Spending a lot of time in the swimming pool is a great workout, but it can also take a lot out of your skin. Whether you are a recreational swimmer and enjoy spending time around the pool with your children and friends or if you are swimming for exercise and competition only, you need to take care of your skin.
If you're planning to spend hours in the pool you need to plan to spend hours caring for your skin once you're done in the water. Here are our best tips to keep your skin healthy and happy when you're whiling away the hours in the pool:
Jump in the shower as soon as you're done swimming and also make certain you shower before you swim. If you shower before just like you had to in high school you will reduce the amount of bacteria that your skin carries with it into the water and can also help reduce the amount of chlorine your skin absorbs. When you're done showering don't be too vigorous with toweling off. You could irritate your skin and also rub away any of your body's natural moisture. Pat yourself gently.
Keep your skin moisturized both before and after swimming sessions and on days in between. If you spend a lot of time in the sun and water, look for bath products that offer additional moisturizing elements. You can find products that are specifically designed for swimmers and their special skin needs. If you can find a sweat-proof, waterproof product that contains vitamin A and E, that is a great combination.
Tanned skin is not healthy skin. If you long for the sun-kissed look of tanned skin, go for a bronzer or self-tanning lotion. Don't spend time around the swimming pool without using a lotion with SPF and a good sunscreen. Read the label to determine how long it takes the sunscreen to absorb into your skin before jumping back into the water.
Even though you will be in the water you need to be ingesting water lots of it especially if you're out in the hot sunshine all day. Drinking water will help your body's natural moisture rejuvenate itself. Also, staying properly hydrated will help your body flush out any contaminants from the pool water.
Price isn't all that matters. There are many skin care products on the market but remember expensive doesn't necessarily mean it's the best. Read the ingredients and also look for products that are fragrance and preservative free.
Spending time in and around the swimming pool is a great way to enjoy the summer sunshine. Just make certain you're doing it safely and protecting your skin.