Reduce Chlorine Exposure
A few weeks ago, Lyla developed these red bumps all over her body. I went through the mental checklist, she hasn’t had a fever, no sore throat, so on and so forth. Because we had either been in a pool or splash pad each day of the week, I was pretty sure it was a rash from Chlorine exposure, and our naturopath doctor took a look and agreed.
Did you know that VItamin C can neutralize chlorine? We were already doing whole food vitamin C chewables before and after pool/splash pad time. Internally we were getting vitamin C, but we hadn’t been doing it topically. My naturopath said to start by getting wet by shower or hose prior to swim/splash pad time. Getting your hair, skin, etc. wet reduces the amount of chlorine absorption.
According to the CDC: Exposure to low levels of chlorine can result in nose, throat, and eye irritation. At higher levels, breathing chlorine gas may result in changes in breathing rate and coughing, and damage to the lungs. Additional symptoms of exposure to chlorine can be severe. Workers may be harmed from exposure to chlorine.
Here’s some ways to reduce chlorine exposure:
Get your skin and hair wet before going in the pool.
Use Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) topically by making a spray. You can add 1 tsp of the vitamin C to 8oz of water in a spray bottle and spray it on your body and hair after leaving the pool. Then jump in the shower. *this spray will only last for 24 hours, Vitamin C degrades in water pretty quickly so you can’t keep around too long.
Make a protective lotion using vitamin c powder, shea butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and cocoa butter. Use this topically before getting in the pool. Scroll down for recipe!
Try to avoid swimming indoors, the closed facility allows the chemicals from the chlorine to build up in the air affecting your lungs.
Make sure to always wear goggles and a swimming hat when possible. Keep your mouth shut and eyes closed when swimming underwater to keep chlorine out of your body.
Protective Lotion:
You will Need:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup shea butter
1/2 cup cocoa butter
double boiler
1 TBSP. Vitamin C powder
Stand/hand mixer
Airtight Jar
Melt the coconut oil, olive oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter in a double boiler. Adter the mixture has melted, place the bowl in the freezer to set a bit and become firm but not solid.
Add the vitamin C powder. Using a stand or hand mixer; whip the ingredients together.
Recipe adapted from Willow and Sage Magazine
What ways do you protect your family from chlorine exposure?