Having been in a 'swimming pool family' for a good part of my teen years, I know how good it feels to jump in onto a cool pool on a hot day, or a warm pool on a summer night. But though spending time in a pool is good for your state of mind, it's not so good for your skin.

There are tons of chemicals in there. The chemicals kill bacteria and algae in the water, and they also dry out your skin. That's the best case scenario. Worst case, they can cause rashes and other allergic reactions in some people.

One way to minimize the effects of the chemicals is to wait 24 hours after they have been added before going in. Chlorine is the worst of the drying chemicals and it dissipates after 24 hours, so try to find out when it was added before you jump in. If this is your own pool, check into mineral water sanitizers that reduce the need for chlorine. More information on that is at this site: http://www.havuz.org/pool-prob lems/pool-water-illness.htm

You can also add a layer of protection with a water resistant sunscreen. Apply it a few minutes before jumping in.

Another way to minimize the negative effects of the chemicals is to always rinse off with clear tap water after getting out of the pool. That will wash most of the chemicals away, but if you have sensitive skin, you may want to shower using a moisturizing body wash to get all the chemicals off. Follow up the rinse or the shower with a soothing body lotion to help ease the dryness caused by the pool water. Change out of your wet swim suit as soon as possible to cut down on skin problems too.

Learn more about this author, Liane Laskoske.
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