Body Care Routine: How Swimwear Can Impact Your Skin Health

Did you know your skin is the largest organ in your body? And its impact on your overall health is massive? Think about it: your skin is responsible for keeping all the other stuff inside you, and keeping all the outside stuff out. If your skin isn't in tip-top shape, it's a good bet the rest of you isn't either.

People who swim, surf, or generally spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun are at greater risk than anyone of developing skin concerns. From dark spots and dry skin, to more concerning issues like skin cancers, taking care of your skin as a swimmer is of paramount importance.

So let's talk about skin care and the importance of developing a good post-swim body care routine for your skin type. We'll look at the impact of certain swim-related issues on skin, and talk about what you can do to defend against these things.

Let's (pun definitely intended) dive in!

The Impact of Swimwear on Skin

You're probably well-aware of the impact of things like UV rays and saltwater on your skin (we'll get to those in a moment) but did you know that the swimwear you choose can also affect your skin?

Common materials used in swimwear - like lycra, spandex and nylon - can irritate the skin, especially if they're not cleaned properly after each use. Bacteria buildup in swimsuits can lead to staph infections, yeast infections and other issues, and if you have sensitive skin, these materials could even cause allergic reactions.

Next to consider is the fit of your swimsuit. Tight-fitting swimwear can cause chafing and irritation, which are not only annoying and make swimming less fun, but can become debilitating if they're not addressed.

If swimsuits are much too tight, they can even start to affect circulation, which can lead to dangerous situations, particularly in very cold water. Always make sure your swimsuit fits correctly (you can use our handy size chart to figure out your perfect fit.)

Sun Exposure and Swimwear

The most important thing to be aware of when creating your post-swim body care routine is the impact of sun exposure on your skin. There is no single thing on this planet that will damage your skin more quickly, more intensely, and more permanently than the sun.

It doesn't matter your skin tone or skin type: everyone's skin is damaged by the sun. At its most minimal, sun damage looks like dark spots and freckles. At its worst, it looks like skin cancer. UV rays are no joke: take them seriously.

The best thing you can do to protect your skin from the sun is wear protective layers. That means covering up with long sleeves, a hat, high-waisted bottom, a cover-up, etc. Of course, when you're actually in the water, or being active on the beach, this isn't always possible, so a high SPF sunscreen (50 or above) is a must as well.

Chlorine and Saltwater Effects

Depending on your skin type, chlorine and saltwater may also adversely affect your skin. Everyone's reaction to these substances is different, but in general, prolonged exposure to saltwater or chlorine can lead to dry skin, changes in skin texture, dull skin, and even skin conditions like eczema.

Chlorine is a chemical bleach that is added to swimming pools because of its extreme efficiency in killing bacteria - but it is also very harsh on your skin. Saltwater is less harsh - in fact, some people may even find that exposure to saltwater can be beneficial for conditions like psoriasis and acne prone skin.

Again, everyone's skin is different, and it will be up to you to monitor and see how your skin is affected by these substances. In general, though, limiting exposure by taking breaks and keeping swim sessions to an hour or less at a time is best.

Post-Swim Effective Body Care Routine

Now that we've taken a look at all the ways your skin can be damaged by swimwear and the things that come along with it, let's look at a post-swim body care routine that will help you maintain brighter skin, keep your skin soft, and prevent long-term damage.

Step One: Apply Sunscreen

The first and most important step in post-swim skincare actually happens before you swim. Apply real sunscreen (not homemade) at least 30 minutes before you swim (even if it's waterproof) and re-apply every hour you are out in the sun.

To be honest, this step-by-step guide could end here. Because guess what? You don't actually need any extra hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or any of the other things that skincare companies sell you to keep your skin healthy. That is marketing. All your skin actually needs to be healthy is sun protection and water.

Step Two: Drink Water

Staying hydrated is the next best thing your can do for your skin. Healthy skin doesn't come out of a tube: it comes from inside. Eat well and drink plenty of water. Yep, it's boring. Sorry, it's the truth.

Step Three: Wear A High-Quality Well-Fitting Suit

If you have sensitive skin, make sure you're choosing a suit that won't irritate your skin or cause an allergic reaction. Once you've done that, use a size guide to ensure a proper fit so it doesn't chafe.

Step Four: Rinse Off

Rinsing with fresh water is a good idea when you get out of the pool - it's not so necessary when you get out of the ocean. Chlorine is far more drying than salt water, and as mentioned previously, some people may actually find that saltwater improves their skin.

That being said, salt crystals on your skin can rub off on your car or clothes. These can be extremely difficult to get out and will cause water from the air to be sucked into the fabric, making the material feel permanently damp. So rinsing saltwater off is a good idea to prevent it from getting onto your clothes. 

Step Five: Moisturize

The final step in this guide is optional - if you are prone to dry skin or have a medical skin condition, you may find you need to do this, but most people actually don't. If you're wearing sunscreen, staying hydrated, and rinsing with fresh water after swimming, your skin will take care of itself.

DIY Skin Soothers for Swimmers

Now, all that being said, sometimes it's just fun to slather on a bunch of products. They smell good, they make you slippery, and you feel like you're doing something good for yourself, even though all you're really doing is buying into marketing. We get it.

So here are a couple of recipes for homemade skin treatments to combat irritation and dryness after a swim or beach day.

Green Tea Cleanser

Green tea is full of antioxidants, which are absorbed by your body when you drink it. They are not absorbed by your skin. Why? Your skin's job is to keep stuff out. 90% of biomolecules do not penetrate the skin barrier. That's by design. It's literally what your skin is supposed to do.

So why do we recommend a green tea cleanser? Because sometimes it's fun to put green tea in stuff. Especially if it smells good. A peppermint green tea smells great and gives you a little zing when you put it on your skin (especially if you chill it first!)

Make a cup of peppermint green tea like you normally would. Remove the teabag and stick it in the fridge before you head out to the beach. When you get back, use the tea like you would use water to wash your face. Ahhh! So refreshing.

Coconut Oil Rub

Coconut oil is a super-cheap alternative to moisturizers, and while it is a little greasy, it's a really nice way to moisturize your skin.  Use sparingly! You only need a little.

We recommend storing it in the fridge, as it can go bad and develop black spots if left at room temperature for too long.

Tips for Sensitive Skin

If you have very sensitive skin, you'll need to spot-test bathing suit materials before you wear them. The "easiest" way to do this is to tape a small sample of the material to the inside of your forearm and leave it there for a few hours.

In reality, of course, finding a sample of the fabric you're about to buy is anything but easy. If you are prone to allergic reactions, it may be worth having a doctor perform an allergy test to find out exactly which materials your skin is sensitive to.

Conclusion

There are many ways swimwear and swim activities can damage your skin: from sun, salt, and chlorine exposure to overheating and dehydration, your entire body is affected by a beach or pool day. Developing a holistic body skin care routine that starts before you hit the beach is the best way to keep your skin soft, healthy and free from skin conditions.

Here's to your health!