For swimmers, that chlorine smell can be a badge of honor. It can also be a nuisance. Chlorine binds to the oils and proteins on your skin, which is why the smell can linger long after you leave the pool. The good news is that much of the battle can be won before you ever get in the water. Here are the essential steps to keep chlorine off your skin and hair before and after your swim.
As both a dermatologist and a fellow swimmer, here’s what actually works:
Before You Swim
1. Shower First to Wet Your Skin and Hair
Take a few minutes to rinse off with clean water before you get in. Skin and hair already saturated with fresh water absorb far less chlorinated water. That means less chlorine binding to them and less odor to deal with later. It’s the simplest habit on this list and one of the most effective.
2. Apply a Water-Resistant Facial Sunscreen
Before swimming, apply a water-resistant, sweat-resistant sunscreen like our SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen. It forms a barrier that helps repel pool chemicals while protecting your skin from the sun. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes and leaves no white cast. Don’t forget your lips. Our SPF 30 Sport Lip Balm shields against sun, wind, and dehydration during long swim sessions.
After You Swim
1. Shower Immediately
Get into the shower as soon as you’re out of the water. Rinsing off right away removes chlorine before it fully binds to your skin. For your face, use a pH-balanced cleanser built to remove chlorine, like our Dermasport Gentle Facial Cleanser. Made for athletes, it gently lifts away chlorine, sunscreen, sweat, and other impurities without stripping your skin’s natural moisture.
2. Use a Swim-Specific Shampoo and Conditioner
Just like your skin, your hair absorbs chlorine. That’s why using swim-specific haircare products matters. Opt for a chlorine-removing shampoo and conditioner, such as TRISWIM’s dual-action Chlorine Removal Shampoo and Repairing Conditioner. They help prevent dryness and damage caused by frequent chlorine exposure, keeping your hair healthy swim after swim.
3. Rehydrate: Inside and Out
Drinking plenty of water after swimming helps flush chlorine from your system and reduces its lingering effects. Chlorine also dries out your skin and leaves it more vulnerable to irritation, so it’s important to rehydrate your skin as well as your body. Our Facial Moisturizer restores the skin barrier after chlorine exposure, delivering lasting hydration to keep your skin healthy and resilient after every swim.
4. Wash Your Swim Gear
Chlorine doesn’t just cling to your skin. It sticks to your gear too. Rinse your swimsuit, goggles, and swim cap in fresh water immediately after use, and wash them with a mild detergent to clear out every trace. This reduces lingering chlorine odor and helps keep your gear in better condition.
Build these habits into your routine. Protect your skin before you swim, then cleanse and hydrate afterward. You’ll keep chlorine odor and damage off your skin and hair. Whether you’re training to race or simply logging laps, your skin will hold up better when you care for it before and after every swim.
Your Complete Post-Swim Skincare Routine
Cleanse, hydrate, and renew your skin after every swim. Dermatologist-developed, made for athletes, and backed by our 60-day money-back guarantee.
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