Why do our skin and hairhave to get messed up just because we love to swim? Can’t we tone our muscles and keep our epidermis healthy and comfortable at the same time? The answer is YES!
marin photo via Freedigitalphotos.net
These awesome swimmer hair and skin care tips are key to preventing damage wreaked by the pool:
Get ready for this interesting factoid: salt in the ocean and chlorine in pool water are both major factors contributing to your sunburn.
Reapply sunscreen every half hour during your swim. It’s a twenty minute break-not too much of a sacrifice when your life is at stake. As for brands, I like to use Aveeno Hydrosport.
Cuz it’s my fav!
I cannot be more emphatic about this: if you swim in an outdoor pool, SUNSCREEN YOURSELF TO DEATH! It’s better than the alternative (skin cancering yourself to death).
Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee via Freedigitalphotos.net
If your hair is blonde or colored, you probably fear that green, “swimmer hair” look. Don’t you?
I get it. It’s a real concern! The green tinge is due to copper oxidationby chlorine. Try coconut oil or olive oil.
Application to the hair during your pre-swim shower acts as a sealant. Which creates a barrier between the chlorine and your hair. Like body armor!
This moisturizing layer also hydrates the hair and makes it strong and soft.
Is your skin way wimpy in comparison to your swimming stamina? It’s okay to admit it. We won’t hold it against you. Here are four words that will change your life:
CHLORINE NEUTRALIZING BODY LOTION
Apply it pre-swim. It will protect your skin. And use the chlorine neutralizing body soap in your post-swim shower. No more itchy, scratchy, rashy flakes of dry skin. No sir-ee!
How about your hair? Don’t forget to rinse! After your swim, use a clarifying shampoo. Choose a sulfate-free shampoo with EDTA to remove all the chemical residue (or apple cider vinegarfor an all natural alternative).
And always, always, always condition. Choose a conditioner with Moroccan argan oilto replenish, nourish, and strengthen your hair. If you’re in a rush, leave-in conditioner is also a good option.
Stockimages via Freedigitalphotos.net
Apply lotion after swimming to re-hydrate your skin. For optimal moisturizing, choose a lotion with at least one of the following amazing ingredients. You can’t go wrong with either:
CACAO BUTTER
or
ALOE VERA
or
SHEA BUTTER!
Now, if you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered…
What’s the big difference between face moisturizers and body lotion? Are they interchangeable? Because it’s nice to keep the number of containers
in my gym bag to a minimum.
It’s reasonable question.
Turns out, from a health perspective, it’s fine to use a face moisturizer on the body (though expensive & impractical). But you shouldn’t use body lotion on your face!
The skin on your face is thinner, more delicate and has a different pH level than the skin on your body. They require different degrees of moisture to maintain a healthy balance. Body lotion can be drying and irritating the skin on your face (due to cheaper ingredients and added fragrance).
artur84 photo via Freedigitalphotos.net
As a fellow swimmer:
How do you keep a healthy and happy epidermis?
Any products, methods, tricks or techniques we should know about?
Tell us all about it in the comments section!