Since chlorine exposure is nearly inevitable during summer fun, learn simple ways to support the body without having to cut back on cannon balls and splash pads!
Water play is a summer staple for kids and parents alike… And as a former pro-swimmer, it's one of my absolute favorite activities. That said, if your children transform into fish each summer, you may be growing concerned about their chlorine exposure.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what chlorine exposure does to the body and how vitamin C helps, and I'll provide some simple evidence-based ways to protect your family while enjoying every minute of summer fun.
How Chlorine Affects the Body: Risks of Pool Exposure for Kids
Chlorine helps keep pool water safe, but it doesn’t come without trade-offs—especially when it reacts with organic matter (like skin cells, sweat, or sunscreen) to form disinfection byproducts such as chloramines and trihalomethanes (THMs) (1). Frequent or prolonged exposure, especially in heated or indoor pools, may contribute to skin irritation, disrupted microbiomes, and oxidative stress in the body.
Young children may be more susceptible to these effects because they absorb proportionally more chlorine through the skin and lungs due to their size and thinner skin (2).
The Role of Vitamin C in Managing Chlorine Exposure
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize oxidative stress and supports tissue repair, immune function, and collagen production (3). But it also has a specific benefit for those who enjoy spending time in chlorinated pools: it neutralizes chlorine and chloramines on contact (4).
When taken internally, vitamin C helps your body process and eliminate free radicals caused by oxidative stress, supporting a healthy skin barrier by contributing to collagen synthesis (3). Vitamin C also plays a role in restoring glutathione levels (5), one of the body’s most important detox molecules.
How To Support Your Family With Vitamin C This Summer
Since chlorine exposure is nearly inevitable during summer fun, here are simple ways to gently support the body without needing to cut back on cannon balls and splash pads.
Prioritize Colorful Fresh Foods
Summer fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants that help buffer oxidative stress.
Some of the best vitamin C-rich options include:
- Fresh fruit: strawberries, oranges, kiwis, mangoes, pineapple
- Colorful vegetables: bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and cabbage
Next time you’re spending the day at the pool, try offering fruit salad with a squeeze of lime, raw veggie platters with hummus, or smoothies made with berries and citrus!
Supplement As Needed
During periods of frequent chlorine exposure, vitamin C supplementation can be a convenient way to increase intake. Our Liquid Vitamin C includes a combination of vitamin C with organic rosehips and organic acerola fruit. This formula was developed to support antioxidant activity, immune health, and collagen production. It tastes great, too!
To learn more about creating a supplement plan for your kids, read this article: How To Calculate Supplement Dosages For Kids
Support the Skin Directly
After swimming, give your child a quick rinse and apply a simple vitamin C spray to neutralize any lingering chlorine on their skin before moisturizing.
You can find our easy DIY spray instructions here: How To Minimize Chlorine Exposure + A DIY Chlorine Neutralizing Skin Spray Recipe
How To Reduce Chlorine Exposure When Swimming
There is no need to stop enjoying chlorinated pools, but there are a few small steps that you can take to help support your child's body if pools are a regular part of your routine:
- Shower before swimming to reduce chloramine formation
- Rinse off right after to remove residual chlorine
- Use vitamin C spray after swimming
- Moisturize before swimming
Summary
Regular swimming in chlorinated pools can contribute to oxidative stress, skin irritation, and microbiome disruption…especially in young children. Vitamin C helps neutralize chlorine, making it a powerful tool for families who like to spend summers poolside! Focus on vitamin C-rich foods, consider supplementation, and use a DIY vitamin C spray after pool time. A few simple steps can go a long way!
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References:
- Kim, H., Shim, J., & Lee, S. (2002). Formation of disinfection by-products in chlorinated swimming pool water. Chemosphere, 46(1), 123–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0045-6535(00)00581-6
- New York State Department of Health. (2024). Chlorine. Www.health.ny.gov. https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/chemicals/chlorine/
- Alberts, A., Elena-Theodora Moldoveanu, Niculescu, A.-G., & Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu. (2025). Vitamin C: A Comprehensive Review of Its Role in Health, Disease Prevention, and Therapeutic Potential. Molecules, 30(3), 748–748. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030748
- Urbansky ET, Freeman DM, Rubio FJ. Ascorbic acid reduction of residual active chlorine in potable water prior to halocarboxylate determination. J Environ Monit. 2000 Jun;2(3):253-6. doi: 10.1039/b001046o. PMID: 11256708.
- Lenton KJ, Sané AT, Therriault H, Cantin AM, Payette H, Wagner JR. Vitamin C augments lymphocyte glutathione in subjects with ascorbate deficiency. Am J Clin Nutr. 2003 Jan;77(1):189-95. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/77.1.189. PMID: 12499341.
