Here’s what the experts recommended I keep in mind when building this list:
This hydrating cleanser is a favorite of Levine’s because it has a creamy texture and doesn’t have fragrance or pore-clogging oils, so it’s great for those with sensitive and oily skin types. The formula has ceramides, niacinamide and glycerin to cleanse the skin without stripping it of its natural oils, says Levine. It also helps restore the skin barrier, according to the brand.
Best for: all skin types | Usage: after swimming
If you’re looking to restore moisture post-swimming or while traveling, this overnight hydrogel mask is a good option. “Every time we travel I put [this] on for several hours or the whole flight to keep my skin hydrated on the plane,” says Alvarez. It’s made with three different probiotics along with hyaluronic acid and collagen to hydrate and improve skin elasticity, according to the brand. Hydrogel masks, in general, have a cooling feeling upon application, which can feel restorative after a swim session.
The mask comes in two sheets — one for the top half of your face and one for the bottom — and is best for long time periods. The brand recommends wearing them either overnight or for at least three to four hours to give it time to turn from white to transparent.
Best for: dry skin | Usage: after swimming
Levine is a fan of this moisturizing cream because it locks in moisture after swimming. “It’s formulated gently enough for sensitive skin, and has ceramides and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated,” she says. You can use it on both the face and body, which makes packing efficient if you plan on traveling with it. It also has the National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance, making it safe for those with an inflammatory skin condition like eczema.
I’ve used this cream several times on my dry arms and legs and love its thick, whipped texture because it instantly alleviates dryness and itchiness on my skin. I also appreciate that it’s fragrance-free, since this can increase the risk of irritation.
Best for: normal to dry skin | Usage: after swimming
Alvarez recommends this eye cream from swimming skin care brand Dermasport, saying that it feels great after a long day in the pool wearing goggles. “I personally struggle with goggles squeezing around my eyes all day and going home having puffy, irritated under-eyes,” she says. “This [eye cream] is great for alleviating goggle marks, firming skin around my eyes and eliminating dark circles.” Plus, the pump applicator makes it easy to apply poolside without having to dip your fingers into a tub.
Best for: dark circles | Usage: after swimming
This body lotion from Aveeno is Alvarez’ go-to for moisturizing dry skin that’s been exposed to chlorine all day. “With the number of hours in the sun and chlorine, there are many days [I] come home from the pool wondering if [I] have a sunburn or chlorine burn because [my] skin can be red, irritated and inflamed,” she says. This lotion, however, has prebiotic oat to calm inflammation, dryness and acne, and also hydrates the skin, according to Aveeno.
In my experience, I find this body lotion to absorb quickly without feeling greasy, making it suitable for all skin types.
Best for: all skin types | Usage: after swimming
This lightweight serum from Sonage prevents transepidermal water loss thanks to a humectant, hyaluronic acid. It also soothes post-swimming redness with green tea and sage extract, and calms any chlorine- or sea salt-caused irritation via cucumber extract, according to the brand. The water-gel consistency makes it great for all skin types, including dry, combination and oily.
Best for: all skin types | Usage: after swimming
Whether you’re swimming at a pool or in the sea, keeping your skin protected with sunscreen is a must. This SPF stick is convenient for quick application and re-application, and goes on sheer despite being 100% mineral, according to the brand. It also has a smoothing, mattifying effect on the skin, so it’s great for eliminating excess shine if you tend to be oily.
Best for: oily skin | Usage: before swimming
To heal chlorine-damaged cuticles and pave the way for healthier, more hydrated nails, this cuticle serum is a good option. I’ve used it several times and like how nongreasy it is — it feels like more of a serum than a cuticle oil. It hydrates the nail area with soybean oil, jojoba esters and a blend of vitamins A, C and E, and also has a light, woody scent that’s not too overpowering. To apply, I drop a small amount onto my fingertips and disperse the serum equally across all fingers.
Best for: dry cuticles | Usage: after swimming
When shopping, our experts recommend looking at several factors, including a product’s key ingredients and the type of moisturizer it has. Below, we highlight their suggestions of things to consider.
"Pool chlorine is essential for preventing infections and keeping the pool hygienic, but it can be very drying on the skin and usually, your skin needs extra hydration after being exposed to it," says Mina. It can also cause flakiness and lead to skin irritation in the form of redness, itching and inflammation. For those with acne, chlorine can have mixed effects. "In some cases, because of its drying effect, it can dry out existing pimples, yet it can cause irritation and exacerbate acne for others," says Levine.
The dehydrating effects of chlorine applies not just to the skin on your face and body — it can also affect your scalp and cuticles, too. "Chlorine can strip away the natural oils in the cuticles, resulting in dry, brittle cuticles that are more likely to crack, peel and get irritated or infected," says Levine.
While salt water can have some anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, especially for certain inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis , prolonged exposure can dry the skin out, says Mina. If your skin is already dry and sensitive, it can also exacerbate the dryness. "Be sure to rinse with fresh water when you get out of the ocean and lock in moisture with an emollient," says Mina.
For one, always give your skin a rinse immediately post-swimming — this will get rid of chlorine and salt water sitting on the surface and will prepare it for the moisturizing creams you put on top.
In terms of protecting your skin from the sun, you'll want to choose your sunscreen wisely. "The best sunscreen to use when swimming outside is a water-resistant 80-minute broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen," says Mina. "Remember that no sunscreen is completely water-repellent, and sunscreens are no longer classified as waterproof." This means you’ll need to reapply every two hours (especially after swimming or sweating) is a must. While both mineral or chemical sunscreens have protection, a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will protect from long-wave UVA better than most chemical sunscreens, says Mina.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I have more than 10 years of experience covering beauty and skin care topics. For this story, I spoke with two board-certified dermatologists and an Olympic swimmer and included their direct recommendations and products based on their guidance.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
