The Hidden Impact of Chlorine: What It Really Does to Your Skin and Hair

The Hidden Impact of Chlorine: What It Really Does to Your Skin and Hair

At Clean Swim, we love the water — but we also know what chlorine can do to your skin and hair. Whether you’re teaching at your local swim school, doing laps at your aquatic centre, or training for competition, chlorine exposure is part of every Australian swimmer’s routine.

But chlorine, while essential for hygiene, can also be one of the harshest chemicals for your body. Let’s explore why, and more importantly — how to protect yourself.

🌊 The Science Behind Chlorine

Chlorine keeps pools safe by destroying bacteria and pathogens through oxidation. The problem? This same process oxidises the natural oils, proteins, and amino acids that make up your skin barrier and hair structure.
That’s why after every swim, your skin feels tight and itchy, and your hair feels dry or brittle.
For your skin:

  • Strips away natural sebum (the protective oil barrier).

  • Disrupts pH balance, leading to irritation.

  • Exacerbates eczema or dermatitis.

  • Promotes premature dryness and visible aging.

For your hair:

  • Weakens keratin and natural pigments.

  • Breaks down cuticle layers, causing rough texture.

  • Fades hair colour (especially blondes and dyed hair).

  • Reacts with copper and metals, causing greenish tones.

  • .

💧 The Australian Pool Factor

In Australian pools, chlorine levels typically range from 1.0 to 3.0 ppm — higher in heated indoor centres. Frequent swimmers in NSW, VIC, and QLD are exposed to consistent oxidative stress. Over time, this not only affects hydration but can alter your scalp’s microbiome and your skin’s elasticity.

🧴 The Clean Swim Solution

Clean Swim’s post-swim range neutralises chlorine instantly using Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) — a natural chlorine neutraliser. Our gentle cleansers use mild surfactants (like Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate) that clean without stripping moisture, while plant extracts and pH-balancing ingredients repair your skin barrier.

Our top post-swim essentials:

  • Clean Swim Chlorine Removal Shampoo – removes chlorine & restores softness.

  • Clean Swim Chlorine Removal Body Wash – neutralises chlorine residue.

  • Clean Swim Conditioner – rehydrates with argan oil & vitamin complex.

🧘♀️ How to Protect Yourself Every Swim

  1. Pre-rinse before entering the pool. Hydrated skin absorbs less chlorine.

  2. Apply hair oil or leave-in conditioner before swimming to shield strands.

  3. Use Clean Swim post-swim wash immediately after exiting the pool.

  4. Rehydrate and moisturise with vitamin-enriched creams.

  5. Weekly treatment: deep conditioning or mask for hair, hydrating serum for skin.

💬 Expert Tip

Dermatologists recommend rinsing within 10–15 minutes after swimming. Waiting longer allows chlorine to bind more deeply with keratin proteins — worsening dryness.

🌿 Why Choose Clean Swim

Australian-made and cruelty-free, Clean Swim products are formulated specifically for swimmers, instructors, and families. Each formula uses:

  • Vitamin C neutralisers

  • pH-balanced cleansers

  • Gentle, natural actives

So you can swim clean, feel fresh, and protect your skin and hair — naturally.
Visit www.cleanswim.com.au to explore the full chlorine removal collection.

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