Swimming is a great activity to keep cool during the summer heat and splash water that is all over your body. However, it can be difficult for your skin. It is believed that the sun’s radiation becomes stronger when you’re in the pool, and the chlorine in the pool can dry hair and skin. This is a risk that can result in dryness, irritation, and sunburn. But, if you take the proper measures, you can shield your skin from sunburn while taking an enjoyable swim.
Here, we’ll review some effective tips on skincare to ensure your skin is healthy and glowing before, after, and during swimming. First, let’s know the effects that chlorine has on the skin.
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How Chlorine Affects Skin
Chlorine is a component of swimming pools to eliminate germs and bacteria. It is not just a disinfectant however, it also removes essential oils when it comes into contact with the skin. Let’s look at the process.
Chlorine acts as an oxidizing agent and promotes the creation of free radicals within our skin. Free radicals can damage DNA, proteins, cell membranes, and lipids. If you often go in the water, you’ll be exposed to a great deal of chlorine, which could trigger inflammation, aging-related diseases wrinkles, fine lines, and wrinkles. Also, it removes Vitamin E as well as other important acidic fatty acids, making your skin less elastic.
Regular exposure to chlorinated pools could result in:
- Hair that is discolored
- Frizzy hair
- Hair is weak and thin, with a loss of volume
- Cuticles damaged
- Dry, Flaky skin
- Skin that is allergic or reactive
- The skin is aging faster such as wrinkles and wrinkles.
- Hair that is dry, hard and brittle is susceptible to break
- Hair is dull and unappealing
- Dry, itchy, and itchy scalp
- Nails with a weakening
- Burns, rashes, and itchy skin
- Acne breakout
If you do take the appropriate precautions, swimming can cleanse your skin thanks to exercising. In addition, exposure to chlorine could be beneficial to your skin since it assists in eliminating bacteria that cause acne and cleanses your skin.
How do you prepare your skin prior to going swimming?
Here are some useful tips on how to maintain your swimming skin that you must adhere to before you enter the pool.
Shower
The majority of swimming pools will not allow people to go in without having a shower prior to entering. This is due to the fact that showering can aid in getting rid of makeup, dirt oil for skin, and other impurities. Also, it helps your skin cells remain well-hydrated and prevents the cells from absorbing chemicals and salts from the water in the pool.
Be sure to dampen your hair since wet hair will absorb more chlorinated sludge than hair that is dry. It is recommended that you immerse your hair for a while until it’s completely saturated and feels heavy prior to getting into the pool. It’s also worth washing your hair in cool water since it aids in closing the cuticle and avoids exposing it to chlorine.
Regularly apply moisturizer
It is recommended to use moisturizing products that contain ingredients like zinc as well as squalene. They will help in protecting your skin from chemicals and other chemicals within the water. Salt water and chlorine can remove your skin’s natural oils, causing irritation and dryness. To combat this, moisten your skin often using a hydrating cream or lotion in order to help keep skin hydrated and seal in moisture.
Make sure to apply a sunscreen
Use a water-resistant sunscreen prior to going swimming, since this will form an outer layer of protection on your skin to guard you against chlorine and other chemicals that are present in the pool. It also aids in preventing premature aging as well as protecting your skin from harmful UV radiations of the sun. Choose a sunscreen specifically designed to block chlorine and maintain the moisture of your skin. The sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes prior to swimming.
Develop a protective layer for your hair
Your hair will be immersed in water most of the time, therefore it is recommended to shield it from chlorine by forming an outer layer of protection. You can make use of any hair product to create an effective barrier. Coconut oil is a great option to help since it assists in keeping chlorine out of the hair. Alternatively, you can decide to wear a swim cap to shield your hair. Although it may not stop all water from entering your hair it can reduce the risk of exposure to chlorine. Also, it is recommended to pick caps composed of latex or silicon.
Make sure you protect your eyes and lips
When you’re focusing on your skin it’s easy to lose sight of your eyes and lips. A long exposure to water could cause cracks on your lips. Use a balm for your lips containing SPF to shield your lips from becoming dry or sunburned. Chlorinated waters can also tear off the thin skin layer on your eye and cause dry eyes, causing irritation and burning. Wearing UV-protective eyeglasses or sunglasses is a great way of alleviating discomfort. They also help protect your eyes from damaging UV radiation, as well as help to prevent irritation of the eyes.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to drink plenty of water during your swim. this will help keep your body and skin well-hydrated throughout the day. Consuming water will prevent your skin from having to be hydrated so that your skin will not absorb the chlorinated water that is in the pool.
What can you do to take care of your skin after a bath?
Here are a few swimming-related skincare techniques you should be sure to follow after getting off the water –
Shower with warm water
It is crucial to shower right after you leave the pool. It’ll remove the chlorine and salt in your face’s skin. It will also avoid dryness and irritation to the skin. It is recommended to shower with warm water, as it can aid in opening all the pores and washing all the pores thoroughly.
Additionally, you should make use of an anti-chlorine soap to cleanse your body. Apply it to your hair well. Finish your bath by taking an icy shower, since it will close all pores and help prevent losing moisture. If you plan to spend more time in the pool, be sure to stop and shower between those breaks. This will reduce the amount of time that the water remains on your skin.
Use a shower gel
Select a mild shower gel and ensure that you apply it in the shower. After you have cleaned your body thoroughly, apply a dry, clean cloth to gently rub the shower gel over your body. This will get rid of all remnants of the pool water. Be sure to apply the shower gel for your hair too. Exposed to pool water can leave a residue of chemicals on your hair and scalp and could harm your hair when it is left on for a long.
Moisturize your skin
It is known that chlorine strips off natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness. To stop this from happening it is recommended to apply a moisturizer onto the skin after getting out of the pool, and also after taking a shower. In reality, you can apply the moisturizer following each swim to add the oil back into the skin, keeping your skin hydrated. It also decreases the chance of getting infections or rashes as well as skin irritations. Make sure to choose a product that contains antioxidants like vitamin E as well as C. They do not just nourish your skin, but can also neutralize chlorine on the skin.
Apply the talc
As soon as you’ve finished your bath be sure to apply the talcum powder to areas that you don’t require to moisturize, such as your armpits. This helps those areas become dry faster and will also help absorb any chlorine residue that may be present in your skin. Don’t apply the powder on areas you’re trying to moisturize.
Take care of your swimming suit
If you frequently swim it’s crucial not to wear your swimwear more than once without properly washing or preparing it for treatment first. For healthy skin it’s essential to keep your swim cap, goggles, and swimwear free. Chlorine may also alter the look of your swimwear and it could affect the color of your swimming attire. It is possible to prevent this by adding one tablespoon of vinegar to the wash. This will not only eliminate the chlorine smell but will also stop losing color of the fabric.
Additional tips for swimming skin care to prevent damage to your skin
Swim in outdoor pools
It is ideal if you can select an outdoor pool to go swimming, as it allows the chemicals present in the pool to disperse to the outside. There are only a few chemicals that stay in water thus minimizing the risk of causing major harm for your skin. Additionally, freshwater pools have clear water and don’t contain any salt or chemicals that could cause skin damage.
You can spend a limited amount of hours in the water
It is best to not spend more than two minutes in water. If you exceed this timeframe be sure to stop every 2 hours. The longer you stay in the water the more skin will be damaged.
Conclusion
Swimming is an excellent sport that can boost your overall health. However, it is essential to care for your skin when you’re enjoying the waters. Following the swimming-related skincare tips in this article to safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of sun as well as chlorine and saltwater. Be sure to remember the following simple rule every time you swim apply sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing, wash off prior to and after swimming frequently, moisturize, and care for your lips. This will allow you to make maximum use of your swim experience while maintaining healthy and glowing skin.
