Pool swimmers often complain of water-related skin problems. Chlorine has a caustic effect, causing an alteration of the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of the epidermis) the skin barrier. This skin barrier was coined by Dr. Peter M. Elias of the University of California, San Francisco, an expert in skin barrier and epidermal biology.
The stratum corneum functions to form a barrier to protect underlying tissue from infection, dehydration, chemicals, and mechanical stress. This level of the skin consists of dead cells (corneocytes) made up of 15-20 layers of flattened cells without cell nuclei or organelles. These corneocytes are embedded in a lipid matrix composed of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids.
This barrier occurs through a process called desquamation, the shedding of cells from the surface of the stratum corneum and the balancing of proliferating keratinocytes (cells that produce keratin, a protein that is beneficial to the body). These cells then migrate through the epidermis to the surface on a journey that lasts approximately fourteen days.
In other words, we are born with a healthy skin barrier that is able to naturally keep skin moist and hydrated. Unfortunately, over time, that layer of skin is damaged by factors such as cold weather, excessive sun exposure, prolonged immersion in water, windy conditions, and other environmental factors. These causes break down the components of this layer of our skin and leave it unprotected, susceptible to pruning, wrinkled skin, inflammation, bacteria, dryness, itching and allergens – damage.
Can Drinking Water Help Hydrate My Skin?
We are made of water (the average adult human body is 50-65% water). Large amounts of water are excreted from our body on a daily basis. Therefore, drinking water is important because it replaces our supply. According to the FDA, we must drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to maintain what we lose. The myth is that by doing so, our skin is adequately hydrated. For the skin, unfortunately, the consumption of water does not help much. In fact, the water we drink has a lot to do with it before it reaches the skin. Think about the long and winding path that water travels in our body and you will notice how many stops it makes in other organs, etc., before it even appears on the surface of the skin, for example:
1. Get rid of toxins from the body,
2. Help with our digestive system,
3. Help our organs work properly, etc.
Therefore, in theory, we need to apply water to the skin topically and somehow keep it there to keep the skin moist, hydrated, and wrinkle-free. Moisturizers seek to accomplish this same task.
Moisturizers and skin barrier
Despite what some advertisers tell us, many moisturizers available today do very little to keep skin moist. This is because very few can penetrate the stratum corneum. With that truth, can the skin barrier be repaired? The good news is that “yes” you can. Because this layer of cells is made up of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids, it stands to reason that if those elements are depleted and cause damage to the skin, adding them back to the skin will improve its texture. We achieve this by bringing the missing ingredients of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids together in the right measures (formulas) so that they work evenly to improve skin. Mixing is key because just as we initially had them in our bodies, we must replace them in a similar way.
What moisturizers even work on the dermis?
1. Shea butter: contains stearic and palmitic fatty acids.
2. Dermalogica Barrier Repair: shea butter, evening primrose oil
3. Zerafite – Sold by dermatologists as a barrier repair face and body cream. http://lesliebaumannmd.com/dr-baumann-recommends-barrier-repair-moisturizers-heres/
4. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream 16 oz Daily Face and Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin – Formulated technology allows ceramides to penetrate skin
5. Water: wet your skin with fresh water before swimming.
What about working from the inside out?
1. Supplements, such as borage seeds, fish oil, or evening primrose oil
2. Hyaluronic Acid: Despite some claims, many dermatologists claim that it cannot enter the dermis when applied topically https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4110621/
3. Water: drinking 8 to 10 glasses a day improves the quality of the skin, but it takes time to reach the skin, as mentioned above.
Conclution
Swimmers have special needs related to hydration and protection of our skin. Addressing these needs in a logical, well-informed and consistent manner can allow swimmers to enjoy the water for a lifetime. The information above does not cover everything that is known on this topic. There are many more products and procedures that have proven effective on a swimmer’s skin. This post is an overview, generally providing information on how swimmers should address their skincare needs.
Try the above mentioned moisturizers and supplements after speaking with your dermatologists and doctors to see if they are right for you. If not, hopefully the information above will lead you to the right mix of internal and external remedies designed for your needs.
As swimmers, we have to design and implement a routine to protect our skin. Doing nothing can only help erode our skin barrier over time.
If this post has been helpful to you, please leave a comment below.
Thanks and go swimming!