As summer approaches and pool days become more frequent, it’s natural to worry about the effects of chlorine on your children’s skin and hair. While chlorine is used in swimming pools to kill bacteria, it’s also a toxin that can be harsh on sensitive skin and hair, leading to dryness and irritation.
Luckily, there’s a simple and natural solution to help neutralize chlorine after swimming: a DIY Vitamin C spray. This easy-to-make spray may help reduce chlorine absorption and its effects on the skin and body. (If you are short on time or aren’t looking for a DIY, you can also order this swim spray.)
Does Vitamin C Neutralize Chlorine?
Chlorine is commonly used in swimming pools to kill harmful bacteria and keep the water clean. However, it can also negatively affect your skin, hair, and overall health, especially with frequent exposure. This is where Vitamin C comes to the rescue.
Vitamin C, also known as sodium ascorbate or ascorbic acid, is an excellent neutralizer for chlorine. In fact, it’s often one of the main ingredients in commercial chlorine neutralizers.
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Shop My Amazon PicksWhen Vitamin C comes into contact with chlorine, a chemical reaction reduces the potency and oxidation of chlorine. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant, which means it also helps to protect and repair the skin from damage caused by environmental factors, including chlorine exposure. Unlike chemical dechlorinators that might contain harsh ingredients, Vitamin C is safe and gentle on the skin. You can also avoid unwanted ingredients by making your own homemade chlorine removal spray.
The reaction between Vitamin C and chlorine is quick, making it an effective way to neutralize chlorine after swimming. A Vitamin C spray:
- Neutralizes Chlorine: Reduces the chlorine that can be absorbed into the skin and hair.
- Moisturizes: Vegetable glycerin helps to lock in moisture, combating dryness.
- Soothes Skin: Essential oils like lavender and chamomile can provide additional soothing properties.
- Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C helps to repair and protect the skin from environmental damage.
What Materials Do You Need?
- 1 cup of filtered water (I use water from my Clearly Filtered pitcher)
- 1 teaspoon of Vitamin C powder (alt) (sodium ascorbate is preferred, but ascorbic acid will work too)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable glycerin or olive oil (optional for added moisture)
- An 8 oz. spray bottle
DIY Vitamin C After Swim Spray Recipe
Creating your own Vitamin C spray at home is simple, cost-effective, and ensures you know exactly what’s going into your child’s skincare routine. Here’s a quick and easy recipe to get you started.
After-Swim Vitamin C Spray
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Filtered Water
- 1/2 tsp. Vitamin C powder sodium ascorbate (preferred) or ascorbic acid
- 1 Tbsp. Vegetable Glycerin or Olive Oil
Instructions
- Ensure your spray bottle is clean and dry. Wash with hot, soapy water and let it fully air dry.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the teaspoon of Vitamin C powder in about half of the distilled water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Pour the dissolved Vitamin C into the spray bottle using a funnel if needed. Add the remaining distilled water, and other optional ingredients (if using them), including vegetable glycerin or olive oil and essential oils.
- Mix well. Shake the spray bottle well to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
Notes
How to Use Your DIY After Swim Spray
Before Swimming: While this spray is primarily used after being in the pool, you can lightly mist it over your child’s skin and hair before swimming for an extra layer of protection. I like to do this before applying sunscreen. Be sure to shake well before applying.
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After Swimming: Once your child is out of the pool, rinse their skin and hair with fresh water. Shake well and spray the Vitamin C spray generously over their body and hair and rub it in well. Let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing off again with fresh water or showering. This should help neutralize any remaining chlorine.
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Making your own Vitamin C spray is a fantastic way to ensure your kids stay safe and comfortable during pool season. This simple, natural solution can help mitigate the harsh effects of chlorine. Enjoy your pool days with peace of mind knowing you’re taking an extra step to protect your family’s wellness. And if you want to take it a step further, check out my post-swim chlorine detox.
Feel free to share your experiences and any additional tips you have for poolside care in the comments below. Together, we can make summer fun and safe for everyone!
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So maybe a dumb question but I am very curious about this spray concept as we do weekly swim lessons. I’m wondering if this is worth doing. Not in the sense like, “does this actually neutralize it,” but more so in the sense like, “haven’t we already absorbed the chlorine just from being in the water for half an hour?” And if so, “how is this going to make a big difference?” I guess I’m curious about how much we absorb while *in* the water vs how much we continue to absorb after we’ve toweled off?