Management of Facial Dry Skin in Swimmers Exposed to Chlorinated Water
Apply a thick, humectant-containing moisturizer immediately after swimming and bathing, combined with gentle, soap-free cleansing to restore the skin barrier damaged by chlorine exposure. 1
Immediate Post-Swim Skin Care Protocol
The most critical intervention is applying moisturizer within minutes of exiting chlorinated water. This timing is essential because:
- Moisturizers work best when applied to damp skin after bathing or swimming, as they lock in hydration and prevent transepidermal water loss 1, 2
- Chlorinated water strips natural lipids from the skin surface, making immediate barrier restoration crucial 3
- Delaying moisturizer application allows water evaporation and worsens xerosis 4
Cleansing Strategy
Replace standard soap with syndet-based or amphoteric surfactant cleansers for facial washing:
- Regular soaps remove natural lipids and worsen chlorine-induced dryness 2, 3
- Skin-cleansing products containing syndets or amphoteric surfactants significantly improve skin dryness compared to soap and water 3
- Use neutral pH, fragrance-free hypoallergenic cleansers to avoid further irritation 2
Moisturizer Selection and Application
Choose moisturizers containing humectants (like hyaluronic acid or glycerin) as the primary active ingredients:
- Humectant-containing moisturizers consistently show statistically significant improvements in skin dryness 3, 5
- These ingredients draw water into the stratum corneum and improve skin hydration 4
- Apply moisturizers liberally and frequently—at minimum after each swim session and again before bed 1, 6
Consider products with occlusive agents (like petrolatum or dimethicone) for enhanced barrier protection:
- Occlusives create a surface film that retards water evaporation from the epidermis 6
- They are particularly effective when applied after swimming to seal in moisture 6
Additional Protective Measures
Implement these complementary strategies to minimize chlorine damage:
- Rinse face immediately with fresh water after exiting the pool to remove residual chlorine 3
- Consider using bath oils as part of your evening routine, as they improve skin barrier function and reduce transepidermal water loss 7
- Avoid hot water when cleansing, as it further strips natural oils; use lukewarm water instead 2
What to Avoid
Do not use products containing:
- Fragrances or known contact allergens, which are common in many moisturizers 1
- Alcohol-based formulations that further dry the skin 4
- Harsh exfoliants or retinoids without adequate moisturization 3
Evidence Quality Note
The recommendation for immediate post-swim moisturization with humectant-containing products is supported by the most recent American Academy of Dermatology guidelines (2023) 1, which provide strong evidence for moisturizer use in managing xerosis. While these guidelines focus on atopic dermatitis, the principles of barrier restoration apply directly to chlorine-induced dry skin, as both conditions involve impaired stratum corneum function 3, 4.