The importance of pre-swim care for swimmers

Swimming is a very fun sport, but it definitely has its drawbacks. The sport is physically demanding not just because of the activity, but the experience itself. The chlorine, the sun, and other factors make pre and post-swim skin care very important.

Especially in India, where the weather is extreme, and more outdoor pools are available, you should know how to take care of yourself. This will make the swim more enjoyable for you and also allow you to swim without worrying about your physical appearance or health.

Swimming often gets a bad reputation for its effect on the body and skin, but there are many ways you can prevent anything bad from happening to you. In this article, we will discuss the products and skincare routines you can use if you are a swimmer who is struggling with the effects of the water and weather. This is especially important for young swimmers. If you do not take care now, you might have problems later.

The main problems we will address through this article on pre-swim care include UV exposure and chlorine exposure. These are probably the most harmful, but also the most easily available.

A basic pre-swim routine

Before you enter the pool, you should have a small routine you follow every time for your health and hygiene as well as that of others.

1. 30 mins before getting into the pool, apply the sunscreen to all exposed parts of the body
2. Finally, apply pre-swim body lotion. This creates an extra layer of protection
3. After you have changed into your swimsuit, take a shower before entering the pool.

Remember to apply sunscreen as a base as early as possible so that it seeps into your skin. This will act as your first layer of protection, and ensure your skin is properly hydrated.

What type of sunscreen is best for swimming?

Sunscreen should be worn at all times, especially when swimming outdoors. Even if it is not sunny outside, UV rays are always present. It protects from harmful UV rays. Because you will spend long hours in the sun swimming, it is important to protect against these UV rays. They can cause premature aging and skin cancer.

Your sunscreen should be a thick layer on your skin, and you can buy it in either spray or cream form, depending on what you find most practical. When you buy sunscreen, keep the following in mind.

The best sunscreen for swimming should have

• Sunscreens should be an SPF of at least 50.
• It should be water-resistant.
• The sunscreen should not feel sticky on the body.

Sunscreen for kids

Sunscreen is available in spray, stick, or lotion form. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose any of those listed. While sprays may be faster than others, they do not form thick coatings. Otherwise, most of these types are similar in function and reliability. Here is a list of how to maximize the best out of your sunscreen.

1. Clean your skin before applying sunscreen. Wash your face and body with mild soap to remove any dirt or oils.
2. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed skin, making sure to cover all areas, especially the face, neck, arms, legs, and back.
3. Rub the sunscreen into your skin until it is fully absorbed.
4. Wait a few minutes after applying sunscreen so that it creates a barrier between your skin and the sun.
5. Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

Remember that sunscreen will also act as a layer of protection between your skin and the chlorine water. Its thick coating and water resistance make it an excellent product to prevent your skin from absorbing too much chlorine water

Sunscreen for teens

For teens, you can use the following Neutrogena product. You can find more sunscreen for swimming recommendations in the article here.

What is a pre-swim lotion?

After the sunscreen, apply the pre-swimming lotion

Pre-swim lotions are relatively new to the Indian Market, but they have their merits. They are primarily designed to protect skin from the drying effects of chlorinated and salt water. When you swim, your skin is exposed to chemicals and minerals in the water that can strip the natural oils of the skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and damage.

However, this product contains natural oils and other important products that work to create a layer between your skin and the water. This prevents the loss of moisture, the smell of the chlorine, and the chlorine itself. Such lotions can help you reduce the impact that the sport has on you by putting in minimal effort.

Pre-swim lotions are formulated to create a barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and reduce the absorption of chemicals and minerals in the water. This reduces the risk of dryness, itching, and rashes. It is especially important for people with sensitive skin, or those prone to skin irritation, to use a pre-swim lotion before swimming. They may also contain moisturizing ingredients to help nourish the skin.

Apply a generous amount of pre-swim lotion all over your body. In case you are using another sunscreen, apply it over the sunscreen, as this is only better for your skin and the product use itself.

Can coconut oil be used as a pre-swim lotion for ocean swimming?

If you are uncomfortable using pre-swim lotions and prefer natural methods, there are some other things you can try to prevent your body from drying out. Coconut oil can be used as a pre-swim lotion for both open-water and normal events.

It is a natural moisturizer that can help to protect skin from the drying effects of salt water. It can also help in keeping ocean creatures away. When applied to the skin, it forms a layer that helps to lock in moisture and reduce the absorption of salt and other minerals from the water. It is also anti-microbial, and much cheaper than the other products listed here. However, it might not be as effective, just more comfortable for the user.

In order to protect your body, you must attempt to maintain a routine. Along with swim care, swimmers should also take care of their hair when swimming every day. Even if it does not affect you now, it will affect you later. This is what makes pre-swim care so important. Protect your body, and therefore your health for a happier, safer swim.

To reiterate, before you swim

1. Apply a protective layer of oil, like coconut oil on your hair
2. Apply sunscreen lotion and let it absorb
3. Apply the pre-swim lotion to block the moisture
4. Take a shower and also wet your air
5. Wear your swim cap to protect your hair.

Important links to other related articles

• Waterproof sunscreen for swimming you get in India
• Best pre swimming lotion to apply