Sun, Swim, and Safety: Protecting Your Child’s Skin and Hair from Chlorine While Vacationing

Resort vacations are all about relaxation and family fun - lazy days by the pool, exciting water park adventures, and hours of sunshine. But while you’re soaking up the fun, it is easy to overlook one important thing: the effects of chlorine on your child’s delicate skin and hair.

Chlorine is a necessary disinfectant in hotel and resort pools, especially those serving large crowds. But frequent and prolonged exposure, especially in pools with high chlorine levels, can lead to irritation, dryness, and even long-term damage. Here is what parents need to know and do to keep their kids protected during water-filled getaways.

Why Chlorine Can Be a Concern

Chlorine is used to kill bacteria and prevent the spread of illnesses in public pools and waterparks. But while it keeps water safe, it can be harsh on the skin and hair, particularly for young children, whose skin barrier is more sensitive and absorbent.  Public pools, especially those that serve children and seniors, often contain higher levels of chlorine to combat bacteria and urine. Regular shampoo and soap are not effective at removing it from skin and hair.

Common effects of chlorine exposure include:

• Dry, itchy, or peeling skin
• Rashes or flare-ups of eczema
• Red, irritated eyes
• Brittle or discolored hair

Repeated chlorine exposure can also strip the natural oils from the scalp and skin, weakening hair strands and increasing the risk of sensitivity.

Smart Tips: Protecting Kids from Chlorine at Pools & Waterparks

Rinse First + Conditioner Barrier
Before swimming, rinse your child’s hair and skin with fresh water, since follicles absorb the first thing they touch. This helps minimize chlorine absorption. Add a light layer of  conditioner to hair to provide a barrier.

Swim Caps Help
For kids with longer hair, a silicone swim cap helps prevent tangles and limits chlorine exposure.

Sensitive Skin? Use Barrier Lotions
For kids with eczema or allergies, apply a pre-swim barrier lotion such as DERMASWIM to reduce irritation and itchy skin.

After-Swim Care with TRISWIM
Rinse off right after swimming. Use TRISWIM Shampoo and Body Wash to gently remove chlorine and soothe skin. Follow with a moisturizer and conditioner to restore hydration such as TRISWIM Conditioner and Lotion.

Have Fun, Stay Safe
Vacation memories should be about water slides and splash fights, not itchy skin and tangled hair. With a little preparation and post-swim care, your family can enjoy all the aquatic fun your resort or park has to offer, without compromising your child’s comfort or health. A healthy child is a happy child!