The same chemical added to pools to kill bacteria is also interacting with your skin, hair, eyes, and respiratory system every time you swim.

Now, let's be clear: We're not telling telling you to avoid pools altogether.

We're here to help you understand what chlorine does to the body and how to dramatically reduce its effects with a simple solution that costs just a few dollars to make.

Because summer should leave you with memories, not irritated skin, brittle hair, and unnecessary chemical exposure.

 

Chlorine Keeps Pools Clean. It Doesn't Mean It's Harmless.

Chlorine is incredibly effective at killing harmful microorganisms in pool water.

That's why it's used.

The problem is chlorine isn't selective. It reacts with everything it touches, not just the bacteria it's meant to neutralize. 

Just like antibiotics, it causes collateral damage to healthy systems in the process of neutralizing a threat. Your skin, hair, eyes, and respiratory system all take a hit when exposed to chlorine. 

We often think only of external exposure and side effects like dry skin, but we also consume chlorine when swimming, which can cause stomach aches and respiratory symptoms.

 

What Chlorine Does to Your Skin

If you've ever stepped out of a pool feeling:

• Tight

• Dry

• Itchy

• Red

• Sensitive

You're not imagining it. Chlorine strips away the natural oils that help maintain a healthy skin barrier.

That means moisture escapes more easily, leaving skin vulnerable to irritation and dehydration. For children and those with sensitive skin, the effects can be even more noticeable.

And if you're working hard to nourish your skin with clean skincare, chlorine can quickly undo some of that work.

 

What Chlorine Does to Your Hair

Hair is surprisingly absorbent.

When exposed to chlorinated water, the hair shaft absorbs pool water along with the chemicals dissolved in it.

This can lead to:

• Dryness

• Brittleness

• Increased breakage

• Frizz

• Color fading

The longer chlorine remains on the hair after swimming, the more opportunity it has to cause damage.

 

The Hidden Problem: Chloramines

Many people blame chlorine for the strong "pool smell." Ironically, that's not actually chlorine. That smell comes largely from compounds called chloramines.

Chloramines form when chlorine reacts with sweat, body oils, urine, and other organic matter in pool water.

These compounds are often responsible for:

• Eye irritation

• Skin irritation

• Respiratory discomfort

• The strong chemical odor associated with pools

In other words, what you're smelling isn't clean water. It's chlorine reacting with contaminants.

 

The Solution: DIY Vitamin C Spray

Here's the good news:

There is a simple way to neutralize chlorine almost instantly.

Vitamin C.

Making a DIY Vitamin C swim spray is an easy, affordable way to neutralize pool chlorine before it has a chance to irritate your skin and hair.

Vitamin C breaks down chlorine and chloramines through a rapid chemical reaction, converting them into harmless chloride ions.

 

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup distilled or filtered water

• 1 teaspoon Vitamin C powder

What type of Vitamin C powder to use: Sodium Ascorbate. Why?

• Dissolves easily

• Less acidic

• Gentler on sensitive skin

• More comfortable around the eyes

We recommend Pure Radiance C. (You can also use standard Ascorbic Acid Powder, but it has a lower pH (around 3) and may cause mild tingling on sensitive skin or small cuts.)

Add-ins:

For extra skin support, add 1 tablespoon pure aloe vera gel. This helps replenish moisture while soothing chlorine-exposed skin.

 

How to Use It

Most people only think about chlorine after they get out of the pool. But prevention starts before, and continues after, exposure.

Before exposure:

1. Spray exposed skin generously before swimming.

2. Thoroughly wet your hair with fresh water first.

3. Spray hair generously with the Vitamin C solution.

This helps reduce the hair shaft's ability to absorb chlorinated pool water. Think of it as filling a sponge with clean water before it can soak up the pool water.

After exposure:

1. Spray yourself from head to toe.

2. Mist your hair thoroughly.

3. Gently rub the solution into skin and hair.

4. Head to the shower and wash as normal.

The sooner you neutralize chlorine, the less time it has to continue irritating your skin and hair.

The Expiration Date You Should Know

This spray works because Vitamin C is active. Unfortunately, that's also why it doesn't last forever. Vitamin C oxidizes rapidly once dissolved in water.

Because this recipe contains no synthetic preservatives, it will generally remain effective for only 24–48 hours.

You'll know it's time to toss it when the liquid begins turning yellow or brown.

Our recommendation is to make a fresh batch right before your pool day. It's inexpensive, takes less than a minute, and ensures maximum effectiveness.

 

Don't Forget Your Face

While we're talking about Vitamin C, let's talk about another summer concern:

The sun.

Even if you're diligent about mineral SPF, sun exposure can contribute to:

• Hyperpigmentation

• Dark spots

• Age spots

• Uneven skin tone

That's where topical Vitamin C shines.

Our Vitamin C Serum helps support the skin's natural defense against environmental stressors while brightening, lightening, and evening discoloration.

Think of it as daily support for the skin you worked so hard to protect at the pool.

Because while Vitamin C spray helps neutralize chlorine exposure, Vitamin C Serum helps support healthy, radiant skin long after you've dried off.