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Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise, as it is not only enjoyable but it also helps tone the entire body. However, the time you spend splashing about in the water, may take a toll on your skin. Most people who swim regularly complain of common problems, such as dry skin, a rash, sunburns and so on. The good news is that these problems can easily be avoided, with the help of a few simple steps, so that your skin does not suffer every time you go swimming. Given below are some simple tips for skin care for swimmers:

• Drink Water: Any physical form of exercise makes your body lose water, which may lead to a case of dehydration and swimming is no exception to that. By drinking at least 8 to 12 glasses a day, you could help your body retain its natural moisture, thereby, keeping your skin well hydrated, moist, supple and healthy. Drinking water before and after a swimming session will also help your body to flush out any toxins that may have been brought in, by pool chemicals. Health experts recommend that around 20 ounces of water should be consumed before swimming and small amounts should be consumed every fifteen to twenty minutes after swimming.
• Shower: Taking a shower before and after a swim is not just a hygienic measure; it helps reduce the amount of chlorine that is absorbed by your skin and hair while swimming. The water from the shower is a better way to keep your skin moist, therefore do not rub your body with a towel too vigorously, after you shower, as this removes the skin's moisture cover. Instead, pat yourself down with the towel.
• Protect your skin: Make sure to keep your skin protected from the sun, with the use of a sun block lotion, a hat, sun glasses and perhaps a sarong too. Before you enter the water, give your skin at least 20 minutes or so, to absorb the sunscreen.
• Moisturize: If you do spend a fair amount of time in the bright sun, or even in water, be it salty or chlorinated, make sure you moisturize the skin. It is important for you to use bath products of a good quality that moisturize your skin and clean it well at the same time. Products that contain Vitamin E or A as well as natural extracts would be the best.

Apart from following the above measures, it is also important to follow a healthy diet. You should ensure that you get a daily requirement of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, if you want to keep your body and skin healthy.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.