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Original poster

Swimming and skin

41 replies

Xztop · 18/05/2021 20:00

Is anyone here a frequent swimmer?
I want to start for fitness but I'm worried about the chlorine ruining my skin, I'm 42 so want to keep it looking good as long as I can

OP posts:
Gwenhwyfar · 22/05/2021 16:24

It's terrible for your skin. Also bad for your hair if you dye it. I just don't swim.

CMOTDibbler · 22/05/2021 16:35

I swim a lot (2 pool sessions, 3 open water a week at least) and as long as I moisturise after I don't think it makes any difference at all. I'm 48.
No problem with my hair, but I don't colour it and use a chlorine removing shampoo

savvy7 · 22/05/2021 16:45

Swimming is great for your skin (as is any exercise). My hair does dry out a little, especially at the moment as you can't shower at the pool currently due to Covid restrictions.

TheatricalGiraffe · 22/05/2021 16:49

I swim 3-4 times a week,
I moisturise every time in the changing room before I get ready, Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep my skin hydrated

I colour my hair and it's absolutely fine. I'll wash the chlorine out as soon as I get home and use a hair mask twice a week. My hair is in lovely condition :)

LizB62A · 22/05/2021 16:49

I find it very much depends on the pool - some pools are really harsh on my skin, others not so much - I guess the pool chemicals might vary a bit ?
So try as many local ones as you can and see if any are better than others for your skin

Kjr33 · 22/05/2021 17:24

Moisturise after you swim, wear a swim cap and if possible put something to protect your hair under the cap keratase used to do a really good one. Chlorine is fine for most skin as long as you wash it off a bit after, it will ruin bleached hair though! Some swimming pools use I think it’s bromine or ozone to sanitise which might be better for some people but I find they make my hair dry and brittle more than chlorine. I used to occasionally swim in a pool which used something other than chlorine and I couldn’t get used to the weird smell that would hang around for days! Mind you we are a family of swimmers and I find chlorine a totally neutral smell now!

HuaShan · 22/05/2021 17:25

I swim 4 times a week on average, 2 in an indoor chlorinated pool and 2 outdoors. Swimming is brilliant exercise and great for the skin - it hasn't hurt mine in the least. People tell me I look at least 5 years younger than my (considerable) age
I'm careful about washing and conditioning my hair - it's not coloured and its fine.

Original poster
Xztop · 22/05/2021 20:09

Thanks everyone. My hair is highlighted but I dont intend to get it wet if I can help it!

OP posts:
Mellonsprite · 22/05/2021 20:25

I swim 2-3 times a week. I also have highlighted hair. I wash my hair thoroughly after each swim. I take a moisturiser and body lotion in my gym bag. I use a hair mask once a week for a deep condition. If I don’t body lotion, my skin goes tight but I don’t think it’s aged me in any way.
I’ve been told my face is relatively unwrinkled for a 45 year old Grin

PandoraP · 23/05/2021 10:05

I swim 7 days a week and for at least an hour. I do moisturise most days and my skin is in good condition and not particularly dry.

My hair is on relatively good condition, but does get a bit dry. I am always on the lookout for a miracle conditioner for swimmers hair or a swimming cap which keeps all water out. I don’t think it exists, but do always wear a cap as I think it does protect to a certain extent. My hair did improve during lockdown when the pool was closed, but I love swimming too much to let anything stop me.

Salanda · 23/05/2021 11:01

I swim regularly, although not always in a chlorinated pool - sometimes in an outdoor pool and sometimes wild swimming. When I’m at the indoor pool I use the Philip Kingsley Swimcap on my hair. I also wash carefully after a swim - you want to break down and get rid of the chlorine so it’s not sitting on your skin (I didn’t shower once immediately after swimming as weird covid restrictions had the showers closed and I had to go straight out somewhere else - my skin was pretty red and sore after). And I just moisturise as normal. No issues with my hair or skin and neither are dry or damaged.

PandoraP · 23/05/2021 11:13

@Salanda, does the product not come off in the water? I am always a bit hesitant in following the advise of putting products on before I jump in the pool as I think if everyone did it would just pollute the pool?

LindaEllen · 23/05/2021 11:39

A good swimming cap is essential, you can pretty much keep your hair bone dry. As for your skin, shower thoroughly when you get out and take your usual shower gel/cleanser with you, and moisturise before you leave. I swam for years and didn't have any negative effects.

Salanda · 23/05/2021 12:17

[quote PandoraP]@Salanda, does the product not come off in the water? I am always a bit hesitant in following the advise of putting products on before I jump in the pool as I think if everyone did it would just pollute the pool?[/quote]
@PandoraP I know what you mean, I spent a while getting the right fitting swimming cap - I know mine keeps my hair mostly dry so I can’t imagine much of the product gets out, but I guess maybe a tiny amount does.

TableNiner · 23/05/2021 12:31

I find swimming in a chlorinated pool is good for my skin, but I do have oily/spotty skin.

I also find it’s good for blonde highlights, stopping them from going brassy.

PandoraP · 23/05/2021 12:36

Can anyone recommend a swimming cap which keeps the water out? I have tried many and still looking for the holy grail of swimming caps.

newnortherner111 · 23/05/2021 12:36

A swim hat may be your friend here.

Mxflamingnoravera · 23/05/2021 14:02

Vitimin C neutralises chlorine. I use a cheap Vit C serum from a hideous high street shop and it seems to do the trick. I then apply a v expensive hydration cream on my face. I swim 4-5 times a week and I wear a cap to keep my hair out of my face and make me streamlined (I swim crawl so my face is in the water all the time). Caps are not really designed to keep hair dry (see the swimmers thread in health and exercise), but if you are going to put products on your hair before you get in then you MUST wear one.
I hate swimming in pools and finding hair drifting around in balls- this is caused by folk not wearing caps. I wish we had cap enforcement in this country, it makes sense, it keeps the pool cleaner and makes it easier to swim too.

YetAnotherSpartacus · 23/05/2021 14:10

Yes - research Vit C. I also wash hair my hair and bathers in water with Vit C powder in it. Worth researching - it's actual science not woo.

TheHeathenOfSuburbia · 23/05/2021 20:51

@CMOTdibbler (or anyone!) would you mind telling me the brand of your chlorine removal shampoo please? I couldn't find any in our mega Tesco last week, I thought maybe it wasn't a thing any more.

JaceLancs · 23/05/2021 20:55

I swim twice a week - private gym with pool I don’t find the chlorine too bad
Shower and wash and condition hair as normal
Doesn’t seem to affect my skin
I’m 57 with coloured hair and no wrinkles

onepieceoflollipop · 23/05/2021 20:55

My hair is fine -naturally greasy anyway so the chlorine’s not an issue.

My skin has become itchy especially on my back

I’ve got a body wash that really helps.
Will try to post photo

Kjr33 · 23/05/2021 20:57

@TheHeathenOfSuburbia I have only found it in boots or superdrug recently I think it was called swim and gym or some such.

onepieceoflollipop · 23/05/2021 20:57

This really helped me

Swimming and skin
onepieceoflollipop · 23/05/2021 20:58

There is a shampoo and conditioner in same range but haven’t tried it

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