Summer is the best time to hit the pool. When I’m not working at my desk, I like chilling by the pool (my Instagram posts are proof!). I love it because it feels relaxing and refreshing at the same time! However, what bothers me is how my skin and hair feels after taking a dip. The chlorine in the water takes a toll on my skin and hair by making my strands brittle and my skin flaky. No matter how much of sunscreen I apply, I still land up with a nasty tan and sunburns. After a lot of research, I’ve come up with a foolproof plan that I’d like to share with you. Here’s what your customised beauty routine for the swimming season should look like.
1. Take a Shower First!
There have been many instances where I’ve jumped into the pool without taking a shower. Don’t ever do this! You’ll not only contaminate the water in the pool but also damage your skin. You see, your skin pores and hair shafts need to get wet and fully hydrated before you step into the pool. If you don’t make this a habit, your body will absorb more chlorine. Yikes.
2. Coconut Oil To Rescue Your Locks
Do your mane a favour by applying either a hair conditioner or coconut oil before jumping into the pool. This practice helps create a protective layer between your locks, the chlorine and other chemicals present in the pool. While the oil keeps your hair follicles nourished, it also protects them from sun damage and chemicals.
POPxo Recommends: Forest Essentials Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil (Rs 795)
3. Give Apple Cider Vinegar A Chance
Once you’re out of the pool, rinse your hair with apple cider vinegar. Depending on how thick and long your hair is, wash your hair with apple cider vinegar and water. Use the diluted solution to cleanse your hair from chlorine and other contaminants present in the water. After this, continue to wash your hair with mild shampoo and water.
POPxo Recommends: WOW Raw Apple Cider Vinegar (Rs 499)
4. Use A Wide-Tooth Comb
This one is important – never use a dryer once you step out from the pool. The dryer will make your hair frizzy and fluffy. Instead, after washing, use a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles and leave your mane to air-dry.
POPxo Recommends: Wide Tooth Detangling Shampoo Hair Comb (Rs 299)
5. Make A Banana Skin Pack
If you have extra time on your hands, apply a banana body mask! Use honey and mashed banana pulp to remove dark spots on your hands, legs and face. Keep the mask on for about 10-15 minutes and then, head to the shower to wash the mask off. (If you don’t feel like making it, you can simply buy one!)
POPxo Recommends: Freeman Feeling Beautiful Banana-oat Instant Smoothing Mask (Rs 590)
6. Don’t Forget To Moisturise
Last but not the least, I can’t stress enough on how important it is to moisturise! Let the lotion keep your skin nourished, moist and hydrated. Every inch of your skin should be pampered after a hot steamy shower. To treat sunburns, feel free to use aloe gel.
POPxo Recommends: Lakme Peach Milk Moisturizer Body Lotion (Rs 83) & Oriental Botanics Aloe Vera Skin Gel (Rs 449)
7. Hydrate and Hydrate
When in doubt, think of your skin as a sponge. For it to not absorb pool water, it has to be moisturised. Drink plenty of water, fresh juices from fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin A and C. You’re welcome to even drink herbal tea before you go swimming. In fact, herbal tea is loaded with antioxidants that neutralize free radicals
POPxo Recommends: Organic India Tulsi Green Tea Classic Bags (Rs 174)
8. Swim Caps Were Invented For A Reason
Most of us tend to tie our hair up into a bun and dive into the pool. While it saves time, it does not save your hair from damage! Invest in a silicone swim cap as it will keep your hair dry and prevent chlorine from coming in contact with it. If you’re living with chemically-treated hair, then, wearing a swim cap should be a norm.
POPxo Recommends: Aurion Swimming Kit with Ear protection Cap (Rs 285)
Images: Shutterstock
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