Chlorine wrecking havoc on skin

Good for you for improving your swimming!  Sorry to hear that the chlorine is giving you a hard time!  I also have problems with chlorine, although the redness in my face tends to go away soon after I have showered.

My solution to all dry skin issues is to use baby oil liberally after a shower and before drying off with a towel (pat dry instead of rub).  It works for me if I do it consistently but it is a royal pain in the butt so I don't do it consistently!

I am not so sure what to do with your face.  Perhaps you could put a moisturizer or baby oil on the dryest parts right before getting in to the pool (but be careful not to put it where your goggles go).  This might provide a barrier between your face and the chlorine.  It wouldn't work with a water-soluble product though.  I know that if my skin is already irritated, moisturizing makes it worse so you might want to wait until the redness goes down after your shower before applying the moisturizer.  Perhaps a cold water spritz would be helpful.  Sorry I cannot be of more help.

You need to start treating your skin as "environmentally sensitized", since it has frequent exposure to chlorine.  Make sure you carefully check your product labels to avoid some of the following common irritants: lanolin, mineral oil ( too occlusive), artificial colors, fragrances, alcohols.  Dermalogica has one of the best lines for environmentally sensitized skin, but you can also find good products at your local natural foods market.  For the body, hydrate the skin with jojoba, olive oil (great job Atlantia!), shea butter, almond oil, etc.  Mineral oil should be avoided because it forms an occlusive seal, doesn't let the skin breathe and for most it will clog your pores.  For the face, hydrate with a soothing spritz style toner (Dermalogica's Soothing Protection Spray, or plain witch hazel but spray it on), then apply a silicone base moisturizer which will hold in moisture without being occlusive.  (Dermalogica's Barrier Repair is a good one).  Make sure you are also using a chemical free sunblock over your moisturiser during the day.  To help prevent your skin from further irritation from your make-up, switch to a mineral based make-up line.  The mineral oxides provide the colors/hues so you aren't putting artificial colors on your skin and they also have healing qualities.  If you have any more skin questions feel free to pm me.

Good luck,

Gina

I'm sure some peoples skin are sensitive to chlorine- there are alternatives in some areas to chlorine pools. Some pools are saline now, but not always a reasonable option. Rinsing prior to getting in the water at least wets your skin before its attacked by the pool chemicals. Rinsing right after getting out helps as well-plus the body oil after showering-

For the bod-- straight up olive oil or Almond Aura Glow Oil from the health food store--  basically olive and peanut oils with almond fragrance. Skin feels awesome and I smell like marzipan. Yum. The lable says it's  "based on the Edgar Cayce readings" so it helps out with the whole clairvoyance thing too.  

edit: clairvoyant yes, good speller no.

I have the same issue with chlorine - dry skin, redness, irritation.. and I found a great lotion at the Vitamin Shop in downtown Victoria: Botanical Therapeutics skin cream plus.  It's not cheap ($10.98 for small, $27.98 for large) but it works wonders for me.  Very gentle, very soothing.  Might be worth a try?