Beauty

Swimming in the Sun Without Browning Your Skin or Damaging Your Hair

Summer is here and you're planning to go swimming to chill but you worry about your dull skin, bad hair? Don’t worry, let’s try some swimming tips on a sunny day with us.

Administrator

23 April, 2024

109

With summer just around the corner, you’re probably planning to spend plenty of time splashing around in the pool, soaking up the sun and cooling off in the water. You don’t want to worry about your skin getting damaged or your hair getting fried, so we’ve put together these tips for swimming in the sun without worrying about your skin or hair.

1 Wear Sunscreen

To protect your skin from the sun while swimming, you need to make sure you’re wearing sunscreen. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your sunscreen:

Choose the right sunscreen for you

Skin type: Choose a sunscreen that’s right for your skin type to avoid irritation and breakouts.
SPF: Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to provide adequate protection.
Water resistance: Choose a sunscreen that says “water resistant” or “broad spectrum” to ensure that it will stay on your skin and protect you from both UVA and UVB rays.

How to apply sunscreen

Apply sunscreen all over your body, paying special attention to areas that are prone to sunburn, such as your face, shoulders, and neck.
Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going swimming.
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.

Apply sunscreen

2 Don’t Forget Moisturizer

The chlorine in swimming pools can be harsh on your skin, leaving it dry and irritated. To protect your skin from these effects, moisturizer is a must.

Dr. Sharad recommends using a moisturizer that contains ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or petrolatum before and after swimming. These ingredients will help keep your skin hydrated and create a protective barrier.

Don’t forget moisturizer

3 Rinse Off After Swimming

Rinsing off after swimming is an important step to protect your skin from the effects of chlorine. Chlorine can dry out your skin, cause itching, and irritate it if it’s not removed promptly.

To rinse off effectively, use a gentle, moisturizing body wash or a cleanser that’s designed for sensitive skin. These products will help remove chlorine and other chemicals from the pool water without drying out or damaging your skin.

After rinsing, apply moisturizer to your skin to rehydrate and restore moisture. Moisturizer will help keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy.

Rinse off after swimming

4 Choose the Right Time to Swim

To protect your skin, you should avoid swimming between the hours of 10am and 4pm, advises Dr. Jaishree Sharad. That’s because the combination of chlorine and sunlight during those hours can cause more damage to your skin. Instead, the best times to swim are early in the morning or after the sun has set, when UV rays are weaker and chlorine levels in the water are lower.

Choose the right time to swim

5 Wear a Swim Cap

In addition to taking care of your skin, protecting your hair is also important when you go swimming. Always wear a snug-fitting swim cap to protect your hair from the chlorine and chemicals in pool water. A swim cap will also help you keep your hair neat and out of your face while you swim.

Wear a swim cap

6 Wet Your Hair Before Swimming

Take 3 to 5 minutes to thoroughly wet your hair with clean water that doesn’t contain chlorine. The fresh water will saturate your hair, making it less likely to absorb pool water and minimizing the effects of the chlorine. This method also works well when swimming in the ocean to reduce the effects of salt.

You should also avoid washing your hair with shampoo before swimming. In addition, applying a leave-in conditioner will help repel water from your hair and create a protective barrier against the elements.

Wet your hair before swimming

7 Wash Your Hair After Swimming

After swimming, it’s important to wash your hair to remove chlorine and chemicals from the pool that can damage your hair. Avoid using a blow dryer, as the heat can dry out and damage your hair. Instead, allow your hair to air dry.

Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair to add moisture and nourishment, leaving your hair soft and smooth.

Gently detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb, starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.

Wash your hair after swimming

These are just a few tips for swimming in the sun without worrying about your skin or hair. Be sure to follow these tips and you’ll be able to enjoy your summer without worrying about damaging your skin or hair.

Frequently asked questions

Chlorine in swimming pools can dry out and irritate your skin. Using a moisturizer with aloe vera, shea butter, or petrolatum helps create a protective barrier, keeping your skin hydrated and healthy.

Yes. Rinsing off with a gentle, moisturizing body wash or cleanser designed for sensitive skin helps remove chlorine and pool chemicals. This prevents dryness, itching, and irritation caused by chlorine residue on your skin.

Avoid swimming between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s UV rays are strongest, and chlorine can cause more harm to your skin. Instead, opt for early morning or evening swims when UV rays are weaker, and chlorine levels are lower.

Always wear a snug-fitting swim cap to create a barrier between your hair and chlorinated water. Also, wet your hair with fresh, clean water before swimming to reduce absorption of pool water and minimize chlorine’s effects. Apply a leave-in conditioner for extra protection.

Wash your hair after swimming to remove chlorine and chemicals. Avoid blow-drying; instead, air dry your hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends for moisture and nourishment. Gently detangle with a wide-toothed comb, starting from the ends and working up to the roots.