Chlorine and Your Skin: What Does the Science Really Say?

Every day, millions of Australians shower in chlorinated water without giving it a second thought. Chlorine plays a vital role in keeping our drinking water safe by killing harmful bacteria and preventing waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera. In fact, public health experts consider water chlorination one of the greatest public health achievements of the last century.

But while chlorine keeps our water safe, growing scientific evidence suggests that repeated exposure to chlorinated water may not always be ideal for our skin—particularly for those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Why Is Chlorine Added to Water?

Chlorine is added to drinking water because it is highly effective at eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can cause serious illnesses. It also continues to protect water as it travels through pipes and into our homes.

Without chlorination, diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid would be significantly more common.

The goal of this article isn't to suggest that chlorine is unsafe—it is to understand how regular exposure may affect skin health.

How Does Chlorine Affect the Skin?

Our skin is protected by a natural barrier made up of oils, proteins, and lipids. This barrier helps:

• Retain moisture
• Prevent irritation
• Keep allergens and bacteria out

Research suggests that chlorine can strip some of these natural oils from the skin, leading to:

• Dryness and tightness
• Itching
• Increased skin sensitivity
• Skin barrier disruption
• Irritation in susceptible individuals

Several dermatology studies have described chlorine exposure as a cause of irritant contact dermatitis, sometimes referred to as "chlorine rash" or "pool dermatitis."

What Does Clinical Research Show?

1. Chlorine and Skin Barrier Function

Recent clinical studies found that repeated exposure to chlorinated water increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—a marker of impaired skin barrier function.

Researchers concluded that repeated exposure to chlorinated water may exacerbate skin discomfort and symptoms in individuals with atopic dermatitis and sensitive skin.

2. Chlorine and Eczema

A 2023 review examining swimming and atopic dermatitis reported that chlorine can:

• Dry or irritate eczematous skin
• Cause irritant dermatitis in some individuals
• Aggravate symptoms in people with sensitive skin

However, researchers also noted that chlorine's antimicrobial properties may occasionally benefit some eczema sufferers by reducing bacterial colonisation of the skin.

This means that the relationship between chlorine and eczema is complex and varies from person to person.

3. Chlorine Rash

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology explains that so-called "chlorine allergy" is usually not a true allergy at all.

Instead, it is most often:

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Symptoms may include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Dry, flaky skin
• Burning sensation
• Skin sensitivity

People with eczema, psoriasis, or naturally dry skin are generally more susceptible.

Does Chlorine Cause Skin Diseases?

This is an important distinction.

There is currently no evidence that normal levels of chlorine in drinking water directly cause skin diseases.

However, scientific literature suggests that chlorinated water may:

✔ Contribute to skin dryness

✔ Disrupt the skin barrier

✔ Trigger irritant dermatitis in susceptible individuals

✔ Worsen symptoms in people with pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Who May Notice the Effects Most?

You may be more sensitive to chlorinated water if you have:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Dry or sensitive skin
• Colour-treated hair
• Babies or young children with delicate skin

Many people also report that their skin feels tight, itchy, or dry after prolonged exposure to chlorinated water.

What Can You Do?

You don't need to avoid chlorinated water altogether. Instead, consider a few simple habits:

✔ Take shorter, lukewarm showers.

✔ Apply moisturiser after showering.

✔ Keep your skin barrier hydrated.

✔ Consider using a quality shower filter if you have sensitive skin or experience persistent dryness.

✔ Monitor how your skin responds and speak with your healthcare professional if symptoms persist.

The Bottom Line

Chlorine is essential for making our water safe and preventing dangerous waterborne diseases. But like many things, there can be a balance.

Clinical research suggests that repeated exposure to chlorinated water may contribute to skin dryness, barrier disruption, and irritation—particularly in people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Understanding how your water interacts with your skin can help you make small changes that support a healthier daily wellness routine.

Because wellness doesn't stop at skincare products—it starts with the water you use every day.