We're getting ready for summer, which means lots of fun in the water! However, the chlorine used to keep pools clean and free of harmful bacteria can have some negative effects on our bodies. Let's chat about the effects of chlorine exposure and how a simple Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) spray can help counteract these effects.
Plus, I'll share an easy recipe to create your own spray at home!
The Negative Effects of Chlorine:
Skin irritation: Chlorine can cause dryness, itchiness, and even rashes on sensitive skin. It strips away the natural oils on your skin, leaving it dehydrated and more prone to irritation.
Hair damage: Chlorine can be harsh on your hair, causing it to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. It may also alter the color of dyed or highlighted hair, giving it an unwanted greenish hue.
Eye irritation: If you've ever experienced red, itchy, or burning eyes after swimming in a chlorinated pool, it's likely due to the chlorine. The chemical can cause irritation and discomfort, especially for those wearing contact lenses.
Respiratory issues: Chlorine sits on top of the water, making it easy to inhale into your lungs and ingest into your body. Inhaling chlorine fumes can lead to respiratory issues such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath, particularly for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Disruption of the microbiome: Chlorine not only kills harmful bacteria in the pool but can also negatively affect the balance of good bacteria on your skin and in your body, potentially leading to various health issues.
Chlorine chemically bonds to your skin and hair, so it’s not as easily removed as, say, dirt or oil. If you are a swimmer, you'll know this! So to remove chlorine, it needs to be neutralized, which is where Vitamin C comes in!
When Chlorine is combined with other things like sweat, urine, skin, hair, makeup, or lotions, it creates a harmful chemical known as haloacetic acids or HAAs. HAAs are linked to a host of health problems, including cancer, asthma, liver damage, damage to the nervous system, hormonal disruption, congenital disability sites, skin, eye, and throat irritation.
A study conducted by the American Chemical Society suggests HAAs are present in the urine of swimmers 30 minutes after they’ve left the pool, and the levels were even higher in children.
How Vitamin C Spray Can Help:
Using a Vitamin C spray, specifically sodium ascorbate, can help neutralize the harmful effects of chlorine on your skin and hair. Sodium ascorbate reacts with chlorine, turning it into a less harmful compound that can be easily rinsed off your body. This means less irritation, dryness, and damage to your skin and hair.
DIY Vitamin C Spray Recipe:
Here's a simple recipe to make your own Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) spray at home, or you can purchase a pre-made version here.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup filtered water
1/2 tsp sodium ascorbate powder (affiliate link)
Glass spray bottle (affiliate link)
Instructions:
Fill the glass spray bottle with filtered water
Using a funnel, pour the sodium ascorbate powder into the bottle
Close the bottle and shake well to ensure the solution is properly mixed.
How to Use: Before and after swimming in a chlorinated pool, simply spray the Vitamin C solution generously onto your skin and hair. This will help neutralize the chlorine and reduce its harmful effects on your body. Be sure to shake well before spraying!
I recommend applying it as frequently as you do sunscreen. So, before you get in the pool, after a couple of hours, and after you get out! Make a fresh batch every two weeks to ensure potency.
While chlorine is necessary for maintaining clean and safe swimming pools, it can have negative effects on our skin, hair, and overall health. Thankfully, a simple Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate) spray can help counteract these issues. So next time you hit the pool, be sure to pack your DIY Vitamin C spray to keep your skin and hair healthy and protected.
Always,
Jess
L E T ' S B E F R I E N D S!
