Skincare for Swimmers: Protecting Skin and Hair From Pool Water

Swimming is a wonderful way to stay active. But many regular swimmers notice their skin feels tight and dry afterwards, and their hair feels rough. Pool water is treated to keep it clean, and long sessions in water, sun and wind can leave skin and hair needing extra care. Here is a simple routine.

Before you swim

  1. Rinse under the shower. Many pools ask you to shower first anyway. Wet hair soaks up less pool water.
  2. Apply a water-resistant sunscreen 15 to 20 minutes before an outdoor swim, on face, ears, neck, shoulders and back.
  3. Protect your hair. Wet it with clean water, smooth on a little hair oil if you like, and wear a swim cap.
  4. Skip makeup and heavy creams on your face.

After you swim

  1. Shower as soon as you can with lukewarm water.
  2. Use a gentle body wash and facial cleanser.
  3. Shampoo your hair with a mild shampoo.
  4. Pat dry with a clean towel.
  5. Moisturise straight away, face and body, while skin is still slightly damp.
  6. Drink water. You still sweat when you swim.

Weekly care

For your face

On nights when your face feels tight, add a hydrating overnight step. The HydraRenew Collagen Overnight Mask combines hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, multi-peptides and aloe vera. It goes on face and neck at night and is rinsed off in the morning.

For your hair

  • Oil before a wash day. The Hair Revival Oil combines bhringraj, amla, onion seed and black seed oil and is made for all hair types.
  • Use a hair mask. The Root Revival Hair Mask combines amla, bhringraj and black sesame oil. Apply to damp hair, massage 2 to 3 minutes, leave 15 to 20 minutes and rinse. Use it 2 to 3 times a week.
  • Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb.

Do not forget

  • Lips: a lip balm after swimming.
  • Eyes: well-fitting goggles.
  • Hands and feet: moisturise, and dry well between the toes.
  • Swimwear and towels: rinse and dry them after each swim.

Outdoor pools

  • Reapply sunscreen after long sessions and towel drying.
  • Avoid the strongest midday sun where you can.
  • Wear a hat while resting at the poolside.

Common mistakes

  • Going home without showering.
  • Very hot showers after swimming.
  • Skipping moisturiser because you are in a hurry.
  • Swimming without a cap several times a week.

If your skin becomes red, itchy or sore after swimming, or a rash does not settle, see a doctor.

A plan for active people

The Theraglam Glow Scan looks at 3 photos and your short quiz answers and gives you a Glow Score, a skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, exercises with pictures, face massage moves and a daily to-do list.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

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