Post-swimming face cream

What to do and what not to do to keep your skin healthy after regular swimming.

Author: Arina Rakhteenko, Tatyana Potapova

The water in the pool is purified in different ways: ultraviolet light, ultrasound or using chemical reagents - silver or copper ions, ozone, bromine or chlorine. Only bleach irritates the skin, but it is used most often as one of the most effective and affordable methods of water treatment. We tell you how to protect yourself.

In front of the pool

1. The best skin protection before swimming is systematic care. Your goal is to constantly strengthen the skin’s self-hydration mechanisms: to create a good supply of moisture at the dermis level. Then the skin will be able to cope with all problems on its own, including the pool. Daily care helps this process in the skin start on its own.
2. Before entering the water, be sure to shower with soap or gel. Spend at least a minute on the procedure to wash away natural skin secretions (sebaceous and sweat), pathogenic microbes, remnants of cream, lotion and other products. This should be done not only for hygienic reasons, but also because chlorine is very active and can enter into a chemical reaction with substances contained in cosmetics. The by-products that result can be dangerous.
3. Wet your hair in the shower: wet hair does not absorb chemicals as actively as dry hair.
4. If possible, wear a swimming cap and goggles to minimize exposure to chlorine and protect your hair and eyes.
5. If your hair and skin are severely damaged by bleach, you can use professional cosmetics: apply a special mask to your hair that protects against drying out and is not washed off with water (for example, Philip Kingsley Swimcap Cream or Biopoint Sport & Swim Swim Cap Crema Protettiva), and to your skin - lotion used by professional swimmers, Dermaswim Pro Pre-Swimming Lotion: it does not form toxic compounds with chlorine and protects the skin from drying out. The latter is not sold in Russia, but it can be ordered online.

After swimming

1. Rinse off the chlorinated water thoroughly with a washcloth and shower gel. If possible, choose a mild product that uses saponins (plant substances that also produce foam) instead of sulfates. After the pool, the skin is already vulnerable, and there is no need to further irritate it with aggressive chemical components. Ideally, the product should not only cleanse well, but also care for the skin. So look for shea or sunflower butter (soften the skin), hops (restores the balance of minerals in tissues), saponaria extract (effectively cleanses without irritating the skin) and all sorts of stimulating essential oils: rosemary, horsetail, cypress.
2. If you can't get rid of the feeling of chlorine on your skin, use an exfoliator: a soft scrub or shower gel with abrasive particles. But don’t overdo it – peeling can be done no more than twice a week.
3. After showering, apply cream or lotion to your body and make a face mask. “The main thing that the skin needs after the pool is hydration,” insists Natalia Abramova. “Chlorine disrupts the hydrolipidic barrier of the skin, which is why moisture evaporates especially actively.” Look for sesame oil in the products (it is embedded in the intercellular cement of the stratum corneum, which instantly removes the feeling of discomfort), white lily extract (relieves redness and irritation), D-panthenol (moisturizes), vitamin E (prevents oxidative stress), herbal ingredients with moisture-retaining properties (for example, marshmallow root extract or rice) and ingredients that can stimulate the skin's own hyaluronic acid production (padina pavonica, blue agave extract and ceratonia seeds).

When is the best time to change the pool?

1. If allergies constantly appear.

Substances used to treat pool water are considered safe: to date, there is no evidence of their connection with cancer or lung diseases. Therefore, all that can happen in a well-treated pool is an individual allergic reaction.

“If after a swim you constantly have allergies, temporarily eliminate contact with the irritant, that is, chlorine, or better yet, just change the pool. If possible, choose one that uses other cleaning methods: they are less likely to cause allergies,” says Anna Pavlenko.

2. If the pool smells strongly of chlorine

The bleach itself has almost no smell. And the pungent odor that is usually attributed to it is caused by chloramines - substances that are formed when chlorine combines with other elements (particles of creams, soaps, natural skin secretions). They are also to blame for eye irritation.

A persistent odor and eye irritation are a sign that the water is not treated often enough or not thoroughly enough, and a good reason to look for another pool.

When not to go to the pool

1. If you have wounds, take a break for a couple of days until they are covered with epithelium, which will protect them from bacteria.
2. If you get a tattoo, refrain from water procedures for 2-4 weeks - the skin should fully recover.
3. If you have had a piercing. Here everything depends on the place of the puncture: for example, the lobe heals in 6–8 weeks, and a puncture in the navel takes from six months to a year.
4. If you have just waxed or waxed, wait a day.
5. If there are rashes or irritations on the skin or external genitalia, chlorinated water may increase discomfort.

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Swimming and water aerobics are certainly beneficial, but... not for the skin. However, there are sure ways to protect yourself and get exceptional pleasure from water procedures.

1. How does pool water harm your skin?
2. How to take care of your skin before going to the pool
3. Proper skin and hair care after the pool
4. Cosmetics for those who go to the pool

How does pool water harm your skin?

Anyone who regularly goes to the pool knows: this is not the best place for the skin. Due to chlorinated water. On the one hand, chlorination saves us from many problems. On the other hand, it has a negative effect on the skin.

Often after swimming in the pool, the skin begins to peel off and a feeling of tightness may appear. Why is this happening? Normally, a hydrolipid film is located on the surface of the epidermis, which retains moisture into the skin. Chemical reagents destroy it.

By the way, hair also suffers from chlorinated water: it becomes dull, becomes dry and brittle, split ends and dandruff appear.

Before and after swimming in the pool, be sure to take a shower. © skin.ru

How to take care of your skin before going to the pool

1. The most necessary thing is to take a shower.
2. Don't forget to bring rubber slippers, diving goggles, a cap, and a towel.
3. Don't go barefoot.
4. Avoid visiting the pool if your skin has scratches, abrasions or inflammation. Do not go swimming until the wounds have completely healed.

Chlorinated pool water can cause dry skin. © skin.ru

Proper skin and hair care after the pool

1. Take a shower again. Be sure to use the gel and a soft washcloth to ensure that any remaining bleach is removed.
2. Wash your hair with shampoo, apply conditioner or conditioner.
3. Apply moisturizer to your face and body.

After training in the pool, apply moisturizer to cleansed skin. © skin.ru

Cosmetics for those who go to the pool

Strengthening shampoo Fructis “Thick and luxurious”, Garnier

Makes hair thicker and shinier with pomegranate extract.

Lait de Douche cleansing shower milk, Biotherm

Contains orange and grapefruit oils and is soap-free, gently cleanses and moisturizes the skin. Suitable for frequent use.

Moisturizing shower gel La vie est belle, Lancôme

In addition to the cleansing effect, it has the ability to soften and moisturize the skin thanks to the rose extract in the composition.

Milk for dry and very dry skin Lipikar Lait, La Roche-Posay

Restores skin and improves its protective properties due to a high concentration of shea butter (10%), thermal water (20%) and niacinamide.

Leave-in body cream, a base for long-lasting manicure and 8 more products for pool lovers

Author: Maria Tymoshenko

Author's lists of cosmetics are one of the most fascinating readings, especially if the author understands a narrow category of products. We asked Maria Timoshenko, an avid swimmer, to talk about what she thinks is necessary for those who often go to the pool.

I go to the pool twice a week and swim for at least an hour, and I work out in the gym twice a week. I have to wash my hair almost every day, however, if there is no training, I can easily do it once every three days. I have normal fine hair and combination skin. The biggest problem I encountered when I started actively working out was very dry skin and hair and the difficult smell of chlorine after the pool. I'm lucky that I'm not blonde - green hair passed me by. Professional swimmers who practice every day may have even more problems: cracked skin on the heels, eczema and ever-flaking nails are not the limit (the latter, by the way, also affected me). A huge gym bag is a necessity for me - I don't wash with a local all-purpose body wash and shampoo and use at least seven products during my post-workout shower. I have a special cleanser for inflammation on the back and chest, a hair cream for a cap, a body scrub to wash out bleach, and much more.

Below is a list of ten products to protect your skin and hair from the effects of workouts, but before that are a few more useful life hacks. Showering before swimming serves not only hygiene, but also helps the skin and hair cope with the effects of chlorine: wet skin and hair absorb everything much worse. If you don’t have a special sports hair cream, you can apply conditioner under a cap and then rinse it off. If wounds appear in some places on the skin due to dryness and itching, you should consult a dermatologist, he will prescribe special medications, for example, hydrocortisone in ointment. One last thing: dehydration makes your skin even more susceptible to chlorine damage, so drinking water is important.

Clark's Botanicals
Skin Clearing Face & Body Wash

This facial and body cleanser is a must-have for those who work out in the gym, run, or wear tight sports tops that expose their skin to sweat, dirt, and friction. And also for those who are prone to inflammation on the chest and back. The gel treats if they already exist, and prevents if there is a predisposition to them. I use it as a face and body wash. By the way, it is very important to wash under warm, but not hot water, so as not to steam the pores and prevent the remaining bleach from being absorbed even deeper.

1,800 rubles

Philip Kingsley
Swimcap Cream

I read about this product on Anya Zabolotnaya’s blog Geekchick.ru and it is truly the best thing for protecting swimmers’ hair. It protects against the drying effects of chlorine and salt water, but doesn't float around like a film of oil when you get into the water. The product was developed specifically at the request of the American swimming team. It can be used as a protectant for colored hair at sea.

2090 rubles

The Lawndress
Sport Detergent

The British Swimming Association advises washing your swimsuit immediately after swimming, not only to prolong its life, but also to prevent skin irritation, which most often occurs under the suit. Any sportswear that I wear to the gym is as difficult to remove the smell as a swimsuit. The Laundress is an American company that specializes exclusively in laundry products. Perhaps I want to believe that it’s not in vain that I wait so long for delivery and overpay for it, and therefore it seems to me that there is no cooler product that completely gets rid of the smell.

from $19

Malin + Goetz Gentle
Neroli Shampoo

I have short, fine hair, a tight-fitting rubber hat, and a pool that tastes more like sea salt than chlorine. Perhaps this is why regular shampoo is enough for me. If the pool already smells of chlorine from afar, you should pay attention to the Malibu hair care set, which includes shampoo, conditioner and bags for washing out chlorine.

1,050 rubles

Dermaswim Pro
Pre-Swimming Lotion

Body cream used by professional swimmers. The lotion should be applied before training to the entire surface of the body: it protects even the most sensitive skin, which is prone to eczema from any interaction with water, from the effects of chlorine. Helps treat chapped feet and protect the skin on your hands. Unfortunately, it is not sold in Russia and the only option is to order through an intermediary.

Sachajuan Hair Repair

It seems to me that it’s not a sin to remind you that air conditioning should always be used. After shampooing, the hair cuticle opens up like a pine cone, and conditioner is needed to moisturize and smooth it. A smooth cuticle reflects light well and that is why hair shines. Curly hair rarely shines precisely because the hair is not straight, has a strong bend and does not reflect light as much as straight and smooth hair. The product can be used as a conditioner on the ends of the hair (conditioner should never be applied to the hair at the scalp) or as a mask. As a mask, Hair Repair is applied for five to ten minutes.

1,200 rubles

Deborah Lippmann
Umbrella Oxygen Raincoat
Top Coat

This finish really works and makes the polish last longer. Without it, after training in the pool you need to repaint half of your nails, with it - a maximum of two. And after a fresh manicure, when all nails are polished and processed, not a single painted nail will be harmed.

1,000 rubles

Qtica Natural
Nail Growth Stimulator

I use it as a base coat, but you can simply paint your nails with it without applying colored polish. After application, an additional dense layer is formed on the nail, which allows the nail to grow and strengthen. Unfortunately, my nails suffer the most from constant exposure to water, so I need to constantly paint them with something and use additional products to nourish and strengthen them.

1,400 rubles

Clarisonic Aria

If you use it constantly, your skin becomes noticeably better: fewer blackheads, smoothness and firmness. I don't have the patience to use it at home, so I take it with me and use it in the shower after my workout. By the way, the branded cleanser smells like Domestos, so I use my own.

The Lawndress
Sport Spray

Pampering to add a pleasant aroma to a yoga mat, towel or the contents of your bag in general. I order it along with shampoo and do not regret the money at all - the fragrant towel comes to the rescue when there is an athlete nearby on a bicycle who clearly forgot his deodorant at home.