Taking a dip in the pool is one of the most fun and relaxing activities in summer. Apart from being an enjoyable thing, many people also adopt swimming as a part of their workout. From getting us in better shape to strengthening our body, swimming sessions are excellent. While we spend a lot of time choosing the perfect swimwear and other accessories, we often forget about taking care of our skin.
Chlorine and salt water are extremely harsh on the skin. They strip away the natural oils from the skin causing the skin to become dry, itchy and sensitive. So, whether you’re a regular swimmer or just enjoy the casual dip, it’s important to protect your skin to prevent long-term damage and keep it healthy.
Here are some essential skin care tips for all swimmers, shared by Dr. Rupika Singh, MBBS, MD, dermatologist and founder of Akia Aesthetics:
Skin care routine before swimming
rinse before swimming
Before you splash around in the pool, take a cool shower. Hot water dries out the skin quickly while cold water ensures that your pores get clogged and reduces the absorption of chlorine in the body.
apply barrier cream
Use deeply nourishing creams that act as a protectant for the skin. Look for ingredients like glycerin, petroleum, or oil that moisturize the skin and help prevent dryness and flaking.
Use water-resistant sunscreen
Be sure to apply broad-spectrum water-resistant sunscreen at least 10 minutes before diving into the pool. Mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 is ideal for protecting the skin from UV rays and hard chlorine water. Elements like zinc oxide or titanium oxide are great for skin protection. Water-resistant sunscreens are a great choice for swimmers. Sunscreens not only help keep you away from sun tan and sunburn, but they also protect the skin from sun spots, wrinkles, and more.
Use SPF Swimwear
Made of special fabric that has UV protection. These fabrics are tightly woven which helps in blocking a significant amount of those harmful UV rays.
Post-swimming skin care routine
take a bath immediately
You don’t want chlorine and other chemicals to remain on your skin for long periods of time. As soon as you come out of the water, immediately take a bath with lukewarm water. This will help you remove any residue that may harm your skin. Choose a moisturizing shower gel or cream to keep skin hydrated.
Moisturize generously
After bathing, moisturize your skin thoroughly with lotion. You can also apply a light lotion after the body oil for an extra layer of hydration. Products containing hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, shea butter, and ceramides are great for keeping the skin nourished from within.
exfoliate regularly
If you swim regularly, you should exfoliate your skin 2-3 times a week to make sure your pores are open and skin is clean. Make sure to exfoliate gently to avoid any sensitivity on the skin.
Other Tips
1. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after swimming.
2. Wash your swimwear after each use. Residual chlorine can affect your skin.
3. Use skin care products that contain antioxidants like vitamin E or C. These can help fight chlorine-induced free radicals and aid in skin repair.
