A child’s skin is so delicate and can therefore become dry after swimming. Both air conditioning and central heating can cause dry skin by robbing it of its natural moisture. If your child goes swimming, the chlorine in the water can also cause their skin to go dry. Taking a bath can also do this because it removes the child’s natural oils from the body.
What does dry skin look like?
This can be very similar to how dry skin looks on an adult – white patches of flaking skin, sometimes red and sore if the child has been itching the area.
What to do to soothe it?
Make bath time shorter and don’t put too much lotion in the bath. Applying creams straight after a bath can help lock in the moisture.
When you go swimming, apply a thin layer of natural oil (e.g. avocado, almond, argan or coconut oil) to skin. This light barrier prevents the amount of chlorinated water your skin and hair can absorb. Smooth the oil on while skin is damp to protect without becoming too greasy.
After swimming, make sure the chlorine doesn’t dry on their skin by having a quick shower and applying some moisturiser before you go home.
Make sure you keep your child well hydrated as this also affects the skin. In the winter time, keep them wrapped up with gloves and scarves while in the summer time keep them dressed in cool cotton fabrics that will help wick away sweat.
For more information about swimming lessons with us, call 0208 940 9431 or email info@sportsgeneration.co.uk