One more length, a swim that lasts a little longer, the sun drying your skin on the towel. Chlorine, salt and UV are part of the joy of the water, but your skin needs a little attention. Here is a simple ritual to slip into your beach bag.
Key points
- Rinse your skin with fresh water as soon as you can
- Cleanse gently, then moisturise while your skin is still warm
- Protect yourself from the sun, before and after swimming
What chlorine, salt and sun do to your skin
Chlorine disinfects pool water, but it tends to dry the skin and make it more reactive, especially when you swim several times a week.
Salt leaves a thin layer as it dries, which feels tight and can irritate sensitive areas.
The sun reflects off the water and the sand. You feel it less when you’re wet, and that’s exactly when you forget about it.
None of this is a reason to give up the water. Just an invitation to take care of yourself, before and after.
The after-swim ritual, in four steps
- RinseA fresh-water shower as soon as you get out, even a quick one, to remove the chlorine or salt.
- Cleanse gentlyA mild cleanser, without harsh soap, then pat dry without rubbing.
- MoisturiseA nourishing cream or balm, applied while your skin is still slightly damp: it absorbs it better.
- DrinkExercising in the water makes you sweat without noticing. A water bottle, and your skin will thank you.
Did you know?
A UPF 50 fabric lets through only about 1/50 of UV rays, blocking close to 98%. Where the swimsuit covers you, your skin is protected, even when wet. For the rest of your body, sunscreen remains essential.
In the sun: protect before, during and after
Before. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, applied about twenty minutes before going out in the sun, without forgetting your upper back, shoulders and neckline.
During. Reapply after every swim and every towel-dry, even if the sunscreen is labelled “water-resistant”. And make the most of the shade during the hottest hours.
After. A cool shower and a soothing product in the evening, especially on areas that have caught the sun.
Sensitive skin deserves special care
Over the years, during pregnancy, after surgery or certain treatments, skin can become thinner, drier and more reactive. Recent scars in particular are fragile in the sun.
At those times, follow the advice of your doctor or care team first. And choose a swimsuit that helps: a soft lining that doesn’t rub, flat seams, and a cut that covers you where you want it to.
Comfort doesn’t need to be seen to be felt.
The ikonō team
Your swimsuit likes to be cared for too
- Rinse it in clean water after every swim, in the pool or the sea.
- Don’t wring it: press it gently in a towel.
- Dry it flat, in the shade, never on a radiator or in the tumble dryer.
- Avoid direct contact between sunscreen and light-coloured fabric: apply it before putting on your swimsuit and let it sink in.
Our swimsuits are lined with a soft, second-skin recycled tulle, certified OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and their outer fabric is UPF 50. Discover our approach, or find your cut with La Versatile, La Nageuse and the whole collection.
Your questions
Should you shower after the pool?
Yes, ideally straight away: a fresh-water shower removes the chlorine before it dries out your skin.
Which cream after swimming in the sea?
A moisturising cream or balm, fragrance-free if your skin is sensitive, applied to slightly damp skin.
Does a UPF 50 swimsuit replace sunscreen?
It protects the skin it covers. For your arms, legs, face and neckline, sunscreen remains essential.
How do you protect a recent scar in the sun?
Ask your doctor for advice. In practice, many women choose a cut that covers the area and suitable sun protection.
Caring for your skin is also a way to keep enjoying the water for a long time. Happy swimming.
