You can feel Summer in the air and the pool is once again becoming our happy place to swim, play and exercise. All the exposure to chlorine can dry the skin, especially those with already dehydrated sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes dryness, itching, skin inflammation and irritation, it occurs mainly in children but also affects teens and adults. A large number of Aussie kids suffer from sensitive skin and chronic skin conditions such as Eczema, Dermatitis and Psoriasis.
A swimming pool is a glistening oasis on a hot day, however, in swimming pools, Chlorine is added to the water to act as a disinfectant preventing bacteria and germs, but also raising the pH level to make it more alkaline. This is a problem for the skin, as we need an acidic balance to help create a strong barrier function to help protect against Transepidermal Water Loss, irritants and surfactants, prevent bacteria growth and allow the skin to produce the Lipids needed to ensure your skin stays hydrated and healthy.
"Ceramides are essential for maintaining the skin's barrier function, which is often compromised in eczema-prone skin. From a formulation perspective, incorporating ceramides into skincare products helps restore the lipid matrix, reducing transepidermal water loss and improving skin hydration. This supports the skin's natural protective barrier, reducing the irritation and sensitivity associated with eczema"
Rita Sellars, Chief Formulating Chemist of pH Factor
When the pH balance of your skin is disrupted, it becomes Alkaline, which means it can’t successfully synthesise the fatty acids it requires to keep it from drying out and your skin barrier can’t function correctly. When this occurs, the dermis can become hypersensitive and severely dry leading to irritation, redness, inflammation and breakage. But during an Australian Summer, you’re worse off out of the pool, than you are in it!
So, what can be done to help manage your skin’s moisture levels and pH balance while you stay cool?
Firstly, when selecting your skincare, look for skin care products with efficacious ingredients such as probiotics, Vitamin C, Panthenol, Australian Botanicals and more, proven to help with skin itch, redness and dryness. Vitamin C is scientifically proven as one of the most effective ingredients to neutralise the damaging results of chlorine on both skin and hair. When showering isn’t an option The Clean Swim Chlorine Clear Body Spray with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid is the perfect on-the-go option to clean and care for your skin. Ensure you are showering with a soothing gentle cleanser after a dip in the pool to remove any heavy metals and harsh chemicals (and their odours) from your skin and apply a light lotion, such as the Clean Swim Ceramide Lotion after you get out of the shower, that is nutrient-dense to maximise moisture and boost your skin’s resilience.
The Clean Swim Range offers washes, cleansers, hair care, an Anti-Chafe Stick, lotions and a Towel & Tog Wash that have been clinically formulated in Australia and tested to ensure that each product quickly and efficiently removes excess chlorine and chemical odours from your skin, hair, scalp and clothing while strengthening your barrier function, increasing moisture and nourishing your skin and hair. Learn more about the Clean Swim Range and our ingredients here