**Park City Pools: Altitude Chlorine Burning Youth?**
By Franklin Everett ShawThe sting of chlorine, the dry, itchy skin, the lingering smell – it’s a familiar story for anyone who frequents the pools in Park City. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Living at 7,000 feet presents unique challenges, and your swim routine needs to adapt.
Park City’s high altitude exacerbates the drying effects of chlorine. The lower humidity and increased UV radiation demand a proactive approach to skincare and hair care for swimmers. This guide provides a comprehensive strategy to combat chlorine exposure, tailored specifically for Park City residents and visitors.
Understanding the Park City Pool Environment
Park City pools, like most, use chlorine to disinfect the water. Chlorine, while effective at killing bacteria, strips away natural oils from your skin and hair. This effect is amplified by the dry mountain air.
The altitude also means increased UV exposure. Chlorine can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn.
Many Park City pools, especially those in condos or hotels, may have slightly different chlorine levels. It’s worth asking the pool management about their specific maintenance protocols.
Pre-Swim Protection: Building a Barrier
The key to minimizing chlorine damage is creating a protective barrier before you even enter the water. This is especially crucial in Park City’s dry climate.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Start hydrating well before your swim. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydrated skin is more susceptible to chlorine damage.
The Pre-Swim Shower is Your Friend: Rinse off before entering the pool. This saturates your skin and hair with fresh water, reducing the amount of chlorinated water they can absorb.
Barrier Creams and Oils: Apply a thick layer of a barrier cream or oil. Look for products containing ingredients like:
- Dimethicone: A silicone-based emollient that creates a water-resistant barrier.
- Petrolatum (Vaseline): A classic occlusive moisturizer that effectively seals in moisture.
- Shea Butter: A natural emollient rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
- Coconut Oil: A readily available and affordable option, though it can feel greasy.
Apply generously to your skin, paying particular attention to areas prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and heels. For your hair, apply a small amount of oil or leave-in conditioner, focusing on the ends.
Product Recommendations (Park City Availability):
- Vanicream Moisturizing Cream: Available at most drugstores in Park City (e.g., Walgreens, CVS). It’s fragrance-free and gentle, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
- Aquaphor Healing Ointment: Another readily available option, ideal for creating a thick barrier.
- Coconut Oil (Trader Joe’s Park City): A budget-friendly option for both skin and hair.
Swim Caps: A Must for Hair Protection: Invest in a high-quality swim cap. Silicone caps are generally more effective than latex caps at keeping water out.
In-Swim Strategies: Minimizing Exposure
While pre-swim protection is vital, there are also steps you can take during your swim to reduce chlorine exposure.
Limit Your Time: The longer you’re in the pool, the more chlorine your skin and hair will absorb. Keep your swim sessions relatively short, especially if you’re noticing dryness or irritation.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure: If swimming outdoors, apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen before applying your barrier cream. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after toweling off. Look for sunscreens specifically designed for sensitive skin.
Rinse Periodically: If possible, take short breaks to rinse off with fresh water. This helps remove chlorine buildup.
Post-Swim Recovery: Repair and Rehydrate
The post-swim routine is just as important as the pre-swim routine. It’s your chance to remove chlorine residue and replenish lost moisture.
Immediate Shower: Shower immediately after exiting the pool. Use a gentle, chlorine-removing soap or body wash.
Product Recommendations (Park City Availability):
- TriSwim Body Wash: Specifically formulated to remove chlorine and its odor. Available at some local swim shops or online.
- Ultra Swim Shampoo and Body Wash: Another popular chlorine-removing option, often found at drugstores.
Shampoo and Condition: Use a chlorine-removing shampoo to cleanse your hair. Follow with a moisturizing conditioner to restore hydration.
Product Recommendations (Park City Availability):
- Malibu C Swimmers Wellness Collection: A complete line of chlorine-removing hair care products. Available at some salons in Park City or online.
- Paul Mitchell Shampoo Three: A clarifying shampoo that can help remove chlorine buildup. Available at many salons.
Deep Conditioning Treatment: Once a week, treat your hair to a deep conditioning treatment to replenish moisture and repair damage.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize: Apply a generous amount of moisturizer to your skin while it’s still damp. This helps lock in moisture. Choose a rich, emollient moisturizer containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin.
Product Recommendations (Park City Availability):
- CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: A dermatologist-recommended cream containing ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural barrier. Widely available in Park City.
- Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream: Another excellent option for dry, sensitive skin.
Hydrate Internally: Continue to drink plenty of water throughout the day to rehydrate your body from the inside out.
Addressing Specific Challenges in Park City
Dry Air: The low humidity in Park City exacerbates the drying effects of chlorine. Use a humidifier at home, especially in your bedroom, to add moisture to the air.
Sun Sensitivity: The high altitude means increased UV exposure. Be extra diligent about sunscreen application and wear protective clothing, such as a rash guard, when swimming outdoors.
Finding the Right Products: While many products are available online, it’s helpful to know what you can find locally. Check out the drugstores (Walgreens, CVS), grocery stores (Smith’s, Albertson’s, Whole Foods), and Trader Joe’s in Park City for the recommended products. Also, consider visiting local salons for professional hair care products.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Skipping the Pre-Swim Shower: This is a crucial step that many people overlook. Don’t skip it!
Using Harsh Soaps: Avoid using harsh, drying soaps that can further strip your skin of its natural oils. Opt for gentle, moisturizing cleansers.
Not Moisturizing Enough: In Park City’s dry climate, you need to moisturize more frequently and more generously than you would at lower altitudes.
Ignoring Hair Protection: Chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair, leading to dryness, breakage, and discoloration. Always wear a swim cap and use chlorine-removing hair care products.
Assuming All Pools are the Same: Chlorine levels can vary from pool to pool. If you’re experiencing excessive dryness or irritation, consider asking the pool management about their maintenance practices.
By following these tips, Park City residents and visitors can enjoy swimming without suffering the negative effects of chlorine exposure. Remember to adapt your routine to the unique challenges of the high-altitude environment and prioritize hydration, protection, and repair. Don’t let chlorine keep you from enjoying the beautiful pools Park City has to offer!