Chlorine has been added to our water supply since the early 1900’s, and for the most part, it really hasn’t changed much over the last 100 years. If you’ve ever been swimming in a chlorinated pool, you know how harsh it can be to your eyes, skin, and even your lungs, but did you know that chlorine actually cause your skin to age faster?
Well if you didn’t know you are about to find out just what chlorine does to your skin. Let’s start by clarifying one thing – chlorine is not used because it is the safest chemical to disinfect our water supply, it is used because it is the cheapest. Studies have shown that the cancer risk in those that drink chlorinated water is 93% higher than in those that do not. That in it self should make you stop and take notice. But what about your skin?
The chlorine in the water might make it safe to drink but in the process, it is ruining your skin. Chlorine is classified as an oxidative agent that is designed to attack any living organic matter. That’s why bacteria in water are killed. However, it’s also why your skin is so vulnerable to damage; after all it too is an organic matter.
But it gets worse. When you have a hot shower, the chlorine vaporizes into the air then it combines with organic compounds hanging around the air and the result is the formation of chloroform gas, which is a strong irritant for your lungs, and it can also cause fatigue. In fact, you can absorb more chlorine in a 5 minute shower than you would drinking 12 liters of tap water in a day! If you plan to shower, then think about using a shower filter to filter out the chlorine from the water.
Chlorine causes your skin to become dry and your hair brittle. And because our skin is like a sponge absorbing whatever is placed on it, studies have shown you are at risk for more serious diseases such as breast cancer.
As the chlorine dries out the skin it ages the skin faster. One of the best ways to combat the effect of chlorinated water is to add one of the special filtration systems to your homes water system. You can also buy special filters that attach to the shower, which can remove chlorine. It’s best if you can completely eliminate the chlorine in all of your water system including your drinking water.
There are also lotions that you can apply to your body that form a barrier that will protect your skin from the chlorine when you shower. It won’t however stop you from breathing in the vapors.
It’s also important to keep your skin well hydrated with a quality moisturizer. Remember exposure to water even excluding the chlorine can cause you to have dry skin and that will age your skin because the elasticity is reduced. How to solve this issue of chlorine? Use a shower filter to filter out the harmful chlorine. This will keep the skin soft and supple and help to protect the skin.
Now that you know what chlorine can do to your skin, you’ll need to consider your options not only to slow the process of aging the skin but also for your overall health.
