As temperatures increase, I discover myself longing for a cool dip in the swimming pool. Swimming is by far my favourite summer activity. It’s a total-body exercise that’s easy on the joints and makes me leaner, healthier, and more active.
There’s one thing I don’t like about swimming: Chlorine. If I’m not mindful, it can turn my skin red and scratchy, and my hair dry and brittle. Since I swim almost every day throughout the summertime, chlorine likewise shreds and fades my swimwear long prior to the season ends.
And on top of that, I’m currently stressed over destroying my newly coloured hair. I did some homework and product testing to find out what really works. This is what I have found out.
Look after Your Swimsuit
Frequent swimmers know that chlorine can damage not just your skin and hair, but likewise your swimwear. In time, the fabric will shred, the colour will fade, and the flexibility will break down. It can also turn your white suit yellow.
The next time you buy a brand-new swimsuit, it’s a great idea to examine the tag to see if it is chlorine- and fade-resistant. High spandex material is a plus, considering that it will help your suit keep its shape. La Sculpte has this for all of its swimwear plus they come in great designs. Check them out here.
Here’s a final suggestion. Including a couple of tablespoons full of vinegar in your wash will help neutralize chlorine, get rid of the smell, and even stop staining. You can purchase a specialized cleaning agent if you’re ready to splurge. A little goes a long way. I like to put 2 small capfuls into a large ziplock bag with an expandable bottom, and bring it with me to the pool.
When I’m done swimming, I’ll pop my suit into a ziploc, fill it with water and swish it around a number of times. Considering that it has a wide bottom, I can let the bag sit while I get and shower dressed. Then I’ll clear out the water and wash out the fit before I take it home. It’s an extra step that I need to contribute to my regular, however, it saves me from having to stroll house with a carry full of wet swim gear that reeks of chlorine.
Slap On Some Hair Product
Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to eliminate damaging germs in the water. This keeps you from getting ill from E. coli and other nasty bacteria, but it also removes out the natural oils that secure your hair from damage and everyday wear. Since I do not want my hair to develop into hay, I’ve learned to coat my hair with hair products before I jump into the pool.
Oil and silicone-based products are best. I’ve used silicone-based hair serum, the type meant to calm frizzies and safeguard hair from heat-styling. Another alternative is coconut oil, which also delivers shine and wetness to my parched locks. Other treatments on the market are created particularly for this issue. I’m currently using one. It consists of castor oil and protects hair from the damaging results of salt, chlorine, and sun.
Get Wet and Protect Your Head
Simply prior to I jump into the swimming pool, I like to douse my hair in the shower. This assists slow down the absorption of chlorine since your hair is like a sponge, and will take on less water when it’s damp.
Stock Up on Specialized Hair Cleansers
Some swimmers reek of pool chemicals even after moving and showering on to other activities. This is due to the fact that chlorine chemically bonds to hair and skin, so you may require more than plain soap and water to clean it out. You can buy a specialty shampoo created to get rid of chlorine and mineral deposits like copper, which can turn your hair green.
I have actually used a product before, and it makes my hair feel soft while adding volume. It smells of citrus, which also assists eliminate the aroma of chlorine.
Opt for All-Natural Remedies
It’s affordable to use apple cider vinegar, which serves as a natural clarifier. Simply add one part vinegar to four parts water and put it over freshly cleaned hair. Then, do a final rinse. You can likewise blend a Citrus Lift for your parched locks. The carbonation in the club soda and the acid in the citrus juices work together to detox your hair and get rid of pollutants like salt, chlorine, and dirt.
You can get concentrated vitamin C in a bottle from SwimSpray if this sounds like too much work and you’re not the DIY type. I’ve attempted this product and while it hasn’t been great for my hair, I’ve discovered it to be a fast and easy method to zap the stink out of my swim equipment.
Pamper Your Skin
If you stay in the swimming pool for too long, you’ll get dry, chalky skin, and often a red, itchy rash. The offender again is chlorine, which strips away the surface area layer of oil that usually locks the moisture into your skin.
You can’t do much about it in the water, but once you exit the pool, go straight to the shower, take off your suit and flush the chemicals out of your skin with lots of soap and water. If you have sensitive skin or the pool takes place to be highly chlorinated, you may want to use a specialty body wash and cream. They work together to neutralize chlorine, remove smells and include moisture to the skin.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy, Too
Contact lenses can absorb water like a sponge, just like your hair. This is bad news given that prolonged direct exposure to chlorine can aggravate the surface of your corneas, causing red, itchy eyes. If you’re like me and require corrective lenses to see six inches in front of your face, you’ll need to toss your contact lenses as soon as you leave the pool. I’m discovering it to be affordable to stock up on daily contacts that I can utilize just for swimming while utilizing monthlies for whatever else.
Another choice is to acquire prescription swim goggles. You can get them from many companies, however, I like specialty goggles due to the fact that they make it easy to tailor the prescription for each eye.