Swimmer Body Care

Swimmer Body Care

GENERAL:

• Drink lots of water

• Eat healthy foods

• Consider a multi-vitamin

• Get plenty of sleep

• Do your warm-ups and warm-downs to keep muscles from stiffening

SPECIFIC CARE FOR SKIN:

Choose and use a lotion with vitamins E and A in them. Use liberally after each swim.

HAIR:

• Always wet hair with non-chlorinated water prior to getting in the pool.

- Dry hair is like a sponge and will absorb water until it is saturated. Make sure the water that wets your hair is clear and fresh, not chlorinated pool water filled with harsh chemicals.

• Wear a swim cap (or two).

• Rinse hair and wash with shampoo and conditioner (your favorite) as soon as possible after leaving the pool & absolutely before hair dries.

- Swimmer specific shampoos are available (swim shops, Amazon, Sally Beauty Supply), but not necessary.

- Look for a good clarifying, protein shampoo, preferably with no parabens, methylisothiazoline, or sodium laureth sulfate (harmful chemical additives).

• Use a wide-toothed comb or wet brush.

• Consider an oil treatment twice weekly (especially good for dry, itchy scalp). 

EARS:

• Use ear drops after a swim if you can't get the water out of your ears to prevent ear infections

• If your ear feels plugged, try cleaning out the wax (water can soften the wax so it falls and blocks the ear canal). Use an ear cleaning kit (available at any drug store) to help remove the wax. DO NOT use a Q-tip to clean your ears!

• If an ear ache develops, see your doctor.