11 Easy Ways to Rehydrate Your Skin After Hitting The Pool

Hey there, sunshine lovers! ☀️

Summer fun often means lots of pool time, but if your skin feels like it’s been left out in the desert after a swim, you're not alone!

Chlorine (and even salt water) can be rough on us — especially on more mature skin that’s already working hard to hold onto moisture.

So if your skin starts feeling parched after a dip, here’s exactly what I do to help it bounce back — soft, happy, and hydrated.

1. Rinse Off Immediately After Swimming 🚿

Chlorine is not a moisturizer.

Hop in a shower with lukewarm water and rinse it all off as soon as you can. This helps stop that tight, dry feeling before it starts.

2. Avoid Hot Showers 🚿

Let’s be real — it’s summer. Who actually wants hot water right now anyway? Lukewarm showers feel better and they’re gentler on your skin. Hot water can strip your skin’s natural oils even more, so keep it cool and comfy.

3. Gently Cleanse Your Skin 🧼

You don’t need to scrub your skin into submission. A mild, hydrating cleanser (or body wash) will get the chlorine off without stripping your skin even more.

4. Pat, Don’t Rub

Rubbing with a towel? Nope. Rubbing your skin can irritate and worsen dryness. Pat gently with a soft towel.

5. Make a DIY Hydrating Mask 🥑

DIY masks can offer an extra boost of hydration and comfort. Got avocado? Honey? Yogurt? You’ve got a homemade mask. 10–15 minutes is all you need. I call this my “kitchen spa moment.”

👉 Mash ¼ of a ripe avocado
👉 Mix in 1 teaspoon of honey
👉 Add a spoonful of plain yogurt (if you’ve got it)

Smooth it onto clean skin and let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you put your feet up. Then rinse off with lukewarm water and pat (almost completely) dry.

6. Apply a Rich Moisturizer 🌟

This is your golden window. Grab a rich, hydrating moisturizer and slather it on while your skin is still slightly damp — it helps lock everything in.

7. Use Natural Soothing Remedies 🌿

Natural remedies can soothe and hydrate your skin after salt or chlorine exposure. Apply a thin layer of fresh aloe vera gel or a cool, damp cloth to calm and rehydrate your skin. 

8. Let Your Skin Breathe 🌬️

Give your skin a break — sometimes it just wants to do its thing without too many layers. Skip the makeup or heavy creams right after a swim.

9. Drink Plenty of Water 💧

Drink it. Lots of it. More than you think. Pool water on your skin dries it out, but water in your body brings that bounce back.

10. Snack Smart 🍉

Watermelon, cucumber, oranges — foods with high water content help your skin stay juicy. And they’re delicious, so that’s a win.

11. Wear Protective Clothing 🧢👗

Lightweight cover-ups, wide-brimmed hats, breezy dresses — protect your skin from further drying and sun damage while still looking fabulous.

You definitely don’t have to do all of these every time you’re by the pool. Just follow a few — whichever ones feel doable that day — and your skin will bounce back just fine.

Let your skin soak up all the love this summer — not just the sun.

Ava-Ann