With Memorial Day weekend almost here and summer right around the corner, pool days are officially starting to become part of the weekly routine again. Between swim lessons, beach trips, splash pads, and afternoons outside, it feels like we practically live in swimsuits this time of year.
If your child has sensitive skin, you may have noticed that all that swimming can sometimes leave their skin feeling dry, rough, or irritated by the end of the day.
Over time, I have learned that keeping kids’ skin comfortable during the summer does not have to be complicated. A few simple products and habits can really help after long days in the pool or ocean.
Why Swimming Can Dry Out Kids’ Skin
As much as kids love the water, all that time in the pool or ocean can sometimes be hard on sensitive skin.
Between chlorine, salt water, sun exposure, and multiple showers throughout the day, skin can lose some of its natural moisture. For some kids, that can lead to:
- Dry patches
- Redness
- Rough texture
- Skin that feels tight or itchy after swimming
I have found that the combination of chlorine and sun exposure tends to be the biggest trigger during the warmer months.
Start with Good Sun Protection
Before we even head to the pool, sunscreen is always the first step.
For everyday swim days, we reach for Zoey Naturals SPF 50+ Sheer Finish Mineral Sunscreen because it blends in easily and does not leave skin feeling heavy or greasy. It is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes and reef-safe, which makes a big difference when kids are constantly in and out of the water.
I also always keep the SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick in my bag for quick touch-ups on faces, ears, and shoulders throughout the day. Reapplying is so much easier with a stick, especially when kids are impatient to get back in the pool.
Rinse Off Soon After Swimming
One of the easiest things that helps is rinsing kids off soon after they get out of the pool or ocean.
It does not have to be a full bath right away, but removing chlorine and salt water fairly quickly can help keep skin from drying out even more.
After swimming, we usually use a Head To Toe Wash because it is gentle enough for frequent summer showers without making skin feel stripped afterward.
Moisturize While Skin Is Still Damp
This is probably the step that makes the biggest difference for us.
Right after showering, while skin is still slightly damp, we apply lotion or body oil to help lock moisture back into the skin.
During the summer, we tend to alternate between the moisturizing lotions and the Soothing Lavender Body Oil depending on what the kids need that day. The Fragrance Free Lotion is great when skin feels extra sensitive after long pool days, while the Soothing Lavender Lotion has become part of our nighttime routine after busy summer afternoons. The Citrus Lotion is our morning go-to when getting the day started.
For extra dry spots, especially after beach days, the Vanilla Grapefruit Body Butter has also been really helpful for rough patches on elbows, knees, and feet.
Keep the Routine Simple
One thing I have learned as a mom is that simple routines are the ones we actually stick to.
After swimming, our routine usually looks like this:
- Rinse off after the pool or beach
- Use a gentle wash if needed
- Apply lotion while skin is still damp
- Reapply sunscreen if we are heading back outside
Nothing complicated, just a few easy steps that help keep skin feeling comfortable throughout the summer.
Summer days are meant for swimming, sunshine, and making memories. Sensitive skin does not have to get in the way of that.
I have found that keeping a few gentle products on hand and staying consistent with a simple post-swim routine helps make a big difference. With a little extra care after long days in the water, kids can enjoy everything summer has to offer while keeping their skin happy too.
