Planning a summer full of fun in the sun? Don't neglect your hair and skin. Spending time splashing and swimming might be a great way to tone your body but it tends to take a heavy toll on hair and skin. Learn how to prevent these common conditions with proper planning, a little prevention and a bit of pampering for skin that glows with radiance all summer long.

Combat Common Conditions

Dry Skin: Undoubtedly, dry, dull skin is one of the most frequent complaints cited by women each and every summer. To add insult to injury, flaking and that dreaded chalky appearance absolutely ruin even the best bikini look. The first step to dealing with dry skin is to understand the source - chlorine. Yes, good old-fashioned chlorine. It's such a common ingredient in everything from drinking water to disinfectants that we tend to forget it is actually a harsh chemical. Chlorinated pool water actually strips away the surface layer of skin oil which locks in moisture; without that protective lipid layer, skin is fully exposed to the harmful effects of sun, chemicals and other environmental insults. Combat the effects of chlorine and other chemicals by using a gentle yet effective product like Triswim Lotion; its specially formulated to hydrate and moisturize skin while neutralizing chlorine.

Sunburn: Almost everyone has experienced the sting associated with excessive sun exposure: redness, burning and flaking skin - but the long term impact is even worse. Sunburn has been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer as well as wrinkles. Make a practice of wearing protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses while routinely using a quality sunscreen.

Skin Rash: Once again, chlorine is the culprit. The skin is the largest organ of the entire body and although most Americans drink chlorinated water, the concentration is substantially less than that of a chlorinated pool. Combined with a large area of exposed skin and high levels of absorption, chlorine can irritate skin resulting in a red, itchy rash. To reduce the risk of skin rash related to chlorine exposure, rinse skin thoroughly after leaving the pool and use Triswim Body Wash. It removes chlorine residue and that unpleasant odor while gently moisturizing skin for a clean, fresh feel from head to toe.

Brittle Hair & Split Ends: Chlorine has long been associated with green hair plus split ends and other problems due to pH. Many swimmers swear by rinsing hair in fresh water before entering the pool to reduce the rate of absorption while others simply focus on removing chlorine as soon as possible. Triswim Shampoo and Triswim Conditioner is specifically designed to remove chlorine and chlorine odor from hair while moisturizing and enriching. There is no need to settle for brittle hair and split ends when you can have luxurious locks all summer long thanks to Triswim shampoo and conditioner. If your hair is like hay tame it with the help of Triswim. Tested by actual swimmers, softer hair and luxurious locks can be a reality despite daily swimming!

Green Hair: The dreaded green tint is more than a myth its an ugly reality that prevents millions of women from swimming as often as they desire. Caused by the copper contained in pool water, green hair doesnt need to be your style for the summer; rather than reduce your workout or limit your time in the pool, invest in a chlorine-out shampoo like Triswim. It removes the green tint from swimmers' hair without the use of harsh chemicals; Triswim is gentle enough for daily use, so even those with chemical treated hair will enjoy the fresh clean smell and soft texture.

Hair & Skin Protection Tips

This year make the most of that vibrant glow without the worry of wrinkles or other skin damage simply by following these simple tips.

• Shower Before and After a Swim. Most people make a practice of showering immediately after going for a swim but many experts advise a pre-swim shower. Not only does it reduce bacterial levels in the pool but the fresh water may assist in reducing the rate of chlorine absorption especially with dry hair.
• Practice Safe Skin Tips Every Time. Chlorinated pools arent the only source of skin irritation; hot tubs, spas and even salt in the ocean can exert their own influence on hair and skin. In fact, even so called chlorine-free pools that use salt generators may actually do more harm than you realize. Salt generators remove chlorine from the water but recycle the chloramines (the by-product of previously used chlorine) from salt back into chlorine, effectively exposing swimmers to chlorine without even realizing it. Always rinse skin and hair with a chlorine-out product like Triswim after every dip in the pool.
• Hydrate. Its a good idea to drink plenty of fluids whenever you are in the sun, but water also helps detoxify the body. Chemicals used to treat pools can damage to skin or even cause a rash. Help the body flush impurities and restore the natural moisture balance by remaining hydrated at all times.
• Avoid Bad Products. Resist the temptation to try inexpensive suntan lotions or other products with inferior ingredients. Fillers, preservatives and even fragrances contained in these products often dry and irritate skin even further. Combined with chlorine and sunshine, its a recipe for wrinkles, flakes and rash. Instead, invest in quality products that only use properly balanced ingredients. Keep an eye on other common culprits like over-the-counter medications that may make you more sensitive to the sun than usual or even more prone to situational conditions like razor burn.
• Use Protective Barriers. Expose your sensitive skin to the sun slowly and use protective barriers like hats, sunglasses and sunscreen wisely. Its easy to lose track of the time, so have a plan of action in place before sitting down beside the pool or going for a quick swim. Not only will it help keep you comfortable, but your skin will appreciate the extra protection for years to come.
• Wash, Rinse and Moisturize. Hair and skin need plenty of pampering especially after the constant exposure to chlorine, sun and even sea salt. Always rinse chlorine away from hair and skin as soon as possible while following-up with a deep clean and conditioner. Triswim provides a complete line of chlorine-out products for pool and salt water swimmers including shampoo, conditioner, body wash and lotion. Each removes the odor and chemical residue associated with chlorination while moisturizing and nourishing skin and hair.
• Take Your Vitamins. Beauty is more than skin deep so it should come as no surprise that your body needs a little additional boost during summer months. Perspiration and the expulsion of excess liquids tend to flush vitamins and minerals (as well as toxins) from the body while UV radiation and other chemicals require additional antioxidants. Nurture your skin with the proper nutritional supplements (think SunPill UV Skin Support or VitaMedica Broad Spectrum Antioxidant) for full protection from the elements.

Buying Basics

Chlorine-out products are not all created equal so take the time to research the quality and ingredients before purchasing.

Purity - Avoid products that contain inferior ingredients, fillers and harsh chemicals. Instead, search for soothing solutions that nurture and nourish hair and skin. Triswim ingredients include aloe, vitamins and other essential nutrients your skin craves after exposure to chlorine or harsh UV radiation.

pH - Make sure hair and skin products are properly pH balanced and gentle enough to use on color treated hair or for daily use. Avoid shampoos that strip away nutrients or body gels and drying skin; it will only make a bad situation worse. Instead, insist upon gentle ingredients like aloe and other botanicals that hydrate and soothe skin while restoring the proper pH.

Price - Quality products need not be expensive so dont be misled by overly expensive items without additional benefits. Instead, simply search for products that contain the proper proportions of what your hair and skin actually need. Not only will you feel good about your appearance but your budget will thank you too!

How to Use

The best thing about chlorine-out products is how easy they are to use; simply replace your regular body wash, shampoo, conditioner and lotion with these gentle solutions. Each was created for daily use and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Now there is never a need to worry about green hair, unsightly dry patches or swimmers rash; just rinse, wash and moisturize after every swim. Best of all, at this price you might find it even more affordable than your regular products! Gentle, effective skin and hair care solutions that allow you to have all the fun in the sun and swim to your hearts content this summer.now thats sure to make a splash this summer!

Thank you for taking the time to read my article. I hope you have found it informative.

Shannon Perez
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

www.dermadoctor.com
Copyright 2000-2010, DERMAdoctor, Inc., All rights reserved.

Click here for permission to use this copyrighted content.