Time and time again I've heard that heaps of swimmers (and other
sports) suffer from dry / itchy / red / irritated skin after swimming
in chlorinated pools. I used to suffer from that problem for years,
and tried all sorts of things to relieve the itching. Well, I've
finally found some products that work better than anything else I have
ever tried. I swear by them.
- To relieve dry/red/itchy skin:
First and foremost, STOP USING SOAP. I cannot stress that point
enough. In Australia, I use a combination of these two products. I
don't use one or the other........I use both of these -
Pinetarsol (contains Pine Oil)
http://www.egopharm.com.au/products/pinetarsol/index.php
and
QV
http://www.egopharm.com.au/products/qv/index.php
I have never found a bodywash product(s) that relieves red/dry/itchy/
irritated skin like Pinetarsol and QV. I swear by this, from personal
experience. You use these with a flannel, instead of soap. These two
bodywashes are made specifically for these types of problems. There
are also a range of products you can use after you shower or bathe.
Ask your local pharmacist if they sell the same/similar products.
- To neutralise the chlorine on your hair and skin:
Add Sodium Thiosulfate Crystals to the shampoo and bodywash you use.
This *does* work. As an aside, I am trying to find out how much to
add, to a given volume of shampoo/bodywash. (i.e. concentration).
Alternatively, you can look for a shampoo that contains Sodium
Thiosulfate. I just think that adding Sodium Thiosulfate crystals to
your own shampoo is more effective, and more $cost effective$. This is
the active ingredient that actually neutralises the chlorine. This is
what I use.
- Protecting your hair before and after swimming:
If you're really really really (really) keen on protecting your hair
from the chlorine, before you hop in the water, you may choose to
thoroughly comb a waterproof sunscreen through your hair. This sounds
like a really bizarre thing to do, but sunscreen is waterproof, and
would shield your hair better than anything else I can think of. You
just need to wash your hair extra-thoroughly when you shower after
swimming - at least three times.
Instead of using a conditioner, use an ultra strong "treatment" for
dry hair. They are sort of similar to a conditioner, but much
stronger. After showering, use a leave-in treatment as well. This will
help with dry hair.
- Chafing:
Body Glide is what prevents chafing. This product actually helps
prevent the problem. The products above help relieve the problem once
you've already got it.
http://www.bodyglide.com/
I hope this has been of some help. Take it or leave it.
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