Pool Chlorine & Acne
There are opposing theories on the effects of pool chlorine on your skin. Some people with acne are hesitant to take a dip in the pool because they're worried that chlorine will irritate their skin or make the condition worse. Others believe the chlorine helps dry their acne up, so they love taking a swim because of what it does for their skin.
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What Is Chlorine?
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Chlorine is a natural element that is one of the most powerful and effective ways of battling the E. coli bacteria commonly found in water that is not properly filtered. Chlorine is used in water-treatment plants to help clean and filter the water; it serves the same purpose in swimming pools. It works by breaking down fat in the cells of bacteria and microorganisms, making them harmless.
How Pools Affect Skin
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The amount of chlorine present in a swimming pool has very little effect on the skin. Most people do not notice any difference in their skin after swimming in a pool. Dry, itchy skin after swimming is more likely due to being in the water for a long period of time. Water disintegrates natural oils in your skin, causing dryness. Occasionally it will also cause tiny rash-like bumps or fissures, which lead to the dry, itchy skin that many people associate with chlorine. Those who have very sensitive skin may experience this more severely as a result of chlorine in the water.
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How Pools Affect Acne
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Chlorine kills bacteria, and acne is caused by a buildup of bacteria. Despite the lack of scientific evidence claiming chlorine has positive effects on acne, many people with acne have claimed that swimming in a chlorinated pool has helped clear up their skin and dry up their acne.
However, just being in water for long periods of time may be responsible for helping temporarily clear up acne. Excess oil buildup in the skin contributes to acne, so being in the water will help dry up excess oil and eliminate bacteria. This can also make acne worse in the long run. Excessively dry skin may temporarily decrease the amount of acne you have, but once it creates even more oil to make up for its loss, the acne may return.
Protecting Your Skin
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There are several things you can do to protect your skin from drying up too much, even if you've noticed your acne has improved. If you find that your skin is irritated after swimming, keeping it exfoliated is a good way to keep your skin balanced and to help slough away any chlorine that may be left on your skin. It is also important to keep your skin cleansed and moisturized to offset any dryness or irritation caused by swimming.
Check Pool pH Levels
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If a pool is properly chlorinated, the pH levels will be between 7 and 8. If there is too much chlorine, it will likely irritate your skin. The irritation depends on your skin type. Some people will simply experience drier-than-normal skin, while those with acne may see their acne either clear up or get worse if their skin does not react well. There is no evidence claiming that normal levels of chlorine will either clear up or damage your skin, so the effects of it vary among individuals.
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References
- Photo Credit Swimming pool and pool house image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
