As summer approaches, many of us are looking forward to spending our days lounging by the pool, soaking up the sun, and taking refreshing dips in the water. But for those with hair or skin concerns, the question remains: is salt water bad for your hair and skin?
Is Salt Water Swimming Bad for Your Hair and Skin?
Grab your swim cap because in this article we'll explore the benefits and drawbacks of swimming in ocean water and saltwater pools, as well as offering expert tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin all summer long.
What is a Saltwater Pool?
Unlike traditional pools, a saltwater pool is a type of swimming pool that uses a salt chlorine generator to produce chlorine from salt. This means that instead of adding chlorine tablets or liquid to the pool, salt is added to the water and the generator converts it into hypochlorous acid, which acts as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and algae. Salt water pools are often marketed as a more natural and eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorinated pools.
Benefits of Swimming in the Sea and Saltwater Pools
One of the biggest benefits of saltwater pools is that they use lower levels of chlorine than traditional pools. This can be beneficial for people with skin conditions or allergies to pool chemicals, as well as those who dislike the strong chlorine smell of traditional pools. Unlike traditional chlorinated pools, which use chlorine tablets or other pool chemicals to disinfect the water, saltwater pools use a salt chlorine generator to produce hypochlorous acid, a natural disinfectant that kills bacteria and algae.
This means that saltwater pools have lower levels of chlorine, which can be less harsh on the skin. In addition, the salt particles in the water can act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Drawbacks of Swimming in the Sea and Saltwater Pools
Despite the benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to saltwater pools. One of the most common complaints is that the salt can be drying to the hair and skin, sapping the natural oils and leading to split ends, brittle hair and flaky skin. Salt water can also cause hair colouring to fade or turn green, especially if the salt concentrations are too high. The salt in the water can strip away natural oils from the skin and hair, leading to dryness and irritation. This can be particularly problematic for those with sensitive skin or hair conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
The high salt concentration can also make it difficult to maintain a protective barrier on the skin, leaving it vulnerable to damage from UV rays and other environmental factors. Another potential issue is the presence of salt particles in the air around saltwater pools or beaches, which can cause lung inflammation and breathing difficulties for some individuals. This can be particularly problematic for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
While saltwater swimming can provide many benefits, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and take steps to minimize any negative impact on the hair and skin. This may include using protective products, such as leave-in conditioners or hair masks, and taking care to rinse off after swimming to remove any excess salt from the skin and hair.
Five Expert Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair and Skin in Salt Water
If you're considering using a saltwater pool, or plan to spend time swimming in the ocean or other bodies of salty water this summer, there are several expert tips you can follow to maintain healthy hair and skin. Let’s take a closer look…
- Rinse off before and after swimming: Before entering the pool or ocean, rinse your hair and skin with clean water to help reduce the amount of salt particles that can cling to your hair and skin. After swimming, rinse again to remove any remaining salt and chemicals.
- Protect your hair with a leave-in conditioner: To help protect your hair from the drying effects of salt water, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair mask before swimming. This can help to create a protective barrier that can help to reduce water damage and keep your hair moisturized.
- Use a clarifying shampoo: To help remove any build-up of salt or pool chemicals from your hair, use a clarifying shampoo once a week. This can help to keep your hair clean and healthy, as well as prevent the build-up of heavy oils or greasy hair.
- Apply coconut or olive oil: To help protect your hair from the damaging effects of salt water, apply a small amount of coconut oil or olive oil to your hair before swimming. This can help to seal in moisture and protect delicate hair strands from breaking or becoming brittle.
- Wear a swimming cap: If you have long hair, or are concerned about the damaging effects of salt water on your hair, consider wearing a swimming cap. This can help to reduce the amount of water and salt that comes into contact with your hair, and provide additional protection from UV rays and pool chemicals.
Do the Benefits of Saltwater Swimming Offset the Drawbacks?
In conclusion, saltwater swimming can have both positive and negative effects on our hair and skin. On one hand, the natural minerals in saltwater can act as a natural moisturizer for the skin, helping to retain natural oils and hydrate the skin. Additionally, the lower levels of chlorine in saltwater pools can be beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies to pool chemicals.
However, saltwater can also be drying to the hair and skin, and can cause color-treated hair to fade or turn green. It's important to take steps to protect our hair and skin when swimming in saltwater or saltwater pools, such as rinsing off before and after swimming, using leave-in conditioners or hair masks, and wearing a swimming cap to reduce contact with the water.
Overall, the health benefits of saltwater swimming may outweigh the damaging effects on our hair and skin for some individuals. However, it's important to be aware of the potential negative effects and take steps to mitigate them, such as using lower levels of salt or chlorine, or installing a salt chlorine generator in a pool. By following expert tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin, we can enjoy the benefits of saltwater swimming while minimizing any potential damage.
So wherever you may be travelling to this summer for your holidays, keep these tips in mind when you are relaxing on the beach. Your hair and skin will certainly thank you for it in the long term, and that tan will last even longer if you stop the salt from drying your skin out.