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As you sport your new Betsey Johnson bikini on the beach or by the pool, skin care is likely the last thing on your mind. Though you may not notice at first, frequent swimming can cause sunburns, dry skin and rashes -- and that's definitely not cute. Keep your skin in top shape so you can look chic all summer long.
Rinsing Off
Whether you're taking a dip in a chlorinated pool or the salty ocean, you're going to encounter natural and artificial elements in the water. Rather than dealing with the aftermath, including rashes and dried-out skin, take preventive measures. Before stepping in the water, rinse off your skin. This is especially important before hopping in a pool as it'll limit the chance of added bacteria in the water, according to DERMAdoctor. Shower off when you get out of the water as well. Rinse off the chlorine or salt and lather up with nice-smelling body wash.
Sunscreen
Spending all day in the sun, while fun, can have detrimental effects. You no doubt already know that the sun can cause skin cancer if you aren't careful. Protect your beautiful skin by smoothing on a layer of sunscreen. MayoClinic.com suggests broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or more. If you can't reach your back, enlist one of the hot guys relaxing around the pool to give you a hand.
Lotion
Chlorine, sun, salt and lack of hydration all contribute to dried-out skin for regular swimmers. Slather on a thick coating of water-based body lotion once you're out of the water and towel-dried. Keep your skin quenched so you don't end up looking like a raisin by the end of the summer.
Sunburn Ointment
So you spent too much time on your surfboard trying to impress a guy, and you forgot to reapply your sunscreen. Sunburns happen. Ease the immense pain of the burn by smoothing a layer of sunburn ointment on the red patch of skin. Choose an ointment with menthol and aloe to cool and soothe the burn. Next time, don't forget the SPF.
Hydration
Since you're constantly wet, you won't notice how much you're sweating while you swim. You're going to lose moisture the longer you stay in the pool. Keep a bottle of cold water nearby to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. This will help avoid dry skin once you get out of the water.
