Skincare/haircare tips for people who work in or around water every day (lifeguards, etc.)

Many times, people who work in or around water seems not to take a look at the side effects and damages this work may cause to their skin and hair. Such people include swimming instructors, lifeguards, etc.

Swimming provides a myriad of physical and psychological benefits, but unfortunately, pool water isn't particularly therapeutic for your skin or hair. Frequent exposure to chlorine and other chemicals in water can dry and irritate skin and leave hair brittle and discolored.

Skincare and haircare tips to consider

➢ Take a shower before entering the pool

In the first place, it is recommended to shower before entering the pool, to reduce dirt, for example from the feet when walking barefoot around the pool. Showers are available at all public pools for you to use before your swim. Likewise, the shower should also be used when leaving the pool, to try to remove the maximum amount of chlorine from our skin and hair. Swish yourself right out of the shower and then take a shower or bath with soap and shampoo to completely remove the chlorine from your body.

Don't run under the stream in two seconds. If your skin cells and hair shafts are well hydrated before you go in the water, they absorb less chlorine.

➢ Pamper your hair

Treat it with coconut oil before entering the pool (you can take advantage of the shower time). This hydrates the hair and also isolates it from chlorine, which can give blonde or colored hair a greenish tint when it oxidizes. Also, to protect your hair from chlorine, the best option will always be to wear a swimming cap, especially for those who work in a pool (swimming instructors, lifeguards, etc.) or bathe very frequently. In this way, you will prevent it from spoiling due to the chemical substances that the pool water contains.

For those who have been exposing their hair to chlorine for a long time without any type of protection, we recommend that at the end of the summer they choose to renew their haircut or, at least, cut the ends to clean them up.

In the case of people with dyed hair, they should pay special attention and use specific masks for this type of hair, since the chlorine in the pool will damage it more easily.

➢ Wear a silicone swim cap (take a look here): Although there are no fully insulating swim caps, silicone swim caps will keep your hair drier than neoprene or swim caps, if you choose one that fits well. That way you minimize the damage that chlorine can cause.

➢ Take care of hydration: The hydration of the skin will be another fundamental factor to protect the skin from the chlorine in the pool. Once you have showered, apply moisturizing cream or milk on your body and face to prevent the dermis from drying out. Keep your skin cells hydrated from within by keeping a bottle of water handy and drinking it from time to time during your session, as well as before and after.

➢ Use gel and shampoo that neutralizes chlorine: After swimming, shower thoroughly to remove chlorine (take at least a few minutes). There are a wide variety of products formulated specifically for swimmers, so try them out and see which one works best for you. Then apply a conditioner.

➢ Hydrate your body: When you finish the shower put on a good layer of moisturizing lotion. Choose one that contains antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E.

In case you get rashes or stains due to the chlorine in the pool water, visit your doctor or dermatologist so they can examine you. In the same way, you will need to reduce your exposure to chlorinated water so that your skin does not get worse.

You may need to experiment with various products, especially if you have sensitive skin, but incorporating these steps into your routine will ensure healthy skin and hair no matter how often you go swimming.

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