Swimmer Skin Care
Taking care of swimmer skin can be challenging enough in the warmer months. Winter swimmer skin care is especially challenging.
These are the things that my family does to help take care of swimmer skin. My daughter practices 4-8 times a week. During the summer, I am in the pool 5+ days a week. I do not spend nearly as much time in the pool during the winter as I used to. There will be a post about hair care in the next couple of weeks. Most of these tips help with that as well. #1 is the easiest and best thing you can do to take care of swimmer skin.
These are the basics. If you need additional tips or have questions, please send me an email @ beadolphinswimmer@gmail.com
Sincerely,
Coach Anna
#1) ALWAYS rinse off after getting out of the pool.
A quick 60 second shower will help to remove the pool chemicals. Soap is not necessary, but it does help. You can save the suds for a full shower when you get home.
#2) Use soap designed for swimmers.
A link to my favorite is posted at the end.
#3) Use a good moisturizing creme or body butter a few times a week.
I prefer a thick creme or body butter. Unscented with Aloe and Shea in it. My favorites are posted below.
If you are already doing those three things and still having problems, here are some additional items to look at.
#4) Vitamin C is known for its abilities to remove pool chemicals from your skin. You can make Vitamin C after swim spray or you can buy it. You can also drop a few dissolvable vitamin C tablets in bath water or look for bodywash that has citrus in it. Just google Vitamin C Swim Spray.
#5) Shower before getting in the pool. This helps your skin absorb fresh water and doesn’t allow as many pool chemicals to absorb while swimming.
#6) Take a bath in Epsom Salts. This stuff helps with so many things; sore muscles, skin issues, removing pool chemical buildup. It is also cheap! $3 for an 4lb bag at Walmart.
#7 Swap detergents. Switch your laundry detergent from something that is perfumed to a free and clear product. Examples are Tide Free or All Free & Clear.
#8 Take a multivitamin design for skin and hair. This tip is more for older swimmers or adults.
Favorite Swimmer Skin Products
#1 Favorite Swim Soap - Summer Solutions Soap $5. This is an inexpensive swim soap that lasts a long time! It is great for traveling because it does not take up much room and does not leak. I put it in a little rubbermaid container & carry it in my swim bag.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/summer-solutions-soap-moisturizing-bar-soap-8281/?sid=72399
#2 Favorite Swim Soap - Neutrogena Body Clear Pink Grapefruit Acne Body Wash $6. This cuts through pool chemicals! I like that it can be found almost anywhere and I do not have to buy it on the internet. Walmart sells a generic version made by Equate for $4. It can be a little drying and you definitely want to use lotion after.
Name Brand $6 - https://www.neutrogena.com/skin/skin-bath/skin-bath-cleansers/body-clear-body-wash-pink- grapefruit/6805370.html?cgid=skin-bath-cleansers#start=8
Generic $4 - https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Beauty-Clarifying-Pink-Grapefruit-Body-Wash-8-5-Fl-Oz/43436406?athcpid=43436406&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWVUB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS020&athguid=3186daef-91e-168a52ef2ece2f&athena=true
Favorite Lotion for Swimmers
Miracle Hand Repair Cream $10. This stuff is thick, a little bit goes a long way, and you can use it everywhere. A swim mom shared this product with me last year and it is awesome.
https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Repair-Cream-ounce-UltraAloe/dp/B000136P7S/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1548958229&sr=1-4&keywords=miracle+hand+repair
Body Butter. All types of body butter especially the ones with shea. These are thick and extremely moisturizing, They usually come in round little tubs. The Body Shop brand can be found on sale at TJ Maxx.
https://www.thebodyshop.com/en-us/body/body-butter/c/c00014
Other Articles on Swimmer Skin Care
https://www.summersolutionsswim.com/how-not-to-smell-like-chlorine-after-swimming-in-a-pool/
https://www.summersolutionsswim.com/11-winter-skincare-tips-swimmers/
https://www.summersolutionsswim.com/quick-tips-swimmers-preventing-treating-dry-skin/
I can’t see without my glasses! How am I going to see in the pool?
Optical goggles are easy to find on SwimOutlet.com and they are very affordable. You do not need to go to the eye doctor to get them. In Arkansas an eye doctor must give you a copy of your prescription, if you request it.
I wear optical goggles. My eye glass prescription is a -2.0. I am lucky to have the same scrip for both eyes. It is much easier to find - goggles than it is to find + goggles. If your prescription, in each eye is different, you just order two pair. Then separate the goggles at the nose piece and put the proper scrip together. *Not all goggles can be separated at the nose piece.
*NOTE - The supply of Optical/Prescription goggles does not seem to be as steady as regular goggles. I try to keep a backup at all times because certain strengths are often out of stock.
I have the non-prescription version of several of these goggles and we can work to find the correct fit before you order. Just let me know ahead of practice so I can have them ready.
Sincerely,
Coach Anna
Speedo Vanquishers ($15-22 per pair) - These are my go-to prescription goggle. They come in adult, junior, clear, and smoke. They fit my face the best. Since I rarely lose my goggles, I do not mind them costing a bit more.
Adult Version - https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/speedo-vanquisher-optical-goggle-7789/?color=208&sid=72399
Junior Version - https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/speedo-jr-vanquisher-optical-goggle-5726/?color=10807&sid=72399
Sporti Antifog S2 ($6-10) - These are similar in shape and style to the Vanquishers. They come in smoke and clear. I have used these before and they are a great budget friendly option. Sometimes these come in a mirrored finish. They are one of the few + prescription options available.
- Prescription https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-s2-optical-goggle-22598/?color=29563&sid=72399
+ Prescription https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-positive-optical-goggle-29800/?color=29563&sid=72399
Mirrored https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-s2-optical-mirrored-goggle-8177967/?color=59446
Other Options
TYR Big Swimple ($15-20) - These are a solid body goggle. You must have the same scrip in each eye. They are only available in -5 through -8 right now. These have a squishier eye gasket. I have not worn these particular goggles. But, Swimples are great for kids who are rough on their stuff. The strap can not be changed out easily on this style.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/tyr-big-swimple-optical-active-goggle-8132089/?color=47676&sid=72399
Sporti Antifog Optical Pro II ($6-10) - These are another affordable option. I have tried to wear these and have a pair floating around. They are not my favorite because they seem to distort my vision on the sides and they did not fit my eye sockets well. They may be perfect for someone else.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-optical-pro-ii-goggle-22390/?color=28904&sid=72399
Mirrored - https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-optical-pro-ii-mirrored-goggle-8177969/?color=59450
TYR Corrective Optical Goggles ($17-20) - I have not worn these. TYR makes some great products and I wanted to make sure to include them.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/tyr-corrective-optical-goggles-3465/?color=26026&sid=72399
I wear optical goggles. My eye glass prescription is a -2.0. I am lucky to have the same scrip for both eyes. It is much easier to find - goggles than it is to find + goggles. If your prescription, in each eye is different, you just order two pair. Then separate the goggles at the nose piece and put the proper scrip together. *Not all goggles can be separated at the nose piece.
*NOTE - The supply of Optical/Prescription goggles does not seem to be as steady as regular goggles. I try to keep a backup at all times because certain strengths are often out of stock.
I have the non-prescription version of several of these goggles and we can work to find the correct fit before you order. Just let me know ahead of practice so I can have them ready.
Sincerely,
Coach Anna
Speedo Vanquishers ($15-22 per pair) - These are my go-to prescription goggle. They come in adult, junior, clear, and smoke. They fit my face the best. Since I rarely lose my goggles, I do not mind them costing a bit more.
Adult Version - https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/speedo-vanquisher-optical-goggle-7789/?color=208&sid=72399
Junior Version - https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/speedo-jr-vanquisher-optical-goggle-5726/?color=10807&sid=72399
Sporti Antifog S2 ($6-10) - These are similar in shape and style to the Vanquishers. They come in smoke and clear. I have used these before and they are a great budget friendly option. Sometimes these come in a mirrored finish. They are one of the few + prescription options available.
- Prescription https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-s2-optical-goggle-22598/?color=29563&sid=72399
+ Prescription https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-positive-optical-goggle-29800/?color=29563&sid=72399
Mirrored https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-s2-optical-mirrored-goggle-8177967/?color=59446
Other Options
TYR Big Swimple ($15-20) - These are a solid body goggle. You must have the same scrip in each eye. They are only available in -5 through -8 right now. These have a squishier eye gasket. I have not worn these particular goggles. But, Swimples are great for kids who are rough on their stuff. The strap can not be changed out easily on this style.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/tyr-big-swimple-optical-active-goggle-8132089/?color=47676&sid=72399
Sporti Antifog Optical Pro II ($6-10) - These are another affordable option. I have tried to wear these and have a pair floating around. They are not my favorite because they seem to distort my vision on the sides and they did not fit my eye sockets well. They may be perfect for someone else.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-optical-pro-ii-goggle-22390/?color=28904&sid=72399
Mirrored - https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/sporti-antifog-optical-pro-ii-mirrored-goggle-8177969/?color=59450
TYR Corrective Optical Goggles ($17-20) - I have not worn these. TYR makes some great products and I wanted to make sure to include them.
https://www.swimoutlet.com/p/tyr-corrective-optical-goggles-3465/?color=26026&sid=72399
Changing my words
Being mindful of my words, as a coach and as a parent, is hard. It is very easy to say that someone has done a great job when they come in first. It can be hard to say they did a great job when they are last, get dq’d, or don’t finish as expect. I have been working on choosing my words more carefully. Instead of saying, “You came in 1st, that is great!” I have been trying to say, “I am proud of the work that you have been doing at practice. I see you improving. You are listening at practice. I see you working hard and getting better.” Everyone wants to be seen or acknowledged. I have noticed kids smile even bigger when I acknowledge their hard work, effort, and improvement. Everyone wants to win. Very often winning is so much more than the place they receive at the end of the meet.
The work by Angela Lee Duckworth and Carol Dweck has been influential in how I think about effort. There is a popular Ted Talk, about Grit, by Angela Lee Duckworth. “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. What I do know is that talent doesn't make you gritty.” It is about 6 minutes long. She quickly brings up having a “Growth Mindset” and Carol Dweck. The “Power of Yet” is about a 10-minute Ted Talk.
I know I ask much of our swim parents. These talks are helping me to be a better coach. We are all busy. If you could please watch these two videos, I would be appreciative.
Angela Lee Duckworth on Grit - https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance?language=en#t-354328
Carol Dweck on Growth Mindset –
https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve?language=en#t-36
I hope everyone is enjoying their day away from the pool and I look forward to seeing you at practice.
Sincerely,
Coach Anna
Being mindful of my words, as a coach and as a parent, is hard. It is very easy to say that someone has done a great job when they come in first. It can be hard to say they did a great job when they are last, get dq’d, or don’t finish as expect. I have been working on choosing my words more carefully. Instead of saying, “You came in 1st, that is great!” I have been trying to say, “I am proud of the work that you have been doing at practice. I see you improving. You are listening at practice. I see you working hard and getting better.” Everyone wants to be seen or acknowledged. I have noticed kids smile even bigger when I acknowledge their hard work, effort, and improvement. Everyone wants to win. Very often winning is so much more than the place they receive at the end of the meet.
The work by Angela Lee Duckworth and Carol Dweck has been influential in how I think about effort. There is a popular Ted Talk, about Grit, by Angela Lee Duckworth. “Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals. What I do know is that talent doesn't make you gritty.” It is about 6 minutes long. She quickly brings up having a “Growth Mindset” and Carol Dweck. The “Power of Yet” is about a 10-minute Ted Talk.
I know I ask much of our swim parents. These talks are helping me to be a better coach. We are all busy. If you could please watch these two videos, I would be appreciative.
Angela Lee Duckworth on Grit - https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance?language=en#t-354328
Carol Dweck on Growth Mindset –
https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve?language=en#t-36
I hope everyone is enjoying their day away from the pool and I look forward to seeing you at practice.
Sincerely,
Coach Anna
The DQ… Unfortunately, it isn’t a trip to Dairy Queen.
Every single swimmer will get disqualified or receive a DQ. It is part of learning the sport of swimming. Our team follows the same rules as Olympic swimming athletes. It is a good thing. Officials hate having to “DQ” a swimmer, but they understand that their efforts not only insure a fair “playing field” for everyone, but it actually helps our young athletes learn the sport, too. Every swimmer involved in the sport for any length of time has been “DQed”, even at the national and international (Olympic) levels.
As a coach I do my best to not talk about DQ’s at a meet with swimmers or parents unless it would be beneficial to cover due to an event later that day. I do not hand out the DQ slips and keep them as training tools. Most of the time, a swimmer knows exactly what they did wrong. Very often they don’t want to admit it because they think someone will be mad or disappointed.
Making mistakes is part of life. It is one of the ways we learn. It will be ok. Everyone earns a few dq’s along the way.
THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is what DQ really stands for….and that is DON’T QUIT.
The most common stoke infractions are list below. We work on proper stroke technique at every single practice.
Breaststroke
*Does not touch the wall with 2 hands
*Adds flutter kick during/after the breaststroke kick
*Pulls hands past elbows/waist
*Arms do not move simultaneously
Butterfly
*Does not touch the wall with 2 hands
*Adds flutter kick after/during the dolphin kick
*Arms do not move simultaneously
Backstroke
*Does not stay on the back or roles to the tummy
Freestyle
*Pulls on lane line to gain forward momentum
*Pushes off the bottom of the pool
A few swim parent articles from Elizabeth Wickham. She is a writer on Swim Swam.
New Swim Parents
https://swimswam.com/whats-best-advice-new-swim-parents/
The car ride home after a meet.
https://swimswam.com/6-tips-swim-parents-car-ride-home/
Encouraging Your Swimmer
https://swimswam.com/5-tips-for-swim-parents-on-how-to-encourage-your-swimmer/
6 things I’ve learned as a swim parent
https://swimswam.com/6-things-ive-learned-swim-parent/
Why swim parents are the best!
https://swimswam.com/5-reasons-swim-parents-best/
Every single swimmer will get disqualified or receive a DQ. It is part of learning the sport of swimming. Our team follows the same rules as Olympic swimming athletes. It is a good thing. Officials hate having to “DQ” a swimmer, but they understand that their efforts not only insure a fair “playing field” for everyone, but it actually helps our young athletes learn the sport, too. Every swimmer involved in the sport for any length of time has been “DQed”, even at the national and international (Olympic) levels.
As a coach I do my best to not talk about DQ’s at a meet with swimmers or parents unless it would be beneficial to cover due to an event later that day. I do not hand out the DQ slips and keep them as training tools. Most of the time, a swimmer knows exactly what they did wrong. Very often they don’t want to admit it because they think someone will be mad or disappointed.
Making mistakes is part of life. It is one of the ways we learn. It will be ok. Everyone earns a few dq’s along the way.
THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to remember is what DQ really stands for….and that is DON’T QUIT.
The most common stoke infractions are list below. We work on proper stroke technique at every single practice.
Breaststroke
*Does not touch the wall with 2 hands
*Adds flutter kick during/after the breaststroke kick
*Pulls hands past elbows/waist
*Arms do not move simultaneously
Butterfly
*Does not touch the wall with 2 hands
*Adds flutter kick after/during the dolphin kick
*Arms do not move simultaneously
Backstroke
*Does not stay on the back or roles to the tummy
Freestyle
*Pulls on lane line to gain forward momentum
*Pushes off the bottom of the pool
A few swim parent articles from Elizabeth Wickham. She is a writer on Swim Swam.
New Swim Parents
https://swimswam.com/whats-best-advice-new-swim-parents/
The car ride home after a meet.
https://swimswam.com/6-tips-swim-parents-car-ride-home/
Encouraging Your Swimmer
https://swimswam.com/5-tips-for-swim-parents-on-how-to-encourage-your-swimmer/
6 things I’ve learned as a swim parent
https://swimswam.com/6-things-ive-learned-swim-parent/
Why swim parents are the best!
https://swimswam.com/5-reasons-swim-parents-best/