Protect Your Skin While Swimming

If you swim in a pool, you may be worried about protecting your skin from the chlorine and other chemicals in the water. Swimming in an ocean with salt water can also strip your skin of moisture, making it dry and irritated. To protect your skin while swimming, start by prepping your skin by showering and applying moisturizer. You can then treat your skin after you swim so it feels soft and refreshed.

Steps

Prepping Your Skin Before You Swim

1. Shower before you go swimming. Start by rinsing your body with water in the shower. This will ensure you skin is free of bacteria, oil, and dead skin before you get in the pool or the ocean. Wetting your skin and hair can also prevent your skin from absorbing more of the chemicals or salt in the water.
   • If you are swimming at a pool, there are often showers on site that you can use before you get into the pool.
2. Put on moisturizer. Use a thick moisturizer that contains squalene and zinc. These ingredients will help to protect your skin from chemicals and substances in the water.
   • You can find moisturizer with squalene and zinc online or at your local drugstore.
3. Use a pre-swim lotion to protect your skin. There are specially formulated lotions made to protect your skin from chemicals like chlorine. Apply the pre-swim lotion after you have put on moisturizer. You can find pre-swim lotions online or at your local drugstore.
   • Keep in mind that while pre-swim lotions can minimize chlorine damage, they can create carcinogenic by-products and weaken the effects of sunscreen.
4. Put on waterproof sunscreen for sun protection. Protect your skin from the sun by applying sunscreen that is waterproof after you have applied moisturizer. Use sunscreen in a strong SPF if you are swimming outside in direct sunlight and your skin is sensitive to the sun. It is also a good idea if you are swimming in the ocean to protect your skin from the sun.
   • Always reapply sunscreen every time you get out of the water to ensure your skin is protected from the sun.

Treating Your Skin After You Swim

1. Shower right after you’re done swimming. Head to the shower as soon as you get out of the water. Showering right away will help to remove any chlorine or salt on your skin before it has a chance to dry it out.
   • If you tend to get in and out of the water while you swim, try to shower between swims. This will help to reduce the amount of time the pool or ocean water stays on your skin.
2. Use mild shower gel. Apply a mild shower gel to your skin when you shower. Be sure to wash your entire body, including your feet and toes. Use a clean washcloth to gently rub your body with the shower gel to remove the pool or ocean water.
   • You should also wash your hair during the shower, as the chemicals in pool water can damage your hair if they stay on your scalp for too long.
   • Salt water can also be harsh on your hair so you should shower using mild shower gel after you swim in the ocean.
3. Keep your skin soft by applying moisturizer. Put a moisturizing cream or lotion on your skin right after the shower. This will help to lock in the moisture and ensure your skin does not become too dry. Put the lotion on your entire body, including between your toes and behind your ears.

Minimizing Damage to Your Skin

1. Swim in an outdoor pool or in freshwater. Outdoor pools allow for the chemicals in the water to escape into the air, leaving less of them that can damage your skin. Freshwater pools are also a good option as they do not contain salt or other substances that can damage your skin.
   • If you are going to swim indoors, go for a pool that has good ventilation and low chlorine content.
2. Do not stay in the water too long. The longer you spend in the water, the more damage you are doing to your skin. Over time, your skin will start to prune and feel dry due to the chemicals in the pool. Take breaks out of the water and try not to stay in the water for longer than two to three hours at a time.
3. Follow a regular pre and post swim routine. Make sure you shower, moisturize, and put on sunscreen before you hop into the pool or the ocean. Then, always shower right away and moisturize again when you get out of the water. Having a regular pre and post swim routine will ensure your skin stays protected while you swim.

Sources and Citations

See also

• Swim
• Swim Faster
• Flutter Kick
• Prepare for Your First Adult Swim Lessons
• Get Faster at Swimming Freestyle
• Exercise to Become a Better Swimmer
• Make Your Eyes Stop Hurting after Swimming
• Tread Water
• Tread Water Eggbeater Style
• Do the Dolphin Stroke Underwater

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