Is your shower aging you? Chlorine could be the culprit.

Chlorine is not just in swimming pools and the hot tubs we enjoy but also in the water we drink and bath in.  Chlorine is excellent for killing bacteria but can have an adverse effect on our skin.  Which can cause premature aging and health issues.

 Chlorine has a variety of uses. It is used to disinfect water in swimming pools and is part of the sanitation process for sewage and industrial waste. During the production of paper and cloth, chlorine is used as a bleaching agent. It is also used in cleaning products, including household bleach which is chlorine dissolved in water. Chlorine is used in the preparation of chlorides, chlorinated solvents, pesticides, polymers, synthetic rubbers, and refrigerants.

When chlorine enters the body as a result of breathing, swallowing, or skin contact, it reacts with water to produce acids. The acids are corrosive and damage cells in the body on contact.

Some important tips to protect your skin from Chlorine.

1. Apply a waterproof sunscreen designed to protect against chlorine sensitivities.
2. Shower frequently between swims to reduce the amount of overall chlorine your skin will absorb.
3. Shower again when you are done swimming to remove all traces of chlorine. You can use soap this time.
4. Apply after-swim lotions that are specifically designed to neutralize chlorine’s causticity.

While swimming in a chlorinated pool can heighten the chances of these affects, even the light amounts of chlorine in your daily showers can harm your skin and hair. Therefore you should consider installing either a shower filter or a whole house filter to remove this and other chemicals from your daily bathing routine.

Chlorine isn’t the only pool culprit. Water itself removes moisture from the skin. There is a layer of oil present on all of our bodies, but once immersed in water, it disappears. This allows for the dryness to set in. To combat this, after showering (following the swim), apply a moisturizer- either a lotion or cream.

If you are suffering from skin or hair problems caused by chlorine exposure do not worry because the damage is reversible. The human body is incredibly resilient and if you follow the proper care and diligence to reduce contact with chlorine, your body will quickly heal on it’s own, and you may find that you can still enjoy activities such as swimming.

As previously mentions, the use of water filters for showering and bathing is beneficial.  There are many shower heads designed to eliminate toxins such as chlorine.  Many people will have water filters installed in their homes which will purify the water we drink as well as use on a daily basis.