Does chlorine mixed with water and applied to the skin enhance skin lightness? No, that's true. Chlorine can be harmful to the skin, particularly when it reacts with water in the body, releasing substances like nascent oxygen (monoatomic oxygen) and hydrogen chloride that may cause damage. Additionally, chlorine can generate hypochlorous acid which can infiltrate one's cells, leading to structural disruptions and impacting their regular functions.
The claim reappeared in a video (archived here) which was published on TikTok by @aussara159 on December 21, 2023. The caption (translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff) reads:
Skin lighter with chlorine mixed with water
This is what the post looked like on TikTok at the time of writing:
(Source: TikTok screenshot taken on Fri Jan 26 10:28:37 2024 UTC)
Many TikTokers are promoting the use of chlorine, proposing that mixing it with water and applying it to the skin can lead to a lighter complexion. However, this practice poses a significant risk to the skin, as chlorine is classified as a hazardous substance (archived here).
Chlorine, whose symbol is Cl (archived here), is commonly utilized for various purposes, including as a disinfectant for swimming pools, a household disinfectant, and even in healthcare products due to its effective bacteria and germ-killing properties. It is crucial, though, to handle chlorine with care.
According to the New York State Department of Health (archived here), chlorine is a potent agent with potential adverse effects on the skin. Upon contact with water in the body, it breaks down into nascent oxygen and hydrogen chloride. These substances can be detrimental, leading to skin damage. Furthermore, chlorine can generate hypochlorous acid, which infiltrates the cells, causing structural disruptions and affecting their regular functions. Therefore, it is prudent to exercise caution regarding chlorine exposure to safeguard the well-being of skin and cells.
As explained in a hazardous substances fact sheet provided by the New Jersey Department of Health, chlorine can have diverse effects on the body. Its impact extends beyond the skin, affecting various systems within the body. Inhaling chlorine or skin contact can lead to burns, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and may have lasting consequences on the lungs.
Panupong Pattarakultawee, a prominent dermatologist in Thailand (archived here), addressed this claim on Instagram (archived here). In his explanation, translated from Thai to English by Lead Stories staff, he stated that excessive exposure to chlorine in water can compromise the skin barrier, resulting in various issues such as acne, erythema, and xerosis. These skin problems, if not treated, may contribute to the development of wrinkles over time. Additionally, Pattarakultawee emphasized that chlorine also has damaging effects on hair.
Even in swimming pools (archived here), there are potential risks. Regular swimmers may experience skin problems. To ensure one's safety, it is advisable to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) or check the chemical levels in the water when exposed to chlorine.
