Headfirst: why you should not swim in the pool without a cap

Into the maelstrom with the head: why you should not swim in the pool without a cap

And for some people, the pool is contraindicated at all.

Although swimming remains a very popular sport, chlorinated water, without which it is impossible to imagine a public pool, negatively affects the skin. And it is hard not to notice it: some people even stop swimming because of it. How to reduce the impact of harmful substances, we understand together with expert dermatologist Maria Vasilieva.

Why do you often feel dry after swimming?

Maria: Chlorineis used to purify the water. But in addition to its main function, it breaks down the lipid layer of the skin, which causes a feeling of dryness. If a person has already broken this layer, chlorine will only aggravate the situation. Therefore, if you have eczema, ichthyosis, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and other chronic skin diseases, it is better to refrain from swimming or replace it with another sport.

How to reduce the impact of chlorine on the skin and hair?

To minimize the impact of the harmful substance on the body, the dermatologist recommends following a few simple tips:

– take a cool shower before exercising;

– do not steam your skin (cool water temperature is important);

– apply a small amount of special oil to your hair and tightly put on a rubber cap (you can even put on two);

– after swimming in the pool, rinse your body and use a lipid-repairing shower gel;

– after drying, apply moisturizing cream or milk, preferably also lipid-repairing.

Is there an alternative to chlorinated pools?

In Russia, more and more pools have begun to be cleaned with ozone: this method does not have the pungent odor characteristic of chlorine and does not use chlorine. How does it affect your skin and hair?

Maria: It’s a great alternative, which is indispensable for swimmers. Ozone does not affect the skin and hair, so such cleaning will not affect your health.

We can say that “ozone” pools are a real breakthrough. Without neglecting safety measures and cleaning procedures, it is possible to avoid the negative effects of chlorination.