Swimming is one of the most enjoyable activities for kids during the summer, and it creates beautiful memories of splashes under the sun. Unfortunately, such fun dips in the sea can sometimes expose your kids to severe post-swim skin irritation. They may suffer from dryness, itchiness, and redness on the skin, which can ruin their mood. However, you can prevent the post-swim skin irritation in your kids. Are you wondering how? Follow these tips and tricks below:
Build a Gentle Pre-Swim Shield
Being parents, you should always think about creating a subtle barrier before your kid gets into the water to swim. Ensure to apply a thin layer of moisturizer on your child’s body approximately 15 to 20 minutes before they start swimming. The application of a good moisturizer on the skin can protect it from the dryness caused by chlorine and other chemicals present in the swimming pool. Try to always go for a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free moisturizer as they have no side effects on your kid’s soft skin.
Make Your Kids Take a Shower Before and After Swimming
Quickly rinse your child with fresh water before they jump into the swimming pool. The quick rinse saturated their skin, which significantly decreased the level of chlorinated water it soaks up. Make them take a deep shower quickly after they are done with swimming. Wash their skin with a mild soap as it removes salt, chlorine and other irritating elements. Never scrub too roughly as it can more irritate their sensitive skin.
Gently Pat Down Your Child’s Skin
When drying off your kid after they are done with swimming, ignore rubbing their skin vigorously using a towel. Rather, you should do a gentle pat-down as it helps in avoiding unnecessary irritation and friction, mostly on the extremely sensitive body parts.
Moisturize the Skin More After Swimming
Moisturizing after swimming is equally important as pre-swim application of moisturizer on skin. Apply a rich layer of a subtle and fragrance-free moisturizer on your kid’s skin to keep it hydrated and replenish the lost moisture when their skin is still a little damp. Check if a moisturizer has ingredients, such as natural oils, shea butter or ceramides before applying it on your child’s skin.
Select the Right Swimwear for Your Kid
The kind of swimwear your child wears affects the post-swim skin irritation. You should make them wear loose-fitted swimwear made of breathable materials, such as cotton or blended cotton, suited for sensitive skin. Tight and synthetic fabrics can absorb a lot of moisture, which tends to aggravate skin irritation. For instance, a kids zip up towel from Sunreal Days can help in preventing post-swim skin irritation by decreasing friction and restricting skin exposure to the towel and water. The best zip-up towel can diminish the risks of irritation from parasites, chlorine, and other environmental elements.
Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
Even though not directly associated with pool chemicals, sun exposure during swimming can make your kid’s skin more prone to irritation. You should always apply a water-resistant and broad-spectrum sunscreen on your child’s exposed body parts at least 15 to 20 minutes before they jump into the pool. Reapply the sunscreen at an interval of 2 hours after they are done swimming and have dried with a towel.
Hydrate Internally for Healthy Skin
You should keep your kid hydrated both internally and externally so they maintain healthy skin. Make them drink a lot of water all day, mainly before and after they swim.
Be Aware of the Swimming Pool Conditions
Being parents, you should be aware of the conditions of the pool where your child is to swim, even though you can’t control what happens. Reduce their swim duration or select another pool if the chlorine level is extremely high and the water seems to be cloudy.
Understand Your Kid’s Skin Concerns
You should understand the signs of irritation your child may be experiencing after swimming. If the dryness, itching, and redness on their skin worsen or persist even after a long period, you should consult a dermatologist or pediatrician for personalized treatment.
The Bottomline
Skin irritation is one of the most common outcomes after swimming, and it can spoil your kid’s mood. By following the tips above, you can prevent post-swim skin irritation and ensure your child has a fun-filled swimming experience every time.
