Swimmer ditches 5-step routine that stops chlorine from wreaking havoc on her skin and hair – don’t make a tempting mistake

IF you’re getting in the pool to exercise or simply cool off in the summer heat, there are some post-swim tricks that are worthless.

A competitive swimmer has revealed the five-step routine she uses to protect her skin and hair from chlorine.

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Commenting on a Reddit publishuser Queen_Starsha explained that she follows certain steps every time she leaves the pool.

For her first hack, she recommended avoiding “very hot water” in the shower or bathtub after bathing.

The experts from Children’s Skin Center explained that chlorine tends to dry out the skin.

“Because chlorine is a natural irritant, it opens the pores and strips the skin of its natural oils, which keep it hydrated and healthy,” they said.

“Too much exposure to chlorine dries out the skin and causes irritation and itching.”

Likewise, hot water can also dehydrate the skin, explained Dr. Emily McKenzie in a discussion with the Utah Health University.

This means that taking a hot shower right after swimming can dry out your skin even more.

Instead, the swimmer suggested rinsing off with cold water “if you don’t have time for at least a quick, full shower.”

After showering, she recommended moisturizing your face and neck, and the rest of your body if you have time.

She pointed out that sunscreen can double as a moisturizer if you’re stuck.

The Redditor also detailed the post-swim hair care routine she follows.

“At some point before bed, wash, rinse, condition, and then put leave-in conditioner in your hair and moisturize from tip to toe,” she advised.

“Use a basic moisturizer like Cerave, Cetaphil, Neutrogena, Aveeno, or one of their drugstore clones.”

She also suggested opting for a soap-free body wash to avoid drying out your skin.

The poster revealed her general rule for combating dry skin.

“If you start to feel extremely dry, use full-body moisturizer twice a day,” she advised.

For her final tip, the Reddit user recommended using a kitchen ingredient to soothe your skin.

“Oatmeal baths with powdered oats really help dry out the skin and cause itchiness if this occurs,” she said.

The specialist doctors at WebMD explained the science behind the DIY hack.

“Its anti-inflammatory properties make it great for people with dry skin because it helps balance the skin’s natural pH levels,” they said.