Boise Baths: City Chlorine Burning Digestion Youth?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe smell of chlorine hangs heavy in the air around Boise’s public pools and water parks. It’s the smell of summer fun, but for some, it’s also the harbinger of digestive distress and irritated skin. But before you resign yourself to a summer of discomfort, know this: you can enjoy the refreshing waters of Roaring Springs or the local YMCA pool without sacrificing your gut health or youthful glow. It just takes a proactive approach and a little Boise-specific know-how.
Chlorine, while essential for sanitation, is a harsh chemical. It doesn’t discriminate between harmful bacteria and the beneficial bacteria in your gut. This disruption, known as dysbiosis, can lead to bloating, gas, and even more serious digestive issues. Furthermore, chlorine strips the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and accelerated aging.
So, what’s a Boisean to do? Let’s dive into a practical, actionable plan.
Pre-Swim Prep: Fortifying Your Defenses
Think of this as building a fortress before the chlorine assault. The first line of defense is your skin.
Barrier Cream Application: Before hitting the pool, apply a thick layer of a barrier cream. Look for products containing dimethicone or petrolatum. These ingredients create a physical barrier, minimizing chlorine absorption. A great option readily available at Boise drugstores like Walgreens or CVS is CeraVe Healing Ointment. Apply liberally, especially to areas prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and ankles.
Hydration is Key: Chlorine loves to latch onto dry skin. Ensure your skin is well-hydrated before you swim. Apply a hydrating lotion or cream immediately after showering in the morning. Look for products containing hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, available at Ulta Beauty in Boise, is an affordable and effective option.
Probiotic Power-Up: Start taking a daily probiotic supplement a week or two before your swimming season begins. This helps to bolster your gut’s beneficial bacteria, making it more resilient to chlorine’s disruptive effects. Look for a probiotic with a diverse range of strains, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Check out the selection at Boise Co-op for high-quality, locally sourced options. Garden of Life Raw Probiotics is a solid choice.
Post-Swim Recovery: Repair and Replenish
The battle is over, but the war isn’t won. Post-swim recovery is crucial for minimizing the long-term effects of chlorine exposure.
Immediate Shower: Rinse off immediately after leaving the pool. Use a gentle, chlorine-removing body wash. These washes contain ingredients that neutralize chlorine and prevent it from further irritating your skin. Triswim Body Wash, available at Idaho Swim Supply on Fairview Avenue, is specifically formulated for swimmers.
Replenish Moisture: After showering, pat your skin dry and immediately apply a rich moisturizer. Look for products containing ceramides, which help to repair the skin’s natural barrier. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+ is an excellent choice and can be found at most Boise pharmacies.
Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially after swimming. Chlorine can dehydrate you, exacerbating skin dryness and digestive issues. Consider adding electrolytes to your water to help replenish lost minerals. Nuun tablets, available at Boise running stores like Fleet Feet, are a convenient and tasty option.
Dietary Adjustments: Support your gut health with a diet rich in fiber and fermented foods. Fiber feeds your beneficial bacteria, while fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut introduce new strains of probiotics. Find locally made sauerkraut at the Boise Farmers Market during the summer months.
Maintaining Youthful Skin: The Long Game
Regular chlorine exposure can accelerate skin aging. Combat this with a proactive skincare routine.
Antioxidant Power: Incorporate antioxidants into your skincare routine. Vitamin C serums and retinol creams can help to protect your skin from free radical damage caused by chlorine. Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum, available at Whole Foods Market in Boise, is a popular and effective option.
Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable: Chlorine can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher when swimming outdoors. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 is a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen that’s lightweight and won’t clog pores. You can find it at several medical spas in Boise.
Professional Treatments: Consider incorporating professional skincare treatments into your routine. Regular facials and microdermabrasion can help to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote collagen production. Check out the services offered at Aesthetica Med Spa in downtown Boise.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Skipping the Pre-Swim Routine: Many people focus solely on post-swim recovery, neglecting the importance of pre-swim preparation. Don’t make this mistake. Building a barrier before chlorine exposure is crucial.
Using Harsh Soaps: Avoid using harsh soaps that can further strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free cleansers.
Ignoring Gut Health: Don’t underestimate the impact of chlorine on your gut. Probiotic supplementation and dietary adjustments are essential for maintaining digestive health.
Inconsistent Routine: Consistency is key. Make these practices a regular part of your swimming routine for optimal results.
Real-World Scenario: The Eagle Island State Park Swimmer
Imagine Sarah, a Boise resident who loves swimming at Eagle Island State Park during the summer. She used to dread the post-swim itchiness and digestive discomfort. By implementing the strategies outlined above – pre-swim barrier cream, post-swim chlorine-removing wash, probiotic supplementation, and a diet rich in fermented foods – she’s now able to enjoy her swims without any negative side effects.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Hydration
For those seeking an extra boost of hydration, consider incorporating a hydrating face mask into your routine once or twice a week. Look for masks containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or aloe vera. The Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask, available at Nordstrom in Boise Towne Square, is a luxurious and effective option.
The Takeaway
Enjoying Boise’s pools and water parks doesn’t have to come at the expense of your skin and gut health. By implementing a proactive and consistent routine, you can minimize the negative effects of chlorine exposure and enjoy a summer of fun without the discomfort. Remember to tailor these recommendations to your individual needs and consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional if you have any concerns. Now go forth and conquer those chlorine-filled waters, Boise!