iStock/ThinkstockBy DR. JENNIFER ASHTON, ABC News Senior Medical Contributor
Summer is the time for sunshine, sipping lemonade and swimming. But could it be risky?
Swimming puts your hair and skin in direct contact with chlorine, which can have some pretty damaging effects. If you’re not careful, it can cause your skin to get red and itchy, and your hair to get dry and brittle.
Before you dive in, wet your hair. Because your hair works like a sponge, it won’t absorb as much pool water if it’s already wet.
Also, add some moisturizers to your hair and skin before and afterwards to help stop the chlorine from stripping your good oils away.
And don’t forget your eyes. Try not to swim with contacts, and wear those goggles. Your eyes are up for the same risks as your skin and hair.
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
