Pool Season Skin, Hair & Nail Care: A Dermatologist’s Guide

By Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon, MD, FAAD
Pool season is one of the most anticipated and popular times of the year.But from a dermatology perspective, it also brings a very predictable set of concerns affecting the skin, hair, and nails.

Between chlorine, sun exposure, moisture, and friction, I often see patterns of dryness, irritation, and preventable issues in both children and adults.

Here’s how to protect your skin, hair, and nails, and enjoy the season without the downsides.

Why the Pool Can Be Tough on Skin & Hair

Pool environments combine:

• Chlorine: strips natural oils
• Sun exposure : damages skin and hair proteins
• Water exposure: weakens the skin barrier and hair shaft
• Friction: from swimwear, goggles, and repetitive movement

The result: dryness, irritation, and sometimes infection.

Hair: Why It Gets So Dry (and How to Protect It)

If your hair feels brittle or rough after swimming, it may be even more damaged than you realize.

What’s happening:

• Chlorine removes natural oils
• Repeated wetting and drying weakens the hair shaft
• Sun exposure further degrades hair proteins

What helps:

• Wet your hair with clean water before entering the pool (limits chlorine absorption)
• Use a leave-in conditioner or protective product
• Rinse immediately after swimming
• Use a gentle, hydrating shampoo

For frequent swimmers, this makes a noticeable difference.

Skin: Dryness, Irritation & Sunburn

1. Dry, Itchy Skin

Chlorine + frequent showers = disrupted skin barrier.

You may notice:

• Tightness
• Flaking
• Itching

What to do:

• Rinse off immediately after swimming
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser 
• Apply a thick moisturizer within minutes of showering 

2. Sunburn (Still the Biggest Issue)

Even at the pool (where you feel cool) UV exposure is significant.

• Water reflects sunlight
• Exposure is often prolonged

My non-negotiable:

SPF 50 sunscreen

How to use it properly:

• Apply before going outside
• Reapply every 2 hours (and after swimming)
• Don’t forget:
  • Ears
  • Back of neck
  • Tops of feet
  • Lips

Sunburn contributes to long-term skin aging and skin cancer risk.

Skin Cancer Prevention & Mole Checks

Pool season is the perfect time to check your skin.

Look for:

• New moles
• Changing moles
• Irregular borders or color

A simple guide:

• Asymmetry
• Border irregularity
• Color variation
• Diameter changes

If anything looks different, it’s worth having it evaluated.

Nails: The Overlooked Area

1. Nail Fungus

Warm, moist environments increase risk.

Signs include:

• Thickened nails
• Discoloration
• Brittleness

Prevention:

• Avoid walking barefoot in shared areas
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Change out of wet footwear promptly

2. Nail Trauma from Swimming

Frequent swimmers may notice:

• Repetitive pressure on toenails
• Nail lifting or discoloration

This is often from repeated kicking and friction.

Blisters & Calluses

Blisters:

• Caused by moisture + friction
• Common on feet

Calluses:

• From repeated pressure

What helps:

• Properly fitting footwear
• Protecting high-friction areas
• Moisturizing to prevent cracking

Swimwear: Fit Matters

Swimwear that is too tight can lead to:

• Irritation
• Chafing
• Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles)

What to do:

• Ensure proper fit
• Change out of wet swimwear promptly

My Simple Pool Care Routine Hack

Before swimming:

• Apply SPF 50 sunscreen 
• Wet hair with clean water
• Use leave-in conditioner if needed

After swimming:

• Rinse immediately
• Gentle cleanser
• Moisturize
• Condition hair

When to make an appointment with a Dermatologist

Don’t wait if you notice:

• Persistent dryness or itching
• Recurrent sunburns
• Changing moles, new red bumps or patches or anything suspicious (pool season is a good time to check your skin)
• Nail changes
• Skin irritation that doesn’t improve

Final Thought

The pool should be a place of enjoyment, not skin problems.

With a few simple habits, you can:

• Protect your skin
• Preserve your hair and nails
• Prevent common issues

…and enjoy the season without unintended consequences.

Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Preston Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center, providing comprehensive care for skin, hair, and nail health across all ages.