I've been a swimmer since I was a little girl, and I still remember having really dry skin in my legs. For years, and as I've changed my swimming routine a few times, I have come up with a beauty routine that works for me. There's nothing here scientifically proven, but it works for me, and maybe you can benefit from it. So, let's begin!
The day before
Yes, I start the day before. First of all, considering the pool contains chemicals that can harmful for your skin and hair, avoid body and face exfoliation. In my experience, after leaving the pool, my skin feels overly dry, tight, so you need as much protection as you can get. When you exfoliate, as you remove the last layer of dead cells, you leave your skin ready to absorb products, and you don't want them to be chemicals from the pool. That last layer of skin, might help you protect your skin, and therefore, you might want to consider exfoliating AFTER the pool. The same goes with hair. If possible, don't wash it the day before, and before going to sleep, apply something oily and hydrating, especially in the ends, such as shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil... you get the idea. My favorites: Elvive Extraordinary Oil and the Organix Shea Butter Liquid Glass Serum.
30 minutes before going to the pool
As you plan going to the pool, take 30 minutes before to:
1) Eat something light, like a piece of fruit. As any other workout, eating something right before starting, might make
you sick, so, just eat a little something that metabolizes fast, like a
piece of fruit, that will give you energy right when you need it, and give it some time before hitting the pool.
2) Drink one or two glasses of water. As hydration is necessary, and it's better to do it before; it helps
not to get cramps and to keep you hydrated.
3) Apply moisturizer to your face. Again, I insist on protecting your face and hydrating your skin before hitting the pool.
4) And maybe re apply the hair oil (optional). You can check up your hair, yet again, if it is a little dry, focusing on the ends, and add a little extra.
Right before getting into the pool
It's very important to protect your skin and specially your hair, to get a good shower before hitting the pool. Get your hair really soaked, in order to avoid your hair absorbing all the chemicals. Since I always go to the pool for training, I always wear a cap, which also protects you from getting your hair damaged.
After the pool
When you leave the pool, make sure you take a nice, long shower. It's important to remove all chemical residues, so that also, you don't go around your day smelling like... well like you've been in the pool. Then, do all the thorough exfoliation you want. I prefer to clean my skin with something oily, or a very gentle facial cleanser (like the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser), as it ends up being really tight. It might also be a good idea to exfoliate, with a creamy, gentle exfoliator; my picks: Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub or the St. Ives Olive Scrub). Your skin will be prepped for absorbing the nutrients from your serum or moisturizer or both. And then, think about hydration. Put on some nurturing cream in your body, and if you have a hydrating mask (such as the Aloe Protective Restoring Mask), it will be a great idea to use it after the pool. Finish your beauty routine as usual. Last but not least, drink plenty of water during the day, as you should after every workout.
I hope this was helpful.
Leave your comments below!!
XOXOXO
Simply Aphrodite
