Swimming, Sea Water and Chlorine
Swimming is an excellent, low-impact form of exercise for people with rosacea, but the water environment—whether a chlorinated pool or the salty sea—can pose challenges for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Is sea water beneficial?
Sea water is probably not beneficial but it can be less irritating then swimming pools. Nevertheless, the high salt content can be dehydrating. If you swim in the sea, it's crucial to rinse your face with fresh water and apply moisturiser immediately after.
How to protect skin in pools?
Chlorine is a harsh chemical that can strip the skin's protective barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential flares. Before swimming, apply a thin layer of a simple, occlusive moisturiser to your face. This creates a physical barrier between your skin and the chlorinated water. As with sea swimming, rinse your face with clean water and reapply your regular moisturiser as soon as you get out of the pool.
How can I help
I see patients in person in central London. An in person consultation allows me to examine the skin directly including features that are difficult to capture in a photograph such as 3-dimensional changes and textural change. This is the better option where the diagnosis is uncertain, where previous treatment has not been effective, or where a procedure is being considered. For more straightforward conditions such as acne and rosacea a remote consultation with clear photographs can be a good option.
Related articles
- Exercise Without Flushing
- A Simple Rosacea-Safe Skincare Routine
- Moisturisers That Don’t Sting Sensitive Skin
