Swimming can really damage the skin, says medical expert

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“Frequent swimming in a chlorinated pool can really damage the skin,” Dr Ross Perry told Express.co.uk.

“Chlorine dries out the skin causing it to feel itchy and irritated; this is made worse for those who suffer from dry skin conditions.”

Dr Perry explained chlorine “strips the skin of its natural oils”, which “the body needs to keep healhty and youthful”.

Another concern expressed by Dr Perry, who is the medical director of Cosmedics skin clinics, is that reduced natural oils can lead to premature ageing.

To help counteract these effects on the skin, Dr Perry recommended rinsing chlorine from the skin after swimming with a “warm” shower.

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A hot shower is to be avoided as this will only further strip the oils from the skin.

“Use a gentle cleaner with ingredients such as glycerine which will help to hydrate the skin and prevent further moisture loss,” Dr Perry advised.

“Follow this with a thicker moisturiser as you will need the extra hydration.”

His personal recommendations included those that contain shea butter or coconut oil.

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Dr Perry added: “It’s also worth using an additional eye cream, as the skin around our eyes is much thinner than anywhere else.”

He elaborated: “Those signs of premature ageing caused by chlorine will be made worse around the eyes.”

While frequent swimming runs the risk of drying out the skin if proper aftercare is not followed, the form of exercise can reap wonders for your health.

The NHS says regular swimming is proven to reduce the risk of:

  • Heart disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Stroke.

Regular swimming can also help people to:

  • Lose weight
  • Improve general flexibility
  • Increase strength
  • Improve mobility.

Swimming can also help to boost your mood and reduce feelings of stress, thereby improving your mental well-being.

Everybody is encouraged to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week to be healthier.

Exercise is considered a “miracle cure” by the health body, as regular exercise helps to ward of numerous diseases.

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