Skin Care For Swimmers

Don’t let the effects of chlorine on skin put you off your precious pool time. Soak up our advice on protecting skin and enjoy smooth, radiant-looking skin, no matter how often you swim.

Eat your EFAs (that’s essential fatty acids)

Nourish your skin from within by eating a diet rich in radiance-boosting essential fatty acids and omega-3 (great for plump, healthy skin). How? Up your salmon intake, snack on nuts and avocados, and sprinkle omega 3-rich chia seeds over salads, puddings and smoothies.

Put a mask on it (overnight)

The relative humidity of pool air teamed with the drying effects of chlorine can leave your face feeling tight, dry and sporting a smattering of fine dehydration lines. Give thirsty skin a moisture boost by using a hydrating face mask overnight (you may want to put a towel over your pillow) to replenish moisture levels and nourish the skin.

Switch to a treatment oil

Thanks to their natural affinity with our skin, oils absorb easily and offer a serious treat for dry areas on the face and body. Choose a nourishing oil blend and massage in. Super-dry skin? Follow with an intensive moisturiser for turbo-charged results.

Give your shower (or bath) a moisture makeover

Hot baths and showers can strip skin of its natural oils, weakening its moisture-retaining capacity, so next time you hop in, dial down the heat. Showering? Switch to a moisturising shower cream or oil. Bathing? Add a good quality bath oil to your bath – the oil will cling to your skin, creating a veil of skin-loving moisturise when you leave the bath.

Blitz stubborn areas

Moisture-resisting dry areas such as knees and elbows call for a heavy-hitting approach. Exfoliate regularly using an oil-based salt scrub, applying it to dry skin before your bath and shower. After bathing, layer with body oil, then apply an intensive body moisturiser.

Give eczema areas extra TLC

To avoid chlorine-related eczema flare-ups, create a barrier by applying a thick layer of emollient cream before you hit the swimming pool. Use a fragrance-free shower gel to rinse away any chlorine as soon as you’ve finished your session and then reapply your moisturiser. Troubled by eczema on your hands or feet? For an intensive moisturising treatment, apply moisturiser before bed, don a pair of cotton gloves or socks and wear overnight.