Just recently, I have increased my swimming to several times per week.:) Suddenly the skin of my neck and chest are getting really itchy the day after swimming. :badday:I have tried slathering baby oil on it before swimming and although it helps somewhat, it hasn't solved the problem. Do any of you have good experiences with some of the other swimmer's protection products that are out there?
Parents
Former Member
This happens to me sometimes.
The chlorine does a great job of oxidizing your skin (thus the burning) and drying it out (with the combination of dry, winter air)- also creating a sensation of burning.
I think your best bet is to moisturize as best as you can. Be sure to take a shower as soon as you get out of the pool. If you shower before swimming, don't use hot water. After swimming would also suggest initially taking a cooler shower initially, gradually turning up the heat. The hot water opens your skins pores and allows the chlorine to sink in deeper. Take the shower as soon as you can.
Unfortunately in some places, the public water has a lot of chlorine in it. When I was little my mom would never let my grandma wash my clothes at her house. My clothes would come out reeking of chlorine. The pool facility my high school used also have very chlorinated shower water. I had well water at home with zero chlorine so I would usually take 2 showers after practice.
Also moisturize as much as you can. Before you swim. After you swim. Before you go to bed. After you take a shower in the morning. I find in my case most of the burning is associated with my skin drying out. Rehydrating the skin helps substantially. Water alone removes a lot our natural oils, chlorine makes it even worse.
Vasaline works great as a pre-swim moisturizer. Since it's messy I only apply it to the affected areas. I've also heard waterproof sunscreen works, though I've never tried this.
This happens to me sometimes.
The chlorine does a great job of oxidizing your skin (thus the burning) and drying it out (with the combination of dry, winter air)- also creating a sensation of burning.
I think your best bet is to moisturize as best as you can. Be sure to take a shower as soon as you get out of the pool. If you shower before swimming, don't use hot water. After swimming would also suggest initially taking a cooler shower initially, gradually turning up the heat. The hot water opens your skins pores and allows the chlorine to sink in deeper. Take the shower as soon as you can.
Unfortunately in some places, the public water has a lot of chlorine in it. When I was little my mom would never let my grandma wash my clothes at her house. My clothes would come out reeking of chlorine. The pool facility my high school used also have very chlorinated shower water. I had well water at home with zero chlorine so I would usually take 2 showers after practice.
Also moisturize as much as you can. Before you swim. After you swim. Before you go to bed. After you take a shower in the morning. I find in my case most of the burning is associated with my skin drying out. Rehydrating the skin helps substantially. Water alone removes a lot our natural oils, chlorine makes it even worse.
Vasaline works great as a pre-swim moisturizer. Since it's messy I only apply it to the affected areas. I've also heard waterproof sunscreen works, though I've never tried this.
