Chlorinated water is a hot topic in Hawke's Bay at the moment. And it is something we often discuss in the clinic.
Since the 2016 campylobacter outbreak in Havelock North, as well as the low levels of e-coli discovered in Napier water, Hawke's Bay locals have been subject to the effects of chlorine. It has been particularly noticeable as we've been spoilt so long with crystal clear beautiful water, historically the envy of visitors to the region. However, this has now changed.
Regardless of whether it's right or wrong to chlorinate our water, it is undeniable that chlorine affects our skin in several ways, and can lead to a very dry, irritated epidermis.
Chlorine Removes the Skin’s Top Layer
Chlorine strips the skin of its natural flora and fauna. The outermost layer of your skin contains a dense network of protein and keratins that help keep your skin hydrated and prevent water evaporation. These cells absorb water and ensure skin is protected.
Chlorine reacts with the outer corneal cells and leaves behind a layer on top of your skin. When you bathe or shower in chlorinated water, your skin is still essentially covered in chlorine and is usually left dry, sticky or flaky.
Skin Rashes
Chlorine effects skin in the form of dryness, red skin and itchiness, but it can lead to more serious effects on people with sensitive skin. In some cases, chlorine can lead to extreme itching and redness, in small patches or throughout the body. People with sensitive skin are particularly susceptible. Ezcema or hives can become a serious problem, and can exacerbate the existing problems associated with dermatitis.
Premature Aging
Repeated exposure to significant amounts of chlorine can cause signs of premature aging. The hot water of showers and baths can cause your pores to open and the chlorine to seep further into the layers of your skin. Then it causes your skin to be stripped of natural oils, leading to dryness, cracking and wrinkles!
How Can I Protect and Improve My Skin from the Effects of Chlorine?
At Simply Indulgent, we are noticing an increasing number of clients with very dry skin which is in desperate need of healthy nourishment.
So, where to start? First of all, we recommend increasing the uptake of essential fatty acids, such as walnuts, oily fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel as well as avocados.
You may also wish to consider Bestow Beauty Oil, which moisturises your skin within at a cellular level. With a blend of cold-pressed organic flaxseed and safflower oil, Bestow Beauty Oil moisturises your skin from the inside out by feeding the skin cell at the deepest layer of the epidermis, creating plump, supple, smooth, glowing skin. Bestow Beauty Oil is available to purchase from Simply Indulgent.
Your best defence against the damaging effects of chlorine is by applying Image Skincare's Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic Filler to your serum or moisturiser. This concentrated topical filler contains six forms of lower and higher molecular weight hyaluronic acids to rapidly smooth away the appearance of wrinkles. It is ideal for skin in need of optimal hydration. We can't fault it!
Image Skincare's Vital C Hand and Body Lotion contain four highly active forms of vitamin C, and ''quenches'' your entire body – which is essential when experiencing the effects of chlorine!
You may also wish to consider a more creamy and nourishing cleanser, like Vital C Hydrating Cleanser or one for balancing e.g. Ormedic Balancing Cleanser. Dermalogica’s Ultracalming Serum Concentrate with soothe and calm most sensitive skins. Hydrating Facial Oil can also be added to any serum or moisturiser to increase EFA’s and moisture levels.
A hydrating masque will also help to nourish your skin. We recommend the Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque or our new Radiance and Hydrating RecoveryI Masks. They infuse your skin with valuable nutrients and protect your skin from the impact of chlorine.
Please Do Contact Us
We highly recommend that you talk to the team at Simply Indulgent if you have any further questions about the impact of chlorinated water and how we may be able to help you.
