Hot Weather Alert! Combating Chlorine and Saltwater Skin Stress

Posted February 2025

It wouldn’t be an Australian summer without the beach or the family pool.

But it doesn’t take long before we start feeling the effects of all the sun, salt and chlorine, particularly on our skin. Here’s how you can protect and rejuvenate your skin from these common irritants.

Firstly, what does chlorine actually do to your skin?

Chlorine is used in swimming pools as an effective disinfectant. However it has a pH level of 7.3, which is what disrupts your skin. Your skin loves to have a pH of 5.5 and so by raising the pH of your skin through chlorine exposure disrupts it’s protective barrier. The result is dry, rough, bumpy, sensitive or red skin.

And how does saltwater affect our skin?

The interesting thing about saltwater is that it can actually be beneficial to our skin.

It contains a number of minerals and nutrients such as zinc, potassium, magnesium and can be antibacterial and exfoliating. However, prolonged exposure to saltwater, especially coupled with the intense sun can cause skin irritation. Plus, as beautiful as our beaches are, our seawater isn’t perfectly clean and can contain bacteria and other contaminants. The main symptom of too much time at the beach is tired, dehydrated or burnt skin.

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Protection Against Chlorine and Saltwater

Pre-swim Preparation: Before diving into the pool or ocean, coat your skin with a waterproof, broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 50. This not only protects against UV rays but can also form a barrier against chlorine and salt. For extra protection, apply a pre-swim barrier cream specifically designed to block chlorine absorption and minimise salt residue. If you swim regularly, you can also use a quality barrier cream as a moisturiser before the sunscreen.

Post-Swim Rinse: Always shower or rinse with fresh water right after swimming. This step is crucial to remove chlorine, salt, and any bacteria from your skin, preventing further irritation or dryness.

Rehydrate and Replenish Your Skin After Being in the Water

Moisturisers:

Select a moisturiser that suits your skin type but is rich enough to replenish the moisture barrier. Products containing ceramides are excellent as they mimic the skin’s natural protective barrier and help retain moisture. Glycerin, a humectant, draws water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels and the air.
We recommend The Skincare Company Hydrating Moisturiser, which is a luxurious moisturiser enriched with lanolin to penetrate the deeper epidermal layers, provide superior protection and create a moisture barrier. We also love their Body Lustre, a vitamin packed body moisturiser.

Hydrating Serums:

Look for serums with hyaluronic acid, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an ideal ingredient for extreme hydration. Hyaluronic acid serums penetrate deep into the skin, providing intense hydration and plumping the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Natural Oils:

Oils such as jojoba, argan, and coconut provide a heavy dose of nourishment and have emollient properties that smooth and soften the skin. These oils are particularly beneficial for very dry skin, as they create a protective layer that traps water in the skin.

We love The Skincare Company Hydration Booster, which is an oil based booster that uses the highest quality rose-hip, jojoba and almond oils to quickly penetrate the deeper epidermal layers without leaving oily residue.
Soothing Treatments:

For skin that feels irritated or inflamed after exposure to saltwater or chlorine, products containing aloe vera or chamomile can be soothing. Aloe vera has cooling properties and helps to soothe redness and heal the skin. Chamomile is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, reducing irritation and calming sensitive skin.

Body Lotions and Butters:

Don’t forget about the rest of your body! Applying a body lotion or butter enriched with shea butter or cocoa butter can help restore skin’s smoothness and elasticity. These are especially good for areas that tend to dry out quickly, like elbows, knees, and heels. The Body Lustre is excellent for this!

Overnight Treatments:

Night creams or overnight masks that contain peptides and antioxidants can help repair daily damage and improve skin texture over time. These products work while you sleep to rejuvenate your skin and fortify the cells against future stress.

An epic choice is The Skincare Company Peptide Serum which contains 5 pro collagen peptides and other powerful actives. This support operates on multi-layers of the skin, providing both immediate and long-term results.

Book a Consultation

While the above skincare tips and products can significantly alleviate the symptoms of chlorine and saltwater exposure, persistent skin issues might require a more tailored approach.

If you find that your skin remains dry, irritated, or if you're experiencing unusual breakouts or sensitivity despite your best efforts, it may be time to seek professional advice.

Booking a consultation with a dermatologist or a licensed skincare professional can provide you with personalised insights and treatments designed specifically for your skin type and concerns. Remember, each skin is unique, and sometimes a professional perspective is crucial to maintaining its health and vitality, especially when dealing with the harsh elements of summer.

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