Swimming is considered a relaxing exercise  that is good for the mind and heart. Swimming also helps to reduce stress and leaves you feel relaxed and refreshed. However,  constant swimming is not always best for your hair and skin.  Whether you swim in a chemically treated pool,  a salt-filled ocean, or a pond or lake, there are steps you can take to insure that your skin and hair remains healthy.

Before Swimming

1. Hair care- before you get in the pool, wet your hair with fresh water. With non-chlorinated water your hair won’t be able to soak-up as much chlorine while you swim.

2. Skin Care  – shower before swimming, it will reduce bacterial levels in the pool but the fresh water may assist in reducing the rate of chlorine absorption.

3. Apply sunscreen- always apply about 30 minutes before going out in the sun and allow enough time for the product to start working.
During the hot months apply face sunscreen with SPF at least 15 every day to minimize the appearance of dark spots and fine wrinkles.

4. Eye Care- Wear goggles to prevent irritant chlorine from getting into your eyes.

5. Hydrate- It is a good to drink plenty of fluids before swimming.

After Swimming:

1. Rinse off- chlorine can be a health hazard, not just to your skin  but to your lungs as well. MUST rinse off as soon as you leave the pool several times with fresh water. Also, walk away from the pool and inhale deep breaths of fresh air that don’t smell like chlorine.

2. Skin Care- after shower, apply moisturizer on your skin to prevent dryness. Try to get a moisturizer product that can remove chlorine residue.You can also use some moisturizer products made from natural ingredients rich in nutrients and vitamins.

• maintain chlorine concentrations at the appropriate levels in pools, hot tubs, and whirlpools

• young children should wear leak proof rubber pants when swimming

• shower with warm water and anti-bacterial soap before entering the water and after leaving the swimming pool, hot tub, or whirlpool

• drain hot tubs and whirlpools often and thoroughly clean them, especially after heavy use

3. Hair care- rinse your hair with clean water after swimming. Chlorine in pools not only dries-out your hair, but will also fade the color of your hair.

Baking soda is a wonderfully inexpensive home remedy. Shampoo as usual, but add 1/4 cup baking soda to your shampoo. Using this mixture once a week can remove water impurities and lighten your hair. Also consider mixing baking soda with hair conditioner in your hand to condition the ends of your hair.

4. Hydrate- Drinking plenty of water every day is a good way to lubricate damaged or excessively dry hair. Other liquids such as herbal teas and fruit juices also help. Coffee and soft drinks, as they can cause dehydration to your hair and skin.

5. Healthy diet- vitamins will help the overall health of your hair by providing a boost of minerals and nutrients.

Besides feeding hair with vitamins, minerals and amino acids you can crank up the moisture by adding daily Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) supplements. Flax Seed is reported to be a great EFA that softens a woman’s hair and skin.

Did You Know:

Study shows that swimming helps you live longer. In a study of more than 40,000 men ages 20 to 90, swimmers were 50 percent less likely to die during the 32 year study period that were walkers or runners.

swimming is like a form of mediation

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