Spending a day at the swimming pool is a refreshing way to beat the heat and enjoy the outdoors. However, whether you’re swimming for leisure, exercise, or sport, the water and environmental elements you encounter can adversely impact your skin and hair. Not all pools are created equal, and even with proper chlorination and maintenance, the combination of chlorine, sun exposure, and water can strip your skin of moisture, dull your hair, and lead to long-term damage.
So, what should we apply before going to the swimming pool? This guide not only answers that question but also provides a comprehensive approach to protecting your skin and hair during your swim. Whether you are visiting a public pool, a hotel pool, or lounging in your backyard, understanding the right pre-swim skincare routine can make a world of difference in maintaining healthy skin and vibrant hair.
Why Skincare Before Swimming Is Crucial
Before diving into the specific products and practices, it’s essential to understand the reasons why pre-swim skincare matters. The primary culprits that affect your skin during swimming include:
- Chlorine: Used to disinfect water, chlorine can strip natural oils from your skin and hair.
- UV Exposure: Prolonged sun exposure while swimming can lead to sunburn and premature aging.
- Hard Water Minerals: Some pools and natural water bodies contain minerals like calcium and magnesium that can build up on the skin and hair.
- Moisture Loss: Prolonged immersion in water, whether in a chlorinated or saltwater pool, can disrupt the skin’s barrier function.
These elements work together to cause dryness, itching, irritation, and in some cases, allergic reactions or exacerbation of conditions like eczema or rosacea. A pre-swim moisturizing and protective strategy helps create a barrier between your body and these stressors.
Essential Pre-Swim Skincare Products and Practices
1. Use a Barrier-Forming Pre-Swim Moisturizer
Before hitting the water, apply a thick, occlusive moisturizer to your skin. These products create a protective film that reduces the absorption of chlorine and other pool chemicals. The best pre-swim moisturizers often contain ingredients like:
- Shea butter
- Cocoa butter
- Vitamin E
- Mineral oil or petroleum jelly (especially for very sensitive skin or children)
These help your skin repel water and chemicals. Focus on areas that are most likely to experience irritation, such as elbows, knees, and feet, but don’t forget the face, neck, and arms.
Tip:
Choose greasy or thick creams and lotions rather than light lotions. A heavier texture forms a more effective physical barrier.
2. Apply Waterproof Sunscreen Generously
Sun protection is non-negotiable—even when you’re planning to spend time in the water. Water reflects UV rays, and even partially cloudy skies won’t eliminate the risk of sunburn. Here’s what to know:
SPF level: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. For extended exposure, go for SPF 50+.
Ingredients to Look For:
- Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: Physical sunscreens that block UVA and UVB rays immediately upon contact.
- Water-resistant formula: Must be clearly labeled as water-resistant and suitable for extended wear.
Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before entering the water to allow proper absorption. Don’t forget the back of your neck, ears, shoulders, and tops of your feet. Reapplication every two hours or after prolonged swimming is essential.
Tip:
Always opt for reef-safe formulas unless at a chlorinated pool, where mineral content can interact poorly with chemical sunscreens in some regions. However, most sunscreen brands are formulated to work well in chlorinated water.
3. Pre-Wet Your Hair to Reduce Chlorine Absorption
Wet your hair with clean, fresh water before hitting the pool. This saturates the hair shaft and reduces the amount of pool water, especially chlorine, that your hair can absorb.
After pre-wetting, apply a generous amount of natural hair oil or swimmer’s conditioner:
- Coconut oil
- Argan oil
- Swimmer-specific pre-swim spray
Then, pull your hair back into a swim cap for added protection.
Why Oil?
Oils act as a sealing agent, forming a hydrophobic layer that helps repel chlorinated water. Additionally, oils like coconut oil nourish the hair with antioxidants and fatty acids that combat dryness and breakage.
Protecting Sensitive Areas: What to Pay Attention To
While your body and hair are significant focus points, a good pre-swim skincare routine includes extra attention to sensitive zones that need special care to avoid discomfort or damage.
1. Eyes and Eyelids
While goggles offer primary protection, if you’re not wearing them, it’s still important to:
- Apply a lightweight, waterproof barrier or petroleum jelly around eyelids (avoid direct application on the eye area to prevent irritation).
This prevents pool water from entering creases or sensitive skin around the eyes and helps with makeup removal later.
2. Lips
Chlorine and sun exposure can dry out and chap your lips. A thick, moisturizing lip balm with SPF is a must-have in your pre-swim routine. Alternatively, use a clear petroleum jelly lip balm as a base under your regular one.
3. Feet and Toenails
Wearing flip-flops in the pool area is excellent for preventing athlete’s foot and fungal infections often found around pool decks, but applying a foot balm or barrier cream helps reduce the effects of sun exposure and moisture deprivation if your feet stay in water.
Clothing and Accessories: Pre-Swim Preparation
While most people wear swimwear to protect their bodies from UV rays and pool water, consider the following:
Opt for UV-Protective Clothing
If you’re more prone to tan or sunburn, UV-protective swimsuits or rash guards offer excellent supplemental protection. This is especially important for children or those with fair skin.
Rinsing Swimsuits Before Use
Dry swimsuits can absorb water and pool chemicals more effectively. Rinsing your suit in clean water or applying a light coat of baby oil can help create a shield against chlorine absorption.
Makeup: Should You Apply It or Skip It?
If you choose to wear makeup while swimming (common during poolside events or photoshoots), take the following precautions:
- Use water-resistant makeup products: Look for products labeled waterproof or sweatproof.
- Seal makeup with a setting spray: This helps maintain makeup during prolonged exposure to water and sun.
- Always wear a generous layer of sunscreen underneath: This includes areas with makeup coverage, such as the face and neck muscles.
It is best to remove makeup post-swim to avoid pore clogging and potential breakouts.
Understanding Pool Water Chemistry: How It Affects Your Skin
Understanding how pool water, especially chlorinated pools, impacts your skin chemistry helps you make informed decisions about what to apply before swimming.
Chlorine and pH Levels
A pool’s pH ideally should remain between 7.2 and 7.8. This not only maintains water safety but also supports skin health. Water above this range can dry your skin, while water below this range is acidic and may sting your eyes and skin.
Chlorine Byproducts: Chloramines and Skin Irritation
Chloramines form when chlorine reacts with organic matter like sweat and dirt. They’re a common culprit behind skin rashes, redness, or dryness—another reason why pre-swim protection and post-swim rinsing are crucial.
Children and Sensitive Skin Considerations
Swimming can be especially harsh for people with sensitive skin, young children, or those prone to eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Create a Protective Base with Barrier Creams
Petroleum jelly, ceramide-rich creams, or hypoallergenic moisturizers can be used generously on children before swimming to help guard against chlorinated water.
Eye and Lip Protection
Use a gentle, natural lip balm on children and reapply sunscreen carefully around the eyes to avoid sting—avoid touching the eyes after applying sunscreen.
Swim Caps and Swimwear for Sensitive Skin
Opt for UV-protective fabric that reduces reliance on sunscreen on covered skin areas, and choose caps made of soft, seamless materials for sensitive scalps.
Post-Swim Skincare: Don’t Forget This Step
While the focus of this guide is on preparation before the pool, an effective post-swim skincare routine is equally important. After your swim, consider:
- Rinsing your skin thoroughly with fresh water to remove residual chlorine.
- Using a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to further clear impurities.
- Re-applying moisturizer to restore your skin’s barrier protection.
Don’t shower immediately post-swim unless your skin feels irritated; allow barrier creams and moisturizers to remain on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing.
What to Avoid Before Swimming?
Despite best intentions, there are certain products or skincare habits that can cause more harm than good before swimming. Avoid the following:
Lightweight Water-Based Lotions
These get washed off quickly, offering little protection against chlorine or UV rays.
Acne Treatments Before Swimming
Medicated treatments involving salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation when exposed to chlorine or sunlight.
Heavy Perfumes and Lotions
Not only can these attract unwanted attention in the form of insects, but they may also react with chlorine, causing skin irritation or discoloration.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Pool-Ready Skin
Your skin and hair have to face a double assault when you’re at the pool—sun and water combined can wreak havoc on your natural defenses. By knowing what to apply before going to the swimming pool, you can protect yourself, feel comfortable, and come out of the water looking refreshed instead of dry and irritated.
To summarize the key recommendations:
- Apply an occlusive moisturizer to the body, especially on dry or sensitive skin areas.
- Wear waterproof sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect against UV exposure.
- Pre-wet your hair and apply oil or a conditioner before using a swim cap to prevent chlorine absorption.
Whether you’re an athlete, parent, or casual swimmer, mastering your pre-swim skincare routine can significantly enhance your overall experience, health, and glow. Don’t underestimate the power of preparation—your skin will thank you for it after every swim.
Additional Tips by Swimmer Type
| Swimmer Type | Recommended Pre-Swim Skincare |
|---|---|
| Competitive Swimmer | Heavy barrier creams, UV-protective rash guards, swim caps, and eye balm for goggles use. |
| Leisure Swimmer | Waterproof sunscreen, light moisturizer, swim cap for hair protection, and lip balm. |
| Children | Petroleum jelly on sensitive skin, broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and swim goggles. |
| Those With Sensitive Skin | Hypoallergenic moisturizers, physical sunscreens with zinc oxide, and swimwear made from soft, non-irritating fabrics. |
Taking a smarter, customized approach to your pre-pool skincare preparation ensures you can enjoy the pool with confidence, comfort, and glowing skin. Dive in worry-free!
Why should I apply skincare products before going to the swimming pool?
Applying skincare products before swimming is essential to protect your skin from the potentially harmful effects of chlorine, saltwater, and sunlight. Pools often contain disinfectants like chlorine that can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, or even breakouts. By using proper skincare products beforehand, you create a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture and reduce the absorption of harsh pool chemicals into your skin.
In addition, sunscreen is crucial when heading to a pool, even on cloudy days, because water reflects UV rays, increasing your risk of sunburn. A pre-swim skincare routine not only helps maintain your skin’s health but also enhances your comfort during and after swimming by preventing tightness, itchiness, and damage. Prioritizing skincare before entering the pool is a simple step that can prevent long-term skin issues and keep your complexion balanced.
What type of moisturizer should I use before swimming?
When choosing a moisturizer to apply before swimming, opt for a rich, emollient-based formula that provides a strong barrier against chlorinated or saltwater. Look for ingredients like jojoba oil, shea butter, or ceramides, which help seal in hydration and defend the skin against external irritants. These components mimic your skin’s natural oils and will not wash off easily, ensuring continued protection during your swim session.
Avoid using lightweight or water-based moisturizers, as they tend to rinse off quickly and offer little resistance to pool chemicals. The goal is to create a protective layer, not necessarily to deeply nourish—since the moisturizer may not remain on your skin beyond a few minutes in the water. Applying a thick cream or balm before entering the pool can reduce the chance of irritation and dryness afterward, making it an important step in your pre-swim skincare ritual.
Is it necessary to use sunscreen even if I’m going in the water?
Yes, it’s important to apply sunscreen before swimming, even if you’ll be in and out of the water. Water reflects sunlight, and UV rays can still penetrate through the surface, increasing your exposure. Without protection, your skin can burn faster while swimming than it would lounging poolside. The use of a water-resistant sunscreen provides a reliable shield that lasts longer in the water and reduces the risk of overexposure to the sun’s harmful rays.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that is labeled water-resistant. Apply it generously to all exposed skin about 15–30 minutes before entering the pool to allow it to bind to your skin. Even with water-resistant formula, reapplication every two hours or after towel drying is essential to maintain its effectiveness. Sunscreen before swimming is not optional—it’s a key element in maintaining skin health and preventing long-term sun damage.
Can I use coconut oil as a pre-swim skin protectant?
Coconut oil has natural emollient properties and may offer some protection against pool water by forming a light barrier on the surface of the skin. It is a popular natural alternative for those seeking to avoid chemical-based products. However, while it may help reduce water absorption to some extent, it is not a proven substitute for moisturizers specifically designed to provide longer-lasting protection from chlorine and UV rays.
It’s also important to note that coconut oil can clog pores for some people, potentially leading to breakouts, especially if applied under swimwear where it may trap sweat. Furthermore, some public pools discourage using oils before swimming because they can degrade water quality and filtration systems. If you’re opting for coconut oil for its natural appeal, consider using it sparingly and in combination with a proper water-resistant sunscreen for full protection without compromising the skin or pool environment.
Should I apply skincare products under my swimsuit?
Applying moisturizer under your swimsuit can help protect your skin from the friction of wet fabric and the drying effects of chlorine or saltwater. However, it’s important to choose a formula that won’t stain your swimsuit or disrupt the fabric. A lightweight or silicone-based barrier cream can provide moisture and reduce irritation, while minimizing the risk of damage to your clothing compared to heavier oils or balms.
Keep in mind that trapped moisture may lead to bacterial growth or irritation if your swimsuit doesn’t dry quickly. To reduce risk, ensure any product used under your swimsuit is non-comedogenic and free of pore-clogging ingredients. Additionally, be cautious with oil-based products in public pools, as they can stain the fiberglass or concrete surfaces and may violate pool guidelines. If uncertain, patch-test first and consult any rules before applying products under your swim gear.
What should I avoid using before swimming to protect my skin?
It’s best to avoid using products that can clog pores, degrade in water, or wash off too quickly before swimming. This includes heavy oils, non-water-resistant foundations, or acne treatments containing ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid—these may mix with pool water and cause further skin irritation. Fragrance-heavy skincare products can also upset sensitive skin or trigger allergic reactions when combined with chlorine.
In addition, facial masks or treatments designed for overnight use should not be used preemptively before swimming, as they are meant to work on dry skin and may not function properly in a wet environment. Avoiding skincare products with alcohol is also recommended, as they can dry out the skin and make it more vulnerable to irritation once exposed to pool water. Keeping your pre-swim regimen simple with the right ingredients is more effective than overloading your skin with unnecessary compounds that may mix poorly with water or reduce your comfort.
Do I need to protect my hair before going into a pool?
While not directly related to your skin, protecting your hair before entering a pool is another key step in your pre-swim routine. Chlorine can strip your hair of natural oils, leading to dryness, discoloration, and damage over time. Pre-wetting your hair with fresh water before applying a protective product, such as a pre-swim leave-in conditioner or hair oil, helps reduce absorption of chlorinated water and minimizes its negative effects.
Using a swim cap is also highly recommended, as it provides a physical barrier between your hair and the pool water. Silicone or Lycra caps are comfortable and help lock in moisture while keeping chemicals at bay. For those without a cap, using a conditioning product that coats the hair shaft prevents chlorine from penetrating the strands. Taking hair into consideration alongside skin ensures a more holistic approach to your health and appearance while swimming regularly in chlorinated or saltwater pools.