What impact does chlorine have on the skin?

When did you last encounter chlorine? Even if you haven't visited a pool recently, you might be closer to chlorine than you realize. Have you used cleaning products or taken a shower? If yes, you've likely been exposed to chlorine.

Chlorine ranks among the top 10 most-produced chemicals in the U.S., primarily for water treatment [source: New York Department of Health]. While daily showers or occasional swims might not significantly harm your skin, dry or flaky skin after swimming could point to chlorine as the cause. This effect is often more pronounced in summer or during vacations when pool time increases, as repeated exposure worsens chlorine's impact. Those with sensitive skin or allergies might experience itchy rashes or even sinus issues from chlorine inhalation [source: WebMD].

Chlorine can harm the skin and accelerate the appearance of aging. Even minimal exposure over time can have detrimental effects. During showers, heat opens pores, enabling chlorine to penetrate the skin. This process removes natural oils, leading to dryness, cracking, and eventually wrinkles [source: New York Department of Health].