Prevent chlorine damage to skin and hair with these few simple steps.

Swimming and hot tubbing rank among the top favorite pastimes, but these enjoyable activities can wreak havoc on skin and hair. Chemicals, particularly chlorine, used to keep the water we wade in clean, can dry out or discolor hair and irritate our skin. But chlorine damage doesn’t have to put a damper on your summer fun.

What can you do to protect your locks and skin? We’ve compiled a list of skin and hair protection tips that we hope will help to keep your skin glowing and hair shining!Chlorine Damage Hair and Skin

Tips to protect your skin and hair from chlorine damage:

Shower before swimming. Hair and skin absorb less water from the pool once they’re already wet. Less to soak in means less potential for damage.

Put a lid on it.  While a swim cap may not seem like the most stylish option for hair protection, this barrier protects the hair from overexposure to harsh chemicals like chlorine.

Shower after swimming. While it may be tempting to dry off and go about your day, showering immediately after swimming removes the chlorine and limits exposure drying chemicals.

Condition and Moisturize! Lost moisture is one of the leading causes of damage to hair and skin. Rehydrate your skin and hair with an intense skin moisturizer and conditioner to help prevent over-drying, dullness and damage.

Limit exposure. No one wants to be told to spend less time enjoying the water. But limiting your time in the water can limit the amount of time your skin and hair are exposed to chlorine. If this is not an option (we don’t blame you) try rinsing off and moisturizing (with SPF, please) mid-day. This will cleanse and rehydrate your hair and skin.

We hope these tips give you some good ideas for protecting your hair and skin from the negative effects for chlorine. How do you protect your skin and hair? We’d love to hear your ideas! Comment below and let us know.