Why Chlorine Causes Dryness: Understanding “Swimmer’s Skin” and How

If your skin feels tight or itchy after every swim, you’re not alone. “Swimmer’s Skin” is a common condition caused by chlorine exposure. But what exactly is happening — and how do you stop it?
At Clean Swim, we break down the science so you can protect your body naturally.

🧬 What Chlorine Does to Your Skin

Chlorine oxidises everything organic — bacteria, sweat, and natural body oils alike. When it interacts with sebum (the skin’s natural lipid), it strips the barrier, leaving your skin vulnerable to dehydration and irritation.

This can lead to:

• Flaking and redness

• Itchiness and irritation

• Loss of elasticity

• Premature wrinkles in frequent swimmers

💧 The Role of pH Balance

Healthy skin sits around a pH of 5.5. Chlorinated water has a pH between 6.8–8.0, which shifts your skin into alkaline territory. This imbalance can damage your microbiome and trigger inflammation — especially in sensitive skin types.

🧴 Repairing and Protecting

1. Neutralise: Use a chlorine removal body wash with Vitamin C (like Clean Swim) immediately post-swim.
2. Cleanse gently: Avoid harsh soaps. Look for gentle surfactants.
3. Moisturise: Apply a pH-balancing lotion or barrier cream.
4. Restore: Hydrate from the inside out — water, electrolytes, and nutrition.

Clean Swim’s body wash contains Vitamin C, panthenol, and aloe vera — restoring balance while removing chlorine residue.

🏊 Perfect for Swim Schools & Aquatic Centres

Ideal for frequent swimmers, instructors, and families in NSW, QLD, VIC, and beyond. Designed to support skin recovery between lessons, lap sessions, and training.