Dive In, Skin First: How to Keep Your Skin Safe from Pool Chemicals

Ask Sara Ali Khan and she'll tell you what you already know—swimming is a great full-body workout that also helps rejuvenate the mind. But the annoying thing is that swimming in public pools can affect your hair and skin. Explaining why this happens, the founder and chairman of Dadu Medical Center, dermatologist Dr. “In some public swimming pools, the pH level of the water is not checked even once during the day,” says Nivedita Dadu. Checking the pH level of the swimming pool is an activity that needs to be carried out every two hours to avoid damaging the skin and hair. Chlorine in pools can kill germs that cause infections, but it also damages the top layer of oil, called sebum, that keeps the scalp and skin from drying out."

Exposure to chlorine in swimming pools can cause skin to become flaky and itchy, and even for people with sensitive skin, a rash. So, Dr. Nivedita advises taking adequate precautions to protect your skin from the harmful effects of what is otherwise, a very fun activity.
Before hitting the swimming pool, moisturize your body thoroughly. This helps prevent the drying effects of chlorinated water. Note that chlorine and bleach in swimming pools can also aggravate serious skin problems such as eczema.

Use a swimming special body lotion or an oil such as olive oil, coconut oil or baby oil to neutralize the absorption of chlorine by creating a protective barrier between the water and the skin.
Before diving into the pool, take a shower. This is important because dry skin will absorb chlorinated water faster and the chemicals will reach the deeper layers of the skin and cause more damage. Showering first prevents the skin from absorbing too much chlorinated water. Also take a quick shower after swimming to rinse off with chlorinated water.
Add vitamin C to your diet and skin care regimen. This powerful antioxidant helps protect the skin against UV damage. It can also help reduce sun tan by inhibiting the melanin-producing enzyme tyrosinase in the skin that leads to darkening of the skin.

Apply a good quality sunscreen before going out in the sun. Sunscreen protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays while swimming, and also creates a protective layer on the skin, preventing pool water from coming into direct contact with the skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen at least 15-20 minutes before entering a swimming pool and reapply every two hours when you're out in the sun.

Use lip balm as prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can cause chapped and bleeding lips.
Never rub the skin with a towel after swimming as friction blocks the skin's natural moisture and also irritates the skin.
Avoid indoor swimming pools as these are often not well ventilated and trap gases from chemicals, which can exacerbate skin problems.