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There is no doubt that swimming is considered as one of the most effective exercises to remain healthy and fit. In addition to helping burn tons of calories, swimming can tone the body without causing too many physical injuries in the process unlike other exercises like weight lifting. However, there is one concern individuals would have to face when opting for regular swimming exercises; the harshness of the chlorine water in the pool that could potentially be detrimental for your skin.
Chlorine is known to make the skin become dry, dull and dark with time. The situation worsens for individuals with sensitive skin who develop rashes and itchy spots in their body whenever they enter a swimming pool filled with chlorinated water. So what would be the best way to enjoy your daily swimming routine without worrying about your skin getting damaged in the process? Simple, follow a few really easy steps mentioned below to protect your skin from the effects of the chlorinated water.
1. Remain Hydrated For Longer Periods
Chlorinated water can dehydrate your body quickly, thereby drying out your skin in the process. Opt to have a bottle of water or fresh fruit drinks which you can sip at regular intervals while swimming. This would keep your body and therefore your skin, hydrated and moisturized while swimming and afterwards.
2. Lather On Plenty Of Waterproof Sunscreen
If you are swimming in an outdoor pool, trust the chlorinated water as well as the sun’s rays to wreck havoc on your skin. Overexposure to both these elements can darken and damage your skin like nothing else. Some of us may be worried about applying moisturizer and entering the pool only to have it flowing away from us in streaks. A suitable alternative would be to opt for waterproof sunscreen which you can apply all over your body before entering the pool. This would ensure that the sun’s rays as well as the chlorinated water has no effect on your skin.
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3. Take Shower In Fresh Water Before And After Swimming
It is necessary that swimmers take a shower before entering the pool in order to wash away any dirt or grime that may have stuck to their body. We recommend you take a shower afterwards as well in order to remove the excess chlorine from your skin. While the pre-swim shower requires nothing but a casual dousing by water, your post-swim shower needs to include a good cleansing routine with shampoo and soap. This would help remove all bacteria and chlorine that might have stuck to your skin while swimming.
4. Apply Coconut Oil After Coming Out The Pool
The skin has a very thin outer layer of oil that helps protect it from dirt, grime, bacteria and viruses. Swimming in chlorinated water can strip off this protective layer of oils, leaving your skin more vulnerable to these issues. So make it a point to apply some oil on your body after swimming and the post-swim shower. You can opt for coconut oil which would provide a thin, but very effective layer of protection from bacteria and viruses.
5. Moisturize Completely After Coming Out Of The Pool
After the post swim shower, make sure you apply plenty of moisturizing lotion on your body to counteract the effects of chlorine as well as the sun’s UV rays. Opt for moisturizers which contain Vitamin C and E as well as plenty of antioxidants so that your skin remains healthy and radiant no matter how long you choose to swim.
6. Take Plenty Of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a great way to protect your skin if you tend to swim often. In addition to protecting your skin from the harsh effects of the chlorine in the pool water, Vitamin C helps build up immunity inside your body to fight off infections effectively. You can either apply a moisturizing cream containing Vitamin C on your skin after swimming. Alternatively, you can opt for Vitamin C body sprays for the same purpose. On the other hand, you can also opt for Vitamin C supplements to protect your skin from chlorinated pool water.
