Personally, I love the feeling that you get as you dive underwater and kick off from the side. These few seconds that you get as you swim underwater until you come to the surface, are my peaceful time and my reason for swimming every week.

I also love these set sports:

1. Surfing

2. Paddleboarding

Today this blog is all about swimming, and the pros & cons of this sport for your body, skin & hair quality.

PROS -

• As well as being fun, swimming is a great way to keep fit.

• Swimming is a healthy activity that you can continue for a lifetime.

• Swimming is a low-impact activity that has many physical and mental health benefits.

Read more about the positive health benefits mentioned above - https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/swimming-health-benefits#swimming-for-recreation

CON’s

• It increases the risk of certain injuries (Swimmer’s Shoulder or Knee)

• Fungal infections

• Skin allergies

• Cold water can be a disadvantage

• Effects of pool chemicals

As a frequent swimmer, the main issue I have is the disadvantages of the pool chemicals, so I am going through some tips to overcome these issues. Chlorine is a disinfectant that will destroy germs and has strong effects on the human body, as this will strip the skin and hair of any natural moisture.

Once out of the pool you need to replenish your natural moisture.

BEFORE SKINCARE

Rince before getting into the pool, wear sun cream if swimming in an outside pool.

AFTER SKINCARE

1. Clean off the chemicals as soon as you are out of the pool

2. Rinse off under the poolside shower

3. Make sure you cleanse your skin and always pat dry after the shower, to help decrease skin irritation

NOW CREAM UP - The best type of cream to use is any that will hydrate and contain Vitamin C within its ingredients. Here are two main creams that you can use from an everyday shop, like Boots or Wilkinsons.

Take a read of this blog on the type of skincare a professional swimmer recommends - https://www.allure.com/story/haley-anderson-olympic-swimmer-beauty-routine

The effects of chemicals can make your nails brittle and dry, just like your hair. The chemicals will damage your hair, by causing hair breakage or loss of hair.

To prevent this type of damage, do these set options:

1. Wear a swimming cap

2. Add oils to your hair before putting on your swimming cap.

3. Wet your hair

AFTER THE POOL AND CONSISTENT CARE.

• After your swim, rinse out the chemical and wash your hair.

• Use hydrating shampoo and conditioner to make sure that you have washed all the chemicals out of your hair.

• Brush your hair with a toothcomb to brush or de-tangle your hair.

• To keep your hair healthy you can add oils or try a hair mask.

My own hair care process is to wet my hair thoroughly before getting in the pool, then I will rinse and wash out the chemicals after the pool. Then de-tangle my hair, wash my hair with shampoo and conditioner and use a hair mask treatment each week.

Take a look at some of the options on what shampoo and conditioner you can use.

You can buy either duo, to the left via Amazon, but I prefer to use Aussie for washing my hair. Here are the different types of options from this brand.

Even though you may find the best type of body moisturiser or hair washing solution. If you swim regularly then my advice to you is to exfoliate your skin at least once a week and start to use a hair mask each week. There is a wide range of exfoliating options to try, as well as hair masks.

Here is a link to a blog entry on hair masks from Aussie - https://aussiehair.com/a-beauty/damage/hair-masks-dry-hair

I must admit I love the Aussie brand and I have used their hair masks, but recently I have seen these amazing-smelling masks that have just come out from Garnier and they are vegan.

I hope that all of this information on how to prevent the effects of chlorine on your body is helpful. There are further effects of Chlorine, long-term can dry out your skin and hair. During my research for this blog subject/content, I have found further information on how this chemical can corrode your teeth and affect your lung health. Obviously, these effects are from frequent swimming and being overexposed to a high % of this disinfectant cleaner.

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