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Post-Swim Skincare Routine: Protecting Skin from Sun, Chlorine and Saltwater

Dr. Mugi Anju

3 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

A post-swim skincare routine is essential to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun, chlorine, and saltwater. It involves cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen before and after swimming to maintain healthy, radiant skin.

Swimming is a refreshing and enjoyable activity, but it can take a toll on your skin. Whether you’re swimming in a chlorinated pool or the salty ocean, your skin is exposed to harmful elements that can cause dryness, irritation, and even premature ageing. That’s why it’s crucial to have a comprehensive pre and post-swim skincare routine to protect and nourish your skin.

Why You Need to Apply Sunscreen Before Swimming:

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can penetrate water, making it essential to apply sunscreen before swimming. Even if you are in half a meter of water, 40% of the UV-B can still get through to your skin.

Additionally, the cooling effect of the water makes it more difficult to feel the intensity of the sun. Sunscreen acts as a barrier, protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation, which can cause sunburns, premature ageing, and even skin cancer.

Read: Why should you use sunscreen SPF 50/PA+++?

When should you apply sunscreen before swimming?

It’s recommended to apply sunscreen at least 15-30 minutes before entering the water. This allows the sunscreen to fully absorb into your skin and form a protective layer.

If you get in the water too soon after application, the sunscreen may not have had enough time to bind to your skin, reducing its effectiveness.

During this waiting period, avoid activities that may cause excessive sweating or rubbing, as these can compromise the sunscreen’s effectiveness.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or toweling off excessively.

Chlorine and Saltwater Damage to The Skin

Chlorine and saltwater can have adverse effects on your skin. Chlorine, a chemical used to disinfect pools, can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even eczema flare-ups. Saltwater, on the other hand, can dehydrate your skin and cause tightness and discomfort.

To combat these effects, it’s essential to cleanse your skin immediately after swimming. Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser to remove chlorine, saltwater, and any other impurities from your skin. Follow up with a nourishing moisturizer like the MFine Ceramide Moisturizer to replenish lost moisture and restore your skin’s protective barrier.

The MFine Ceramide moisturizers are enriched with potent ingredients like ceramides, oat extracts, turmeric root extracts, and Hibiscus flower extracts that help to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture. Additionally, these moisturizers defend against acne and breakouts, strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, and calm and soothe irritated skin.

Check the full product details, how-to-use instructions, and key ingredients!

Post-Swim Skincare Routine

After a refreshing swim, it’s essential to follow a comprehensive post-swim skincare routine to protect and nourish your skin:

Rinse off: Immediately after swimming, rinse your skin with fresh water to remove any chlorine, salt water, or other impurities.
Cleanse: Use a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser like the 1% Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser to thoroughly cleanse your skin, removing any remaining chlorine, saltwater, and sunscreen residue.
Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to slough off dead skin cells and promote cell renewal.
Moisturize: Apply a nourishing, water-based moisturizer to replenish lost moisture and keep your skin hydrated.
Reapply sunscreen: If you plan to spend more time outdoors, remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. MFine Sunscreen Gel SPF 50/PA+++ (Pack of 3) is a great option.

By following this post-swim skincare routine, you can protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun, chlorine, and saltwater, and maintain a healthy, radiant complexion all season long.

Conclusion

Swimming is a fantastic exercise and a great way to beat the heat, but it can be harsh on your skin. By incorporating a post-swim skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen, you can enjoy your time in the water without sacrificing your skin’s health. Remember, prevention is key, so don’t skip the sunscreen before swimming, and always take the time to nourish and protect your skin after your swim. With a little extra care, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best all summer long.