Skin Care Tips for Swimmers


Sometimes nothing feels better than a cool dip in a pool or the ocean on a hot day. Until you get out, that is. While swimming is therapeutic for the mind and good for the heart, it is not always the best for your skin.

Whether you swim in a chemically treated pool, a salt-filled ocean, or a pond or lake, there are steps you can take to insure that your skin remains healthy and hydrated.

There is no cause for concern. What your skin is exhibiting is a classic symptom of over exposure to chlorinated water. Water in a swimming pool is highly chlorinated which is not good for your skin. Excessive chlorine in water dries your skin by depleting it of its moisture and it also severely hampers the skin cells ability to retain moisture.

Use a mild soap and lukewarm water for the bath and clean your body of the pool water thoroughly. Additionally, there are several lotions and creams that are sold over the counter that are effective in protecting your skin from the ravages of chlorinated water. Water proof sunscreen lotion is one among them. Caution is however advised in choosing these products though, since several of them have a harsh chemical composition which will further worsen matters as far as the tanning is concerned.

In extreme cases, some substances may also act as an allergen on your skin. Hence go for products that are preferably herbal and mild. Visit a dermatologist and better understand your skin type and its needs before choosing these products.

After the bath, moisturize your skin well using a gentle moisturizer. Gently massage the moisturizing lotion on to your skin using your fingertips in a rotating motion. A banana pack is also said to be highly effective in reducing the darkening and restoring natural skin color.

Leave the pack on the skin for at least an hour for this treatment to produce any visible results. Supplementing your diet with some essential nutrients will also help. Increase your daily intake of nutrients such as vitamin E and vitamin C. Vitamin C is an excellent natural anti oxidant and vitamin E helps improve your skin’s moisture retention capability.

Additionally, eat a lot of protein rich foods like eggs, meat, pulses and so on. Also eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Keeping your skin hydrated is also vital. Drink lots of water and other fluids like fresh fruit juices to achieve this. You can also try humidifying your environment. Stand in a hot shower with the door closed for twenty minutes. This can work wonders for skin darkened due to over exposure to chlorinated water in a swimming pool.

Advice

Not all expensive skin care products are necessarily high-quality products, but many inexpensive skin care products are definitely low-quality products. Avoid products that contain unnecessary preservatives and fragrances, as they may contribute to skin damage.