7 Swimming Benefits for Your Skin

Swimming is an enjoyable leisure activity and a great workout. No matter what you do in the pool, your body benefits from healthy movement. Your skin also improves with regular swimming, which not many people realize.

Read about these seven swimming benefits for your skin that can start today. Throw on your suit and jump in the water. You’re only a few minutes away from noticeable, natural improvements.

1. It Improves Circulation

You might feel your feet or hands fall asleep every so often if you don’t move them frequently. Your doctor may have diagnosed you with poor circulation. While you abide by their health recommendations, swimming may eliminate the aches and stinging skin that accompany circulation issues.

When you slide into the water, the buoyancy relieves any pressure on your muscles and veins. Your blood flows more freely and quickly when you begin to pump your legs and arms. Even though you’ll feel the immediate effects in your muscles, your skin functions better with better circulation to superficial veins.

2. It Gently Exfoliates

While you swim laps or tread water, you only feel the smooth, cooling glide of it over your skin. On a microscopic level, the force of the water lifts dead skin cells away and gently exfoliates dry patches you might not even notice. 

Exfoliation is the way to achieve a radiant glow without additional beauty products. Though you may exfoliate after swimming, the movement begins the process for you by freeing your skin from lingering dead cells and dirt.

3. It Prevents Acne

The best acne remedies for women address your specific skin type, but swimming can prevent acne between treatments. Chlorine-treated pools contain the antibacterial chemical, which kills germs and microorganisms after a short period of exposure.

It wipes out acne-causing bacteria on your skin, which may prevent future breakouts. It’s helpful, but no replacement for acne scrubs or creams. The chlorine will cleanse your skin, but won’t dive into your pores to stop acne from developing.

4. It Removes Toxins

When you increase your heart rate, it boosts your metabolism. In return, your metabolism eliminates toxins accumulating in your tissues, which is one of the swimming benefits for your skin. A lifestyle lacking exercise won’t get your heart pumping and engage your metabolism like your body needs.

If you want to engage in metabolic detox, consider a few swim workouts designed for beginners. After you get a sense of what your body can do, modify each program to your fitness goals.

5. It Heals Skin Cells

Salt water pools and ocean waves do wonders for your skin cells. Every time you swim in salt-based water, the mineral speeds up the healing process for damaged skin cells. You’ll notice the difference almost immediately because when those skin cells repair themselves, they’ll retain moisture better. You won’t have itchy skin or inflamed skin conditions related to dryness.

6. It Removes Oils

As you swim in chlorine-treated pool water, it kills bacteria that might cause acne or irritation. In the process, it strips your skin of natural oils, which can feel great for some people. Anyone with naturally oily skin might feel like swimming balances their body’s natural oil production.

People with average to dry skin could have a different reaction. Your skin naturally has oils on it to lubricate your cells and prevent dryness. Prolonged or frequent exposure to chlorine could dry out your skin and make it uncomfortably red or itchy. If you experience this, you can always apply healthy oils after your swim to restore the balance your body needs.

7. It Encourages Lotion Use

People most commonly deal with dry skin after regularly swimming in a chlorine pool. Another benefit of this symptom is your increased lotion use. You might apply more moisturizer than you normally would to your hands, legs and face. 

Daily lotion applications provide multiple health benefits you couldn’t get otherwise. You’ll smooth existing callouses, brighten your skin and find it easier to move from the intense hydration. Areas like your knuckles, hands and knees won’t bother you, especially given the added circulation and cellular repair from the motion of swimming.

See for Yourself

There are many swimming benefits for your skin, so see them for yourself. Start swimming a few times each week and note any physical changes. As you adapt with potential lotions, oils and cleaners, you’ll find that swimming does much more for your health than exercise your muscles.