Summer skin needs extra care — learn how to protect it.
Swimming This Summer?
Here’s What Chlorine and Saltwater Do to Your Skin
By Kendall Farr, Licensed Esthetician, Spada Skincare
Whether you’re spending the day at the pool, relaxing at the beach, or enjoying regular swims throughout the summer, your skin is exposed to more than just sunshine. Chlorine and saltwater can both affect your skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving it feeling dry, tight, or irritated. The good news? A few simple skincare habits, and the right professional support, can keep your skin comfortable, hydrated, and healthy all season long.
| SWIMMER’S SKIN SURVIVAL GUIDE | |
| ☀️ Before You Swim | Apply face oil or moisturizing SPF to shield your barrier |
| 🚿 Rinse ASAP | Shower right after; apply moisturizer while skin is still damp |
| 💧Hyaluronic Acid Serum | Layer between toner + moisturizer to restore lost hydration |
| 🌿 Hydrating Mask 1–2×/Week | Use a gel mask (oily skin) or cream mask (dry skin) |
| 🌊 Saltwater & Chlorine Both | Rinse after both—saltwater pools still use chlorine! |
How Chlorine Affects Your Skin Barrier
Healthy skin is naturally slightly acidic, helping it retain moisture and defend against environmental stressors. Spending time in chlorinated water can temporarily disrupt that balance, leaving skin feeling dry, tight, or more sensitive than usual. For frequent swimmers, this may also contribute to visible redness, rough patches, or a dull, dehydrated appearance.
If you’ve ever stepped out of the pool feeling like your skin is craving moisturizer, your skin barrier may simply be asking for a little extra support.
Smart Skincare Habits for Pool Swimmers
1. Prep Your Skin Before You Swim
Most people think about sunscreen as protection from UV rays, but it can also help support your skin at the pool. If you’re planning a long day outdoors, choose a moisturizing SPF that helps lock in hydration. For early morning or evening swims, protect your skin from chlorine by applying a few drops of a face oil to your face, neck, and chest to create vital waterproofing.
| ✦ G.M. Collin Essential Infusion Dry Oil Creates a protective waterproof layer before swimming — ideal for low-UV swim sessions. |
2. Rinse Off as Soon as Possible
One of the simplest ways to reduce post-swim dryness is to rinse your skin shortly after leaving the pool. Chlorinated water left on the skin for extended periods can contribute to tightness and dehydration. If a shower isn’t immediately available, even rinsing exposed areas with fresh water makes a difference. Once you’re able to shower, follow up with a hydrating moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.
3. Replenish Lost Hydration
Does your skin feel tight, rough, or uncomfortable after a swim? That’s often a sign it’s time to focus on hydration. Adding moisture-binding ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to your skincare routine can help restore water content. (Did you know dryness and dehydration are actually different? Learn more on the Spada blog.)
| ✦ G.M. Collin Hydramucine Optimal Serum Hyaluronic acid serum — apply between toner and moisturizer for a powerful hydration boost after swimming. |
4. Treat Your Skin to a Hydrating Mask
Swimming, sun exposure, and hot weather can all leave skin feeling depleted. A hydrating face mask used once or twice a week helps replenish moisture and leaves skin refreshed. For an extra cooling effect in summer, store your mask in the refrigerator before use.
Choose the right mask for your skin type:
- G.M. Collin Aqua Mask — lightweight gel formula for oily or combination skin; delivers refreshing hydration without a heavy finish.
- G.M. Collin Glow Mask — richer cream-based formula for normal to dry skin; combines hydrating ingredients with antioxidant vitamins to restore a healthy glow.
5. Don’t Forget About Saltwater Pools
Many swimmers assume saltwater pools are gentler on the skin — but most still rely on chlorine as part of their sanitation system. Whether you’re in a traditional or saltwater pool, it’s important to rinse thoroughly afterward and replenish lost moisture with a gentle cleanser and hydrating moisturizer.
What About Saltwater?
Natural seawater contains minerals including magnesium, potassium, and sulfur, long associated with therapeutic bathing. For centuries, cultures worldwide have embraced mineral-rich waters for their soothing effects on the body and skin.
While seawater offers certain skin-friendly benefits, extended exposure can still leave skin feeling dry. Like chlorinated pool water, saltwater has an alkaline pH that can disrupt your skin’s natural moisture balance — especially after long hours swimming and sunbathing.
After-Beach Skin Checklist:
- Choose a water-resistant sunscreen that supports your skin’s moisture barrier in the sun.
- Rinse your face and body with fresh water periodically throughout the day.
- Shower after swimming to remove salt residue and restore your skin’s natural balance.
- Replenish hydration with a gentle cleanser, hydrating toner, and moisturizer.
- If skin feels particularly dry or tight, reach for a nourishing mask.
Get the Benefits of Saltwater — Without the Ocean
Conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis may benefit from the ocean, thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of salt water combined with UV exposure. However, the best way to harness sea-derived benefits for your skin isn’t a DIY spray bottle — it’s through biomimicry.
| What Is Biomimicry in Skincare?🔬 BiomimicryCosmetic scientists isolate and enhance the best parts of a natural ingredient — like algae — so it can penetrate skin layers and create real change, rather than just sitting on the surface.🌊 Why Ocean Water Sprays Don’t WorkSpraying unrinsed salt water on your face guarantees dryness. Ocean water must be used in its natural form (a dip) to offer any benefit — and even then, you still need to rinse and moisturize.🌿 Sea Plants in SkincareStable, well-formulated products that use active ingredients derived from sea plants deliver the benefits of the ocean without the drying side effects. |
G.M. Collin professional skincare — available at Spada Salon & Day Spa.
Recommended Spada Skincare Treatments
If your skin needs a professional reset after a summer of swimming, Spada offers a full menu of clinical facials — many featuring G.M. Collin’s exclusive formulations.
| Service | Price | Why It Helps |
| AlgoMask Facial | $150.38–$161.71 | Immediate, long-lasting hydration with hydrolyzed marine algae. Perfect post-swimming rescue for all skin types. |
| Signature Facial | $113.30 | Deep cleanse, exfoliation, extractions & nourishing serum. Ideal seasonal reset. |
| Oxygenating Facial | $155.53–$164.80 | 5-step treatment for oily/acne-prone skin; addresses pore congestion caused by chlorine residue. |
| Sea C Spa Facial | $161.71–$172.01 | High-potency Vitamin C + marine plants + anti-aging peptides — a powerful antioxidant shield. |
| Derm Renewal Clinical Peel | $132.87–$141.11 | Renews dull, sun-damaged skin after a long summer season. No stinging or redness. |
| 🌿 Rescue Your Skin After a Summer of SwimmingBook the AlgoMask+ Facial — immediate, long-lasting hydration with hydrolyzed brown seaweed. All skin types. Available now at Spada Salon & Day Spa. → Book the AlgoMask Facial |
The AlgoMask+ Facial: Your Summer Skin’s Best Friend
A G.M. Collin exclusive, the AlgoMask+ is formulated with hydrolyzed brown seaweed and infuses skin with a powerful concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, and lipids derived from the sea. It is remarkable for deep hydration, soothing irritation, diffusing redness, and thermally cooling the skin. You’ll leave soothed and glowing.
Book your AlgoMask+ Facial at Spada — suitable for all skin types and perfect for post-swimming recovery.
| ☀️ Ready for Healthy, Glowing Summer Skin? Schedule your personalized skincare consultation or facial appointment at Spada Salon & Day Spa in Fort Myers, FL. |
Spada Salon & Day Spa
13161 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919 | (239) 482-1858
spadaspa.com