Summer rituals for healthy skin and hair

With more exposure to UV rays and training hard in the sea or the pool, summer can be a testing time for swimmer’s skin and hair. Digital editor Abi Whyte discovers how implementing a good self-care routine can help keep your skin and hair hydrated and protected all summer long.

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I swim all year round, but I spend a lot more time in the water in summer, whether it be wild swimming in my local lake or training in the pool for a summer event. This year I’m training for a sea swim from Albania to Corfu in September, plus I’m currently doing a 12-week marathon swim for WaterAid.

This means a lot of time in and out of the lake and a chlorinated pool, which I’ve noticed is taking its toll on my skin and hair. I have dry and sensitive skin anyway, but I’ve noticed it’s particularly dry and itchy after a swim, even in fresh water. My eyelids suffer a lot during pool training, aggravated by wearing goggles as well as the chlorinated water.

This means I’m having to moisturise my skin a lot more after a swim, but as we head deeper into summer I find I’m in need of a more structured self-care routine to protect and hydrate my skin and hair effectively.

Why do swimmers’ skin and hair need more TLC in summer?

There are many factors that are harsh on swimmer’s skin and hair in summer.

UV rays – In summer, outdoor swimmers are exposed to more UV rays, which damages the skin’s barrier and causes it to dry out. This is why it’s important to regularly apply an SPF to our skin when outdoors, or wear UV protective swimwear and a hat/swim cap for scalp protection.

Exposure to chlorine – Swimmers also spend more time in the pool, training for summer events. The chlorine used in pools strips away the natural oils (sebum) that protect and moisturise the skin. This disruption of the skin’s lipid barrier leads to increased dryness, flakiness and sometimes even cracking, that can make the skin more vulnerable to irritation and infections.

It also disrupts our skins natural pH balance, which at around 4.5 to 5.5 is naturally slightly acidic. Chlorine and other pool chemicals lead to a more alkaline skin surface, which further irritates the skin and disrupts its natural barrier function.

Some parts of our bodies are more sensitive to reactions from these chemicals, such as the delicate skin around the eyes, which is often where regular swimmers notice dryness or tightness.

Chlorine is also very drying and damaging for hair. Combined with sun exposure, this can amplify the damage – drying and lightening hair, sometimes even causing a greenish tint.

Exposure to saltwater – Spending more time in the sea in summer can cause skin dryness and itchiness. Saltwater can also dehydrate hair and make it weak and brittle.

Air conditioning – We tend to blast the air conditioning at home and in the car on hot days, which can be very drying for skin. We also sweat more in summer, which sucks moisture from the skin.

Hay fever – Hay fever sufferers tend to be afflicted by itchiness, particularly if they have sensitive skin or suffer with eczema.

These multiple factors can wreak havoc with our precious skin and hair, so it’s wise to keep up a good self-care routine for beating dryness and discomfort in summer.

Start a healthy skin and haircare ritual

Thankfully, Trihard’s range of skin and haircare products are tailored specifically to swimmers. Their products include natural ingredients that have specific benefits for swimmers’ skin. While red algae has an anti-oxidant effect, Dead Sea minerals such as magnesium and Maris sal nourish and revitalise the skin. Aloe vera soothes and hydrates, Argan oil moisturises and nourishes, while Vitamin E reduces inflammation and encourages skin healing.

Pre-swim protection

Before my swims I’ve started moisturising with the TRIHARD Pre & Post Swim Body Lotion. Made with shea butter to hydrate the skin, it forms a protective layer before I get in the water.

Before I put on my swim cap I apply TRIHARD Pre & Post Swim Conditioner to the mid-section and ends of my hair for a layer of protection against chlorine absorption.

Before I put on my goggles I apply the TRIHARD Pre & Post Swim Eye Gel. The gel has sea buckthorn oil to reduce inflammation and relieve redness and puffiness, and chamomile extracts to gently soothe and calm sensitive skin. It also prevents goggle marks – the bane of many swimmers!

Post-swim care

After my swims I shower with the TRIHARD After-Swim Body Wash, which has gentle exfoliating kernels to softly relieve skin discomfort while neutralising chlorine and hydrating the skin.

I then wash my hair with the TRIHARD Swimmers Shampoo Extra Boost, which uses red algae and Dead Sea minerals to eliminate pool chemicals and that lingering chlorine smell, while naturally derived oils such as argan, jojoba and shea oil hydrate dry hair.

Again I apply the TRIHARD Pre & Post Swim Conditioner for a good dose of hydration for my hair, and to relieve any post-swim itching of my scalp.

Once dry, I slather myself in the TRIHARD Pre & Post Swim Body Lotion and dab more TRIHARD Pre & Post Swim Eye Gel around my eyes. I love the ceramic applicator, which feels very cooling and soothing.

The results?

This pre- and post-swim routine has made a noticeable difference to my skin and hair. There’s no post-swim itch, and my skin and hair feels soft, hydrated and smells GORGEOUS. There’s no hint of chlorine at all.

Better yet, I can go for morning training swims then head to work or meet friends without goggle marks on my face, thanks to the cooling and hydrating eye gel.

This is such a nourishing ritual I know my skin and hair deserves, so I shall endeavour to keep it up whenever I swim throughout summer.