Last month I returned to the swimming pool. I think it’s been about 10 years since I’ve regularly attended water aerobic classes or walked water laps at the gym. I left because my eczema was flaring out of control and I felt the chlorine at the public pool was to blame.
Now, I know the eczema was greatly influenced by having chronic reactivated Lyme disease and an overgrowth of parasites in my system. The chlorinated pool water was the irritating cherry on top, making my flares often, itchy and unsightly.
Over the last two years, I’ve worked hard on clearing out Lyme disease, parasites, mold, Epstein-Barr virus and so much more. As a result, my skin is healthier than it’s been in years.
So, I decided to get back to my love of water time.
Of course, I was nervous and cautious. I’ve implemented a few new pool pre- and post-pool time routines to keep my skin in good shape. If you’re noticing skin irritation after spending time in a chlorinated pool, try these ideas!
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
1. Skip the Same-Day Shave
When I first started going to the pool regularly, I always shaved each morning before class. I was mortified to think that someone would notice “hairy legs”. I would moisturize after shaving, but now I’m learning that my shaving routine was actually leaving my skin more open and raw, which meant the pool chemicals could irritate my skin more easily.
Now, I’m skipping the same-day shave. I purposely make sure I have a day or two of hair growth before getting into the pool so my pores aren’t as open. My hair doesn’t grow as fast, thick or dark as it used to, so honestly, you can’t even see that I haven’t shaved.
2. Moisturize Your Whole Body
After I pack my pool bag, I moisturize my body from head to toe. I like to use jojoba oil or coconut oil to hydrate my skin and fill in the little tiny dry skin cracks and open pores. Then, I slip on my swimsuit, some sweatpants, a top and drive to the pool.
By the time I’m in the locker room getting ready to head to water aerobics class, the moisturizer has soaked in and I’m ready to get into the pool with my skin as protected as possible. So far, I haven’t had any skin irritation issues since implementing these first two steps into my pre-swimming routine.
3. Spend a Few Minutes in the Sauna
After I get out of the swimming pool, I used to head straight to the bubbly hot tub to relax and socialize. I know public hot tubs are generally not cleaned often enough and are a good place to pick up skin irritants. So, I skip it.
Now, I spend about five minutes in the dry heat sauna. I stay long enough to get sweaty and push any lingering pool water out of my pores. It’s relaxing, quiet and dark. It’s a nice wind down after taking an active class with upbeat music.
4. Shower at The Pool
After my time in the sauna, I head to the showers at the gym. I want to immediately rinse away the sweat and chlorinated pool water.
I used a body wash that doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances or dyes that might irritate my skin. And, I apply it with a loofah sponge to gently scrub away anything lingering on my skin.
5. Take a Bubble Bath at Home
Finally, when I’m done at the gym, I go home and take a bath in a jetted tub. The swirling water movement gives my skin one final scrubbing to wash away any lingering pool water irritants.
My water aerobics instructor actually suggested taking a bubble bath after class, and it really does seem to help. Sometimes I can still smell a bit of chlorine as I get into the bath. Afterward, the odor is completely gone.
6. Moisturize Your Whole Body, Again
After I get out of the bath and dry off, I moisturize my skin again. I like to use a thicker skin cream that creates a nice barrier between my skin and potential environmental irritants like wild grasses and flower/tree pollen.
I’ve been using Eucerin Advanced Repair Body Lotion for Very Dry Skin and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Both of these brands were recommended to me by my dermatologist years ago to help soothe and protect my eczema-prone skin.
Making Pool Time Fun, Without Skin Issues
I’m so happy I can be in the pool again, without getting itchy rashes that turn into ugly weeping scabs. Although this pre- and post-pool routine may seem excessive, it works for me and has brought back the joy of seeing my gym friends and being active in the water.
Do you enjoy spending time in the pool? How do you keep your skin healthy? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section below.
Until next time,
Choose healthy!
Angela
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