Swimming is a wonderful form of exercise that offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. However, the water in swimming pools, lakes, or the ocean can have a detrimental impact on your skin. Chlorine in pool water, salt in seawater, and various pollutants in natural bodies of water can strip the skin of its natural oils, cause dryness, irritation, and even long-term damage. What to apply on face before swimming? To protect your skin and maintain its health and radiance, it’s crucial to apply the right products on your face before swimming. This article will guide you through the essential steps and products to consider.
Understanding the Threats to Your Skin While Swimming
Chlorine in Pool Water
Chlorine is a common disinfectant used in swimming pools to kill bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms. While it keeps the water clean and safe for swimming, it can be harsh on your skin. Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent that reacts with the proteins and lipids in your skin, breaking them down and disrupting the skin’s natural barrier function. This can lead to dryness, itching, redness, and flaking. Prolonged exposure to chlorine can also cause more serious skin problems, such as contact dermatitis andeczema.
Salt in Seawater
Seawater contains a high concentration of salt, which can have a dehydrating effect on your skin. When you swim in the ocean, the saltwater draws moisture out of your skin cells, leaving your skin dry, tight, and rough. Salt can also irritate sensitive skin and cause redness and itching. Additionally, the sun’s rays are more intense when reflected off the water’s surface, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Pollutants in Natural Bodies of Water
Lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water may contain various pollutants, such as dirt, debris, algae, and chemicals. These pollutants can clog your pores, cause skin infections, and contribute to skin aging. Some natural waters may also have a high pH level, which can disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance and lead to dryness and irritation.
Pre-Swim Skin Care Routine
Step 1: Cleanse Your Face
Before applying any products, it’s essential to start with a clean face. Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from your skin. Avoid using harsh cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils and disrupt the skin’s barrier function. Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply the cleanser to your fingertips or a cleansing cloth, and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions. Pay attention to the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), where oil production is higher. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Step 2: Exfoliate (Optional)
Exfoliation is an optional step in the pre-swim skin care routine, but it can be beneficial for some skin types. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, revealing smoother, brighter, and more radiant skin. It also helps to unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and improve the absorption of other skin care products. However, over-exfoliating can be harmful to your skin, so it’s important to do it in moderation. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to avoid exfoliating before swimming, as it can make your skin more prone to irritation.
There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants, such as scrubs and brushes, use abrasive particles to physically remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Chemical exfoliants, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), use chemical agents to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and the skin’s surface. Chemical exfoliants are generally gentler on the skin and are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
If you choose to exfoliate, do it 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin type. Apply the exfoliant to your damp face and gently massage it onto your skin in circular motions for 1-2 minutes. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Step 3: Tone Your Face
Toning is an important step in the pre-swim skin care routine, as it helps to restore the skin’s natural pH balance, tighten pores, and remove any remaining impurities from your skin. Use a gentle, alcohol-free toner that is suitable for your skin type. Wet a cotton pad or a reusable toner pad with the toner and gently pat it onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Let the toner dry on your skin before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Apply a Serum
A serum is a concentrated formula that contains high levels of active ingredients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. Serums are designed to penetrate deep into the skin’s layers and deliver these active ingredients to the cells, where they can provide various benefits, such as hydration, brightening, and anti-aging. Apply a few drops of serum to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Let the serum dry on your skin before proceeding to the next step.
Step 5: Moisturize Your Face
Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in the pre-swim skin care routine, as it helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin’s barrier function. Use a rich, hydrating moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Pay attention to the areas that are prone to dryness, such as the cheeks and the forehead. Let the moisturizer dry on your skin before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Apply a Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an essential product to apply before swimming, as it helps to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) that is suitable for your skin type. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Make sure to cover all exposed areas of your skin, including your ears, neck, and décolletage. Let the sunscreen dry on your skin before proceeding to the next step.
Specific Products to Consider
Waterproof Sunscreen
When choosing a sunscreen for swimming, it’s important to choose a waterproof or water-resistant formula. Waterproof sunscreens are designed to stay on your skin even when you are in the water, providing long-lasting protection from the sun’s UV rays. Look for a sunscreen that is labeled as “waterproof” or “water-resistant” and has an SPF of at least 30. Apply the sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before swimming and reapply it every 2 hours or after getting out of the water.
Antioxidant Serum
An antioxidant serum can be a great addition to your pre-swim skin care routine, as it helps to protect your skin from the damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that are produced by the body’s natural processes, as well as by external factors such as UV rays, pollution, and chlorine. Free radicals can damage the skin’s cells and contribute to premature aging, wrinkles, and dark spots. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, green tea extract, and resveratrol, can neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from damage. Apply an antioxidant serum to your face and neck before swimming to help protect your skin from the harmful effects of chlorine and UV rays.
Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance that is found in the skin and helps to keep it hydrated and plump. A hyaluronic acid moisturizer can be a great choice for pre-swim skin care, as it helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin’s barrier function. Look for a moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid as one of the main ingredients. Apply the moisturizer to your face and neck before swimming to help keep your skin hydrated and protected.
Mineral-Based Makeup
If you like to wear makeup while swimming, it’s important to choose a mineral-based makeup that is waterproof and non-comedogenic. Mineral-based makeup is made from natural minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide sun protection and are less likely to cause skin irritation or breakouts. Look for a mineral-based foundation, concealer, and mascara that are labeled as “waterproof” or “water-resistant.” Apply the makeup after applying your sunscreen and moisturizer to help protect your skin from the sun and the water.
Post-Swim Skin Care Routine
Step 1: Rinse Your Face
As soon as you get out of the water, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any chlorine, salt, or other impurities from your skin. Avoid using hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness.
Step 2: Cleanse Your Face
After rinsing your face, use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to remove any remaining impurities from your skin. Wet your face with lukewarm water, apply the cleanser to your fingertips or a cleansing cloth, and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions. Pay attention to the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), where oil production is higher. Rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Step 3: Tone Your Face
Toning is an important step in the post-swim skin care routine, as it helps to restore the skin’s natural pH balance, tighten pores, and remove any remaining impurities from your skin. Use a gentle, alcohol-free toner that is suitable for your skin type. Wet a cotton pad or a reusable toner pad with the toner and gently pat it onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Let the toner dry on your skin before proceeding to the next step.
Step 4: Apply a Serum
Apply a few drops of serum to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. A serum can help to provide additional hydration, brightening, and anti-aging benefits to your skin after swimming.
Step 5: Moisturize Your Face
Moisturizing is one of the most important steps in the post-swim skin care routine, as it helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin’s barrier function. Use a rich, hydrating moisturizer that is suitable for your skin type. Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your fingertips and gently massage it onto your face and neck, avoiding the eye area. Pay attention to the areas that are prone to dryness, such as the cheeks and the forehead. Let the moisturizer dry on your skin before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Apply a Lip Balm
Swimming can also cause dryness and chapping of the lips. Apply a lip balm to your lips to keep them hydrated and protected. Look for a lip balm that contains natural ingredients, such as beeswax, shea butter, and vitamin E.
Tips for Protecting Your Skin While Swimming
Wear a Swim Cap: Wearing a swim cap can help to protect your hair and scalp from the chlorine and salt in the water. It can also help to reduce the amount of water that comes into contact with your face, which can help to protect your skin.
Limit Your Time in the Water: Try to limit your time in the water to reduce your exposure to chlorine, salt, and other pollutants. If you are swimming in a pool, take breaks every 20-30 minutes to rinse your face and reapply sunscreen.
Use a Swim Goggle: Wearing a swim goggle can help to protect your eyes from the chlorine and salt in the water. It can also help to reduce the amount of water that splashes onto your face, which can help to protect your skin.
Avoid Swimming in Polluted Water: Try to avoid swimming in polluted water, such as lakes, rivers, and beaches that are known to have high levels of pollution. If you do swim in polluted water, make sure to rinse your face thoroughly with clean water as soon as you get out of the water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting your skin before and after swimming is essential to maintain its health and radiance. By following the pre-swim and post-swim skin care routines outlined in this article and using the right products, you can minimize the damage caused by chlorine, salt, and other pollutants in the water and keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Remember to wear a swim cap, limit your time in the water, use a swim goggle, and avoid swimming in polluted water to further protect your skin. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy swimming while keeping your skin healthy and beautiful.
Related topics:
How To Take Care Of Hair And Skin After Swimming?
