Chlorine and Dry skin

Boy, do I have the same problem -and no perfect answers. But things have gotten a little better since I've switched to Ultra Swim shampoo and conditioner for my hair. DH thought this choice was a silly affectation, but I just dumped out the shampoo he had in his travel-size bottle and poured this in, and his hair has gotten better too. (Wily wife ways!) After that worked well, I switched to Swimmer's Shower Gel instead of soap. I'm less convinved it helps, but maybe it does a little bit. And I do use lotion after every swim. I know some guys hate that, but maybe if you try one that doesn't leave a sticky, greasy feeling it would be better -(She said hopefully..... I've had no luck convincing DH to try this.) I like Curel. If you put it on while your skin is still moist form your post-swim shower it will do the most good.

If you find better solutions, please let us know.

Andrea

I agree with Andrea, try to find a lotion that doesn't feel thick on your skin. The best one that I have found, as far as lightness goes, is Cetaphil. It is very light but does a great job. Also, I have found the a shower prior to entering chlorinated water help both the skin and hair.

I use whatever is around the house - usually Aveeno, but again whatever my wife has around usually works. Yeah, greasing up all over every day is kind of a hassle, but it's either that or itch, and I hate itching worse than I hate moisturizing.

Before we moved to dry-as-dust Arizona my husband never touched a bottle of lotion. Now there is moisturizer in every room of the house! He seems to prefer the Avon oatmeal moisturizer - it is not greasy and doesn't really smell like much at all. And I might add it is much more appealing to him when someone else rubs it in (tee-hee).

I have very dry skin and hair and live in a dry climate. Until I started training for a tri, I had avoided the pool because I am so vain (even thought I swam competitively for many years and am very good at it, I avoided the pool to avoid split ends!).

Try taking some more oily vitamin suppliments - flax seed oil, vitamines E and A, evening primrose oil. I have to take that during the worst of the winter months here in Colorado. It makes a world of difference, especially if you do not like lotions.

Also - avoid lotions with petroleum products - petrolatum, mineral oil, etc. and stay with those with vegetable sources of lube. And oatmeal products are great anti-itch (try the aveeno soak).





Edited by bootygirl 2004-04-15 11:39 AM

I like Curel as well, it feels the least greasy of any lotion I've used. Plus I have a tattoo on my arm and Curel is what they recommend for putting over it to help the skin from drying out and preserving the tattoo ink's colors.

Max

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Origins ginger-scented whipped body cream is where it's at, folks. Not greasy and you smell amazing.

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I also live in Arizona, and swim in some very chlorinated pools. The other night I went swimming and forgot to moisturize my skin afterwords. The dry skin and itching got so bad in the middle of the night, from a dead sleep I had to get up and put some lotion on. Not very fun

The thing about lotion is that it is to be applied after you get out of the shower when your skin is still very moist. Lotion keeps the moisture in. You arent getting the full benefit of it if you do it well after your shower. Most people dont realize that- I just found out a while ago myself.

It does more by keeping the mositure in opposed to actually moisturizing the skin itself-

Find a light one, apply after you towel off and usually by the time you are ready to get dressed you shouldnt feel greasey at all.

I'm with HerMom....Cetaphil lotion all the way!!!
I have dry fragile skin (I am convinced it is as thin as toilet paper ) and eczema, and have tried every product known to man. Cetaphil rules. It is the only way I survive the pool. It is expensive, though.
Jen

I spend 6 hours a day, 3 days a week in a pool for work, plus I do 3 days a week swim training.  If I don't lube up after each time I get out I'm itching for the rest of the day.  I also avoid the petroleum products.  I have several brands I use.  I'm not picky, but I do look for that mineral oil ingredient to avoid.

Sharon