A growing number of my patients are swimming in the winter to stay fit. Swimming is a great exercise, particularly for our baby boomer joints! But those chlorinated pools are tough on skin and hair.

Is it worth it using those chlorine removing shampoos?   Yes, but they are harsh!  Use the chlorine-removing shampoo, but then use your own shampoo and conditioner after it. Another trick is to saturate your hair in your pre-pool shower and put conditioner on.  Then put your swim cap on.  

For your skin, always rinse off after swimming and apply a think layer of skin cream like Cetaphil or CeraVe after that.  If you swim regularly, always rinse and apply cream over your whole body daily.  Have someone help with your back at home if you can't reach it. You'll be amazed how much smoother and more moist your skin is if you apply cream after swimming and also once a day.

Also, I am working on updating my skin care product recommendations for 2012. I should have those ready for you in two or three weeks (it takes some time to program those changes into the site)!

Dr. Irwin   

Dr. Irwin answers this question on her blog: does running cause facial sagging?