eye area.
- Get wet before swimming and rinse off afterward.
- Wetting skin and hair reduces the amount of chlorine you skin and hair can absorb.
- Create a layer of hair protection.
- Spray damp hair with an All-Natural Hair Detangler and Protectant (see my easy recipe at end of post).
- Form a skin barrier.
- Apply a thin layer of natural oil (i.e. avocado, almond, jojoba, argan, or coconut oil) to skin. This light barrier further prevents the amount of chlorinated water your skin and hair can absorb. Smooth the oil on while skin is damp to protect without becoming a greasy blob.
- Use a natural balm to protect lips. My kids use my all natural Healing Dry Skin Balm on their lips, knees, elbows and other dry spots.
- Treat skin, hair and swim gear with a vitamin C solution.
- Vitamin C naturally neutralizes chlorine! I make After Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray. See the full recipe below.
How to Use Vitamin C to Neutralize Chlorine (Vitamin C Dechlorination)
Both ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate (two common forms of vitamin C) will neutralize chlorine (neither form of vitamin C is considered a hazardous substance) according to the USDA.
1. Ascorbic Acid – The chemical reaction of ascorbic acid with chlorine is:
- C5H5O5CH2OH + HOCL → C5H3O5CH2OH + HCl + H2O
- Ascorbic acid + Hypochlorous acid → Dehydroascorbic acid + Hydrochloric acid+ water
2. Sodium Ascorbate – The reaction of sodium ascorbate with chlorine is:
- C5H5O5CH2ONa + HOCL → C5H3O5CH2OH + NaCl + H2O
- Sodium ascorbate + Hypochlorous acid → Dehydroascorbic acid + Sodium chloride + water
How to Make After Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray
- Directions: Mix 1/2 tsp sodium ascorbate with 4 ounces of distilled water. Use within 24 hours. (The solution breaks down and looses effectiveness after 24 hours.)
- Use: Generously spray After Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray all over immediately after swimming. The vitamin C neutralizes the chlorine.
*Tip: Add a teaspoon of sodium ascorbate to an empty 8 oz water bottle and bring it to the pool. After swimming take the bottle to the shower and fill with water, shake to combine then dump over your hair and body.
Vitamin C Shelf Life
Both ascorbic acid and sodium ascorbate are affordable and have a shelf life of at least one year in a dry form (stored in a cool, dark place). However, once it is mixed into a solution, the vitamin C degrades in a day or two. Mix just enough solution to use each day.
After Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray Cost
I currently use Source Naturals Vitamin C Sodium Ascorbate Crystals to make my after swim spray. It cost around $15.00 for 16 oz (approximately 189 days of After Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray at $0.08 a day). A similar natural product costs $11.95 for 6 ounces (about 12 days of spray).
Chlorine Removing Post Swim Routine
We follow a simple spray and shower routine to naturally protect ourselves from chlorine damage.
- After swimming spray off with After Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray (recipe above) then change and come home to bathe.
I also use a few simple tools to remove chlorine from our water at home:
- Carbon water filters in all of our home showers to remove chlorine.
- These screw on shower attachments cost around $30.00 and use $12.00 replaceable filters that last for up to 6 months. (We have been very happy with the results. Even my father, who is allergic to chlorine, was able to shower without developing itchy skin.)
- Bonus, the filters help keep my shower mold & mildew free and I have to do less scrubbing when cleaning!
- The shower attachments screw on with no special tools, we even take them with us when we move.
- For extra protection: Mix vitamin C into shampoo or body wash to neutralize chlorine or add a few teaspoons of vitamin C to the bathtub.
- You can also use Vitamin C tablets in your bathtub.
Protecting Swim Gear
This routine has helped reduce the amount of fading and breakdown in our swim suits:
- Rinse swim suits in a bucket of water with a teaspoon of sodium ascorbate after each use.
- Pour the whole bucketful (water, suits, and all) into the washing machine, add a scoop of non-toxic detergent, run the washer on the delicate cycle, then hang suits to dry.
- When I'm feeling lazy I toss the suits into the washer with a few teaspoons of sodium ascorbate and detergent then run the delicate cycle.
Protecting Hair From Chlorine
You can protect your hair from chlorine three ways:
- Wet hair before each swim. Wet hair can absorb less pool water.
- Apply a natural product that helps prevent chlorine absorption.
- Wear a tight swim cap.
All-Natural Hair Detangler and Protectant Recipes
- DIY Hair Detangler and Protectant with Essential Oils
- 1 Tbsp Vegetable Glycerin
- 1/2 cup Distilled Water
- 3 drops Argan Oil
- For Rosemary Mint add: 5 drops Peppermint Essential Oil and 5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil
- For Fresh and Floral add: 5 drops Rose Absolute Essential Oil and 3 drops Ylang-Ylang or Lavender Essential Oil
Combine all ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Shake to combine and shake again before applying. Use a few light sprays as a detangling spray after washing or apply generously to damp hair before swimming to protect hair.
2. Easy Hair Detangler and Protectant
Combine 1 oz of natural conditioner (use your favorite non-toxic conditioner) with 8 oz of distilled water. Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to combine. Use a few light sprays as a detangling spray after washing or apply generously to damp hair before swimming to protect hair.
I hope these tips and tricks help you naturally protect your hair, skin, and gear so you can keep swimming!
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these are great tips. Thanks for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Broad.
Thanks Brandi! I appreciate the support!!
I love your research, the fact that you include the chemical formulae, and other very useful scientific information. Thank you for doing this for me personally. I have avoided chlorinated pools and hot tubs because of a mild allergy to chlorine and I believe you have given me exactly what I need.
Thanks! My dad is allergic to chlorine too, no fun! The vitamin C has worked great for us. I hope it helps you too. You should definitely check out the shower filter if you have city water, it can be more chlorinated than pools!
Can you tell me where the best place to buy Argan oil and vegetable glycerin is? And essential oils? We just bought a house with a pool a few months ago and I want to try these things to limit our exposure to chlorine. Thank you so much for all of these tips!! I found your site off of pinterest & I’m hooked!!
I order a lot of my products from Amazon Prime.
My daughter is also a swimmer but has terrible sinus problems from chlorine. Any suggestions for a natural remedy to help?? Thanks! Love your site!!
Lisa, I would try to keep as much chlorine out of her nose as possible, those membranes are tender! I think a nose clip could help (but would be hard for a competitive swimmer to wear). Maybe a barrier cream/balm to the inside of the nose before swimming and a rinse with a nettie pot/saline immediately after getting out of the pool? My Non-Petroleum Jelly works well to coat the inside of a nose. I use it on my kiddo who is prone to bloody noses to keep her sinuses from drying out in the pool. Some people also supplement their diet with vitamin C, as they believe it helps rid their bodies of chlorine (I am not a doctor, this is not medical advice…. just one mom repeating info I have heard to another mom!) Also you may want to read up on nettle tea, it seems to help with sinus problems. Hope this helps!
My daughter has the same problem. Have you tried to use AFTER SWIM CHLORINE NEUTRALIZING SPRAY inside the nose?
Thanks a lot! I really enjoyed reading these great tips.
I have not used it in the nose, I would suggest saline spray first. Thanks for the lovely compliment!
is the oil best applied to damp or dry hair? I’ve read contrasting suggestions on the internet. Not sure what is best.
Fran, I apply it to dry hair. I would try it both ways and see what works best for your hair.
Question,I now know dangers of chlorine pool. What about salt water pools. A lot of pools are going this way. I would like t o know because we are think of changing our chlorine pool over to salt water…I don’t want to go to tHat expense if it isn’t any better for us… thank you so much!!!!
Debbie
Debbie, I don’t know much about salt water pools. Here are some articles that might help: Naturally Savvy and Livestrong. Hope this helps! -Bren
Thanks so much for your blog! Ive recently joined the Y and attend water aerobics about 3-4 times a week. I hate the smell and affect of chlorine on my skin and hair! I notice your caution about using the body spray within 24 hours of mixing. What about your bonus recipes for the hair (detangling)? Do they need to be mixed on an “as used” basis? Or is there a bit of shelf life?
Again, thanks so much!
The detangler/hair protector last for quite some time (several months). I like to mix the Vitamin c in short periods because it is more reactive.
Thank you Bren for this post (I have not been able to browse through your webpage much yet, but it seems to be very helpful). In regards to swimming (as I have grown to love the sport & exercise over the last 2-3 years), I have really sensitive skin (still in the process of trying to find out if I have an autoimmune disorder, or just certain environmental allergies). My question is, you mention the need to use the Chlorine Neutralizing Spray within 24 hours. Have you found this to be the case? For what reason? Thank you.
lol – apologies Bren, I didn’t read other posts until after I posted my question. My question was answered in the comment above by dbobby0515. Thank you. Keep up the good work!
Glad you found your answer, Sarah! Thanks for stopping by the blog!
Great information! As an Arizona mom, being in the pool in the summer is given for my kids. I’ve always hated the massive chlorine exposure, but your tips & recipes will help! I’m going to give them a try! Would you mind if I “report back” later this summer with a post on my blog? I would definitely link back to this post! Thanks so much!
Thanka Ceci! I’d love to hear back on your results!
Great DIY! As an avid swimmer, chlorine really bothers me. Thanks for the creative idea! I shared it to my fb as well. 🙂
Thanks Bren! I used a cooling pool that had an abundance of chlorine in it, much to my dismay. I started itching that night and it continued into the next day. I found your article and used the Vitamin C crystals in water and it gave me a lot of relief. I think my skin was already burned a bit from the chlorine, so it took until that evening for the itching to subside. Thanks again.
I’m so glad it helped, Mark!
6 grams of L-Ascorbic acid powder in a teaspoon
i bring 1 tsp of vitamin c powder in an empty water bottle to the shower, fill with hot water while I’m rinsing, dump most of it through my hair and gear, shampoo with a jr ligget shampoo bar, then dump the rest like an apple cider vinegar rinse without the stink to close my cuticle and prevent frizz. no conditioner needed. Chlroine gets deneutralized on contact so there’s no waiting around- rinse it out. Same for the shampoo bar, the jr ligget says wash and rinse. (I used to double wash, double condition, leave in, detangle, etc). I put a bit of the shea butter concoction described below in from the ears down onto damp towel dried hair.
Longest hair and fastest showers in my life.
I was doing the wait till you get home to shower again and got fungus from being wet all day – thick hair
also straight coconut oil works as a deodorant – who knew?
Got rid of all of the lotion in the house, using a 5 Tbsp shea butter mixture beat for 10 mins with 1 tsp argon oil, 1 tsp jojoba, 1 tsp coconut and 1 tsp olive
works for the hair, face, lips, feet
fantastic
the oils and whipping make shea butter spreadable, tried cocoa butter and couldn’t take the smell
hope this helps someone, swimming makes life better- friends makes life worth it
Thanks for the great tips, Linda! It takes a village to be a swimmer. 🙁 I can’t wait to try the shea butter mixture. I agree, cocoa butter smell is too strong for me too. Have you tried mango butter? It has even less smell than shea butter. I love it!
Can you leave the vitamin c spray on are should you bathe it off?
You can leave it on. We generally shower afterward since we have just been in the pool.
I shower first and after spray on the vitamin c and leave it on. I think it might be turning my hair and fingernails yellow. Have you heard of this?
I have not heard of this, you could try using a shower filter that removes chlorine if your concern is chlorine in the shower water. They are affordable, we use them in all our showers.
If the kids shower (shampoo, soap & water, not just a rinse) at the pool immediately after swimming, is the post-swimming spray still necessary, or just use the sodium ascorbate rinse in the shower, then shower as usual? Thanks!
I like to use the sodium ascorbate rinse in the shower (either before or after they shower) to neutralize the chlorine because 1) the shower water also contains chlorine and 2) a shower alone never seems to get rid of all the chlorine smell in thieh hair/swim suits. Thanks for the great question!
My niece was diagnosed with a reaction to chlorine. She says her skin still itches even after the use of cream prescription. Any helpful hints on what to use to help with her discomfort?
My dad is allergic to chlorine so he tries to avoid it: no pools, etc. If bathing in chlorine treated water try adding sodium ascorbate to each bath (I use use Source Naturals Vitamin C Sodium Ascorbate Crystals) and/or use a filter on the shower head (I use these carbon water filters in all of our home showers to remove chlorine).