How to protect hair and skin if you swim frequently & bull; hello healthy

Swimming is a fun and refreshing activity to train your physique. In addition, swimming is good for body, mental and heart health. You can do this water sport every day to get a fresher body and mind. However, swimming every day has its own impact. The water in swimming pools usually contains chemicals that can potentially damage your hair and skin, especially if you are swimming in the sun. You can take the following steps to provide protection for your hair and skin.

What's in the pool water?

To kill various bacteria, germs, and algae that live in swimming pool water, chemicals such as disinfectants and sanitizer will be mixed in the water. Soda ash (sodium carbonate) is also often mixed in to increase the pH of the water. The most commonly used as a disinfectant and sanitizer is chlorine. The process of releasing chlorine in water is called chlorination. There are various types of chlorine that are commonly used, for example liquid chlorine, solid chlorine (available in tablet form that dissolves in water), and chlorine gas for very large swimming pools.

The dangers of chlorine for hair and skin

Although chlorine is very useful for killing bacteria, it does not mean that chlorine will not have any effect on human hair and skin that comes into direct contact with pool water. If you swim often, of course over time the impact of chlorine on your hair and skin will be even more pronounced. Chlorine can cause dry hair and skin due to the oxidation reaction it produces. Even for some people who are sensitive to strong chemicals, chlorine in swimming pool water will cause itching and skin redness. So, it is important for those of you who frequently swim to provide extra protection to your hair and skin so you can keep your hair and skin healthy while enjoying the freshness of the swimming pool.

Protects skin when swimming

Skin that is too often exposed to chlorine will lose its natural moisture. To avoid dry or rough skin from frequent swimming, apply the steps below before and after swimming.

Use sunblock or a waterproof moisturizer

Before you get into the water, first coat your skin with sunblock which is water resistant so sunlight and chlorine won't get absorbed by your skin right away. choose sunblock with a high SPF if you want to spend a long time swimming.

Rinse before swimming

The habit of rinsing yourself before entering the swimming pool is very useful for your skin. After coating yourself with sunblock, wait a few minutes hinga sunblock well absorbed by the skin and rinse yourself off. The skin will also adjust to the temperature and properties of the water before you enter the pool water which contains various chemicals.

Drink lots of water

To keep the skin's natural moisture, drinking lots of water will help keep you out of the body. Don't forget to drink plenty of water before and after you swim.

Take a shower immediately after finishing

After you finish swimming, immediately take a shower and wash your body thoroughly. If possible, take a warm shower because it will further speed up the process of releasing chemicals that stick to your body. To avoid irritation, dry the body by lightly tapping a soft towel, do not rub it on the skin.

Use a moisturizer after showering

Choose a lotion with a high moisturizing content to apply after showering. If your skin feels itchy or looks red, don't scratch. Just apply a moisturizing lotion or olive oil to the affected area and leave it on for a few moments.

Protect hair when swimming

Hair that is too exposed to chemicals in the pool or is exposed to the sun will feel dry, itchy, or break and split easily. So, you need to pay attention to the protective measures below.

Protect with conditioner or olive oil

Rinse your hair before going into the pool and coat your hair with conditioner or olive oil. Apply it lightly and blend until all the ends of your hair are protected. This way, the chlorine or other harmful substances will be caught in the conditioner or olive oil, not directly attacking your hair.

Wear a swimming cap

To provide extra protection to your hair and scalp, you can also wear a swim cap. While a swim cap won't guarantee that your hair is completely free of chlorine, at least you are protected from sunburn and you can slow down the harmful effects of chlorine on your hair. In addition, you can swim more freely and comfortably because your hair is neatly wrapped in a swim cap.

Immediately wash your hair until it is clean

After swimming, wash your hair thoroughly and apply conditioner to moisturize. If you can, use warm water to make it quicker to clean the chemicals that stick to your hair and scalp. Towel dry and avoid using a hair dryer or straightener first so that your scalp can produce oils that will naturally soften your hair.