Poolside Skin Care

Summer is finally here, and this means the long hot days will find a lot of us in our back yard or community pools. It’s a great time to cool off from the sweltering sun and maybe even get some laps in while we are at it. In fact, it can be so hot that when we have leisure time, all we may want to do is spend time in the pool. However, the chlorine and sun can be harsh on our skin. Here are some tips for skin care before and after your swim.

Protecting Your Face from Chlorine

Chlorine is a great chemical for protecting your pool from bacteria and germs and keeping your pool clean. However, it can really dry out your skin on your face and whole body. Before you swim, prep your skin by applying an extra layer of moisturizer to your face. They will act as a barrier between the chlorine from the pool and your skin. We recommend a barrier cream to prevent unwanted redness and dryness after a swim. 

Pre-Swim Skin Care Routine 

In Arizona the sun is always something to consider, even in the Winter. However, the summer sun is the strongest and at the pool, it’s intensified. The sun’s powerful rays reflect off the swimming pool and are intensified as they reach your skin, making the risk of burn even more of a concern. This puts us at risk of premature skin aging in the form of wrinkles and blemishes as well as a heightened risk for melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. To protect your skin from the harsh rays, we recommend preparing your skin, before and after your swim. We recommend a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher that contains dimethicone, glycerin, oils, or petrolatum, to use on your skin both before and after a swim. Remember to apply 15 minutes before your swim and reapply every 2 hours or less.

Post-Swimming Skin Care Routine 

After your swim, a post-swimming skin care routine will help keep your skin glowing summer long and for years to come. Take a shower to get the drying chlorine off of your skin as soon as you get out of the swimming pool. Use a light to mild hydrating cleanser to help restore your skin’s pH balance to counteract the dehydrating effects of chlorine.  The next step is to remoisturize to help aid in skin hydration. 

However, after your swim, you may not be done at the pool. If you are now planning to bask in the sun, remember to apply more sunscreen so you don’t burn!

What about Saltwater Filtration?!

Unlike traditional chlorine, saline chlorination of a salt cleaning pool cleans pool water without unpleasant chlorine odors, while simultaneously helping to eliminate bacteria and algae. Amazingly salt filtration systems generate chlorine by electrolysis – a process which separates elements from any compound by means of electricity!

While saltwater itself is not bad for your skin, when mixed with the sun it’s common to experience dryness and itchiness. After your swim, be sure to rinse the saltwater off your skin and apply a rich moisturizer to keep your skin from getting too dry.

The good news is that if you are having some skin irritation caused by oil or yeast, salt water can actually help clear it up, by fighting infections, drawing out unwanted oil and destroying infected cells. In addition, salt can help draw out toxins, clean skin and get rid of dead skin cells, which may leave you virtually glowing after a swim and shower! Think of it as a much-needed exfoliation!

CC Sunscreens

The sun this time of year can be hot and dry, and it’s important to remember that while the pool will help cool you down it also amplifies the harmful effects of UV rays on our skin. If you are planning to spend most of the summer poolside, then we recommend our CC Sunscreen patio shades to help keep you cool in the shade. Our patio sunscreens and window screens block out 90 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays. Let us help you to protect your skin and stay cool this summer with our CC Sunscreens. Contact us now to set up a free consultation and find out more.