A Guide to Skin Health for Parents and Swimming Instructors
We all know swimming is such a fantastic activity that offers numerous benefits for both children and adults. For parents who want to keep their children active & learn basic skills and for swimming instructors who dedicate themselves to teaching this valuable skill, skin health should be a top priority. The combination of chlorine exposure, sun exposure, and prolonged water contact can take a toll on your skin. In this article, we'll explore essential tips and tricks to maintain healthy skin while enjoying the water.
Hydration is Key
Swimming is an excellent way to stay active, but it can be dehydrating for your skin. The chlorine in pool water strips your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and susceptible to irritation. The pH that's needed for a pool to stay clean is around 7.3, whereas the skin's natural pH is around 5.5. Exposing your skin to chlorine (for even as little as five minutes) will raise its pH and put it in an alkaline state. When you raise the skin's pH, you're causing dryness.
So, when you have the pool water at one pH Level and your skin needs to be at another pH level, there will be incompatibilities.
It is crucial to prioritise hydration. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your swim helps maintain your skin's moisture balance. Additionally, using a moisturiser after swimming can help replenish lost moisture. Moisturising is essential for maintaining skin health, especially when you're exposed to chlorine and the sun regularly. Look for moisturisers that are fragrance-free and contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides to lock in moisture. Applying a good moisturizer after swimming and before bedtime can work wonders for keeping your skin soft and supple.
The Clean Swim Ceramide Lotion is formulated with key Ceramides, Australian Jojoba Oil & Botanicals to give your skin the hydration, moisturisation and skin repair that is needed after a swim. After a swim, your skin can tend to be dry and irritated so apply this lotion after your shower for total skin barrier repair and smoothness.
Post-Swim Rinse
Chlorine is a common pool chemical used to kill bacteria, but it can be harsh on your skin, especially with prolonged exposure. After your swim, make it a habit to rinse off with water and after using a Chlorine Clear Body Spray . This is a lightweight, refreshing spray which instantly removes excess chlorine molecules (and smell) from your skin and hair post-swim while hydrating, balancing your skin’s pH levels and reducing irritation and the potential for inflammation with it’s Vitamin C & Probiotics.
Don’t have time to shower?
This spray can be used on-the-go … just spray and walk away!
This simple step alone can help prevent skin irritation and dryness.
Gentle Cleansing
As a parent or swimming instructor, you're likely spending a considerable amount of time in the pool. To maintain your skin's health, opt for a gentle, hydrating cleanser that can remove chlorine and impurities without stripping your skin's natural oils. Harsh soaps can exacerbate dryness and irritation, so choose products specifically formulated for sensitive skin. The Clean Swim Charcoal Detox Wash is perfect for removing any lingering chlorine residue and sweat that increases the chlorine smell on your skin. The Activated Charcoal not only neutralises the toxins on your skin but can also improve your texture and appearance. The odour-neutralising technology will instantly remove the chemical smell of chlorine and replace it with a zesty and invigorating natural scent of peppermint & menthol.
Protect Your Hair
As a swimming enthusiast, don't forget about your hair. Chlorine can also be tough on your locks. Just as your skin, your hairs pH needs to be at an optimal pH of 4.5 – 5.5 so Chlorine water is very damaging. Consider wearing a swim cap to protect your hair from direct contact with pool water. After swimming, rinse your hair thoroughly with fresh water and use a gentle, SLS-Free shampoo and conditioner to maintain its health. Our Clean Swim Shampoo & Conditioner range has been clinically formulated to strengthen your strands while smoothing the follicles and reducing split ends. Effective in increasing the shine and lustre of your hair while reducing the interference from elements such as Copper, Magnesium, Calcium and other pollutants found in pool chemicals and hard water, to improve shine, and protect the hair's DNA - revitalising it from the source.
Maintaining skin & Hair health is essential for parents and swimming instructors who spend a significant amount of time in the pool. By following these tips, you can enjoy the water while keeping your skin radiant and healthy. Remember, hydration, sun protection, gentle cleansing, and moisturizing are the keys to preserving your hair and skin's natural beauty. So, dive in with confidence, and let your hair & skin shine both in and out of the water.
Rita Sellers is a founder of Clean Swim. Clean Swim products are available at the Swimming NSW store at SOPAC and also online at cleanswim.com.au
