Are you planning to spend as much time as you can poolside this summer? We don’t blame you. However, there are certain skincare woes that can arise without the right precautions. Here’s our list of common skincare issues experienced by Kelowna pool-goers.
1. Dry, Flaky Scalp And Brittle Hair From Chlorine
If you’ve been swimming any length of time, you’ve likely experienced the tangled, straw-like feel of hair and an irritated scalp. And while a combo of sun and water can definitely give your hair a sunkissed look, it’s also notorious for bleaching out or discolouring both natural and colour treated hair.
Your Skin Care Solution:
- When you shower before entering the pool, put conditioner in your hair. This will protect it from harsh chemicals.
- Don't just rinse your hair after you're done swimming: do a full shampoo to remove the chlorine from scalp to ends. Don't forget to add moisture with conditioner!
- If you’re an athlete or swimming for fitness, you may want to try out a swimming cap. There are many cute cap options available, although the Independent notes that “we all have to accept that there’s a certain level of OK you can look in a swimming cap.”
2. Dry Skin
Pool water treated with chlorine often dries out the skin. This can cause irritation as well as, in the long term, more fine lines or wrinkles.
Your Skin Care Solution:
- Shower with warm water immediately after leaving the pool. If you can, use warm water. This will open your pores and allow you to better cleanse your skin.
- Bring your own soap. While using the soap provided in most changing rooms is definitely better than nothing, this powerful soap is often very drying. Instead, opt to bring your own soap, as well as a gentler cleanser for your face. While this may make your post swim-shower longer, we guarantee it’s worth it: you won’t feel any of that itchy post-swim tightness--or smell like a pool for the rest of the day.
- Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: apply moisturizer immediately after towelling off.
3. Contagious Skin Issues
The last thing anyone wants is to get an irritating skin condition, like athlete's foot, plantar warts, or swimmer's ear, at the pool. For this reason, it’s always important to wear flip flops all the way from the changing room to the end of the pool deck. Additionally, those who want to be extra-prudent can bring their own towels.
In order to be courteous to others, it’s important to never go swimming with any kind of cut or wound that is still healing.
4. Sensitivity To Chlorine
For some swimmers, chlorine can trigger rashes, eczema, and other forms of skin irritation. If you experience chlorine sensitivity or allergies, always go see your healthcare provider. In some cases, it may be best to opt for afternoons beachside instead of poolside. In other cases, they may provide you with guidelines on managing your sensitivity.
Contact Our Team
At Okanagan Skin Clinic, skincare is our passion. Contact our team to schedule a free consultation! You can reach us at 250-868-9290 or through our online contact form.
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