Tips for Skin and Hair Care if You Swim in Chlorinated Pools or Saltwater
So your inner mermaid is calling and you can hardly wait to dip that
toe in some cool, refreshing wetness. Go ahead - dash and splash your way to
lots of fun and then follow these tips to keep your skin and hair in top shape
for all of those summer parties.
Chlorine – The Good,
the Bad, and the Ugly
The Good
Chlorine affects our lives in many ways; it’s used in swimming pools
to disinfect the water, for the sterilization of drinking water, and in the
manufacture of products such as paper and textiles.
The Bad
It is also a chemical bleach and used in pools to kill bacteria for
which it does a fine job. Chlorine is combined with other chemicals to make it
safe, but over time it can still harm skin and hair.
The Ugly
It robs your skin and hair of natural moisturizers and oils and can
hasten the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It damages vitamin E and
essential fatty acids needed by the skin. Repeated exposure to swimming pool
chlorine can result in:
●
Brittle and
discolored hair with no shine or volume.
●
Dry and
itchy scalp and skin.
●
Allergic
reactions.
●
Acne
breakouts.
How to Prevent Damage
to Skin and Hair from Chlorine
●
Swim in an
outdoor pool as these allow gases from the chemicals in the water to more
easily disperse into the air. Look for a well-ventilated pool if you must swim
indoors.
●
Shower
before you swim as both skin and hair are less likely to absorb chlorinated
pool water if they’re already wet.
●
Pin your
hair back to limit exposure to the pool water or wear a swim cap. Apply a
conditioner before putting on your cap for maximum chlorine resistance.
●
Apply skin
lotion before swimming as it will give you an extra layer of protection; use
sunscreen protection if the pool is outdoors and an oil or lotion if swimming
indoors.
●
Shower
after your swim using a gentle skin cleanser and a sulfate-free shampoo to get
rid of the chemicals following you from the pool. Soak your hair well and let
the freshwater flow through it. A clarifying rinse with apple cider vinegar
will remove the chlorine from your hair as well as any other damaging
impurities from the pool.
●
Apply a
deep conditioner to moisturize your hair after washing and use a wide-toothed
comb to remove tangles. Press water from your hair instead of using a blow
dryer to avoid the damage the heat would cause.
● After stepping out of the shower, pat your skin
dry and apply a moisturizing oil or lotion while your skin is still damp to
lock in the hydration.
● For more information see A Swimmer’s Guide to Skin Care and Hair Care
Saltwater – the Good,
the Bad, and the Very Ugly
If you enjoy swimming in the ocean or saltwater
pools, you may occasionally have wondered how saltwater affects your skin:
The Good
Do the minerals offer any benefits? ..........
Yes
●
Saltwater
contains vitamins, amino acids, and many minerals such as potassium, magnesium,
and sulfur. History has shown that the beneficial effects of bathing in
mineral-rich waters have been known since the Greeks relaxed in natural hot
springs centuries ago.
The Bad
Is it drying? .......... Yes
●
If you’re
already prone to dry skin, saltwater can make this worse, but the pH balance
varies greatly depending on where you swim. Those having a dry skin type should
use a water-resistant sunscreen prior to swimming and rinse off the saltwater
as soon as emerging and then apply a moisturizer.
The Very Ugly
Are there sharks? .......... Yes
●
Swim with
Dolphins! For more information see Dolphins Rescuing Humans.
The Benefits of
Swimming in Saltwater
●
Saltwater
contains natural antiseptic and drying agents, such as sulfur, that are used
in the treatment of blemishes, so if you’re prone to breakouts, a
swim in the ocean can aid in healing. Add sunlight and the healing power
increases as UV light helps to destroy bacteria. For those with back acne,
where reaching the area to be treated is difficult, this combination is
especially beneficial. For more information on acne see Facing Acne.
●
Skin rashes
such as eczema and psoriasis are helped by the drying effects of the sodium in
saltwater and many find that these skin conditions are improved. And again, the
addition of UV light from the sun can be helpful.
For more information see Is Saltwater Harmful to Your skin?
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