Adult Skin – How Swimming Pools Impact It & How to Protect It

The nature of adult skin

Adult skin has a well-developed barrier function: the stratum corneum (outermost layer), the acid mantle (skin pH ~5.0-5.5) and full maturity of sebaceous/sweat glands. Studies show adult skin typically has lower transepidermal water loss (TEWL) than infant skin, and more robust lipid and cell-barrier structures. ResearchGate+2Wiley Online Library+2
In short, adult skin is more resilient to external aggressors — but still vulnerable when exposed repeatedly to pool chemicals.

What happens when you swim

Swimming pools are typically treated with chlorine to sanitise water. Chlorine and its by-products, plus other pool additives (and potentially heavy metals such as copper or iron from pool systems), can interact with skin. According to the Clean Swim team:
“Say goodbye to chlorine, heavy metals, and that lingering pool smell with Clean Swim!” Facebook
The impacts on adult skin include:

• The residual chlorine/chloramines sticking to skin, disrupting the acid mantle and increasing skin pH — which reduces the skin’s ability to synthesize fatty acids and maintain barrier lipids. Clean Swim

• The residual chemical/metal load can lead to dryness, tightness, itchiness, redness, or irritation — especially for frequent swimmers.

• Long-term repeated exposure may weaken the barrier, making adult skin more vulnerable to irritation, sensitisation, or accelerated dryness.

Why heavy metals matter

Heavy metals in pool water (for example, copper, iron, manganese) can come from pipe systems, pool equipment corrosion, or old-pool infrastructure. These metals can deposit on skin or hair, and when combined with chlorine or sun exposure can further promote oxidative stress and irritation.
While the literature on heavy-metal deposition in swimmers’ skin is less extensive than for chlorine, it is recognised by brands like Clean Swim as part of the “pool chemical load” to remove. Facebook+1

The difference for adult skin

For adult skin, given its maturity:

• There's more capacity to recover from a swimming session — but frequent exposure demands consistent after-care.

• The barrier may be intact but repeated chemical exposure (chlorine + metals + UV + rough towels) may degrade lipids, increase TEWL, and compromise the adult skin’s resilience over time.

• Adult swimmers might notice dryness, thinning of barrier lipids, and perhaps sensitivity or flare-ups if they don’t act.

What adult swimmers can do — and product suggestions

Best practices:

• Shower immediately after swimming (or rinse off) to remove chlorine/metal residue.

• Use a specialised cleanser that neutralises chlorine and metals rather than just a standard body wash.

• Re-hydrate and apply a barrier-support lotion post-swim.

• Use protective swimwear and hats/UV protection too (because UV + chlorine can compound damage).

• Choose formulas free of harsh fragrances/surfactants that might add to barrier break­down.

Clean Swim product suggestions for adult swimmers:
Here are some excellent options: