How To Protect Nails When Swimming?

If I should ask you what your beach care routine is, you'll probably tell me how you protect your skin from the sun and maybe the ocean.  That's why SPF brands like sun protective swimwear brands and tinted sunscreens are becoming popular. But there's one part of our body we usually forget, and that is our nails. If you're confused, calm down, let me explain.

Chlorine and salty water are not very friendly to nails. They take away the moisture and leave your nails dried, wrinkled, fragile, and brittle. That's why you must protect them when you're swimming. And in this guide, you'll find all the best ways and products that protect nails when swimming. So if you're ready to have better nails this summer, let's explore these methods together.

6 Methods To Protect Nails When Swimming

1. Use A Hydrating Base Coat

One of the best methods to protect your nails when swimming is to always apply a hydrating base coat. It is just like a sunscreen, but it's only for your nails, so it shields your nails from the sun, chlorine, and salty water.

Just to be clear, a hydrating base coat will not make your nail polish last longer, nope. Its work is to help nourish your nails and prevent them from becoming brittle and chalky after every swim. So, choose a base coat that comes with ingredients like aloe vera, coconut water, hyaluronic acid, prickly pear, and castor or coconut oil. These ingredients are good for skincare and natural hydrators, so they all work together to keep your nails safe and strong.

2. Wear Durable Nail Polish

Before you plan on spending your whole vacation in the water, first look at your nails. What type of nail polish are you using? You know, not every nail polish is the same, right? Some are stronger and more durable, while others are just weak. So, if you're planning to swim regularly, then you must wear a more durable nail polish.

It can be a gel polish or a glitter polish, just let it be a good one. But wait, how will these polishes protect nails when swimming? These polishes are thick and strong, so they act like a layer of shield against the chemicals in the water, which in turn helps to protect your nails. But if you're only planning to enter the pool maybe like once in week, then I guess you can use a regular nail polish, just let it be strong and durable too.

3. Apply A Topcoat Before Swimming

You might have applied a base coat, which is more like a sunscreen, but you'll also need to apply a topcoat to protect your nails when swimming. A topcoat is like a raincoat, only for your nails. It makes your nail polish look extra glossy and also makes the surface of your nails stronger.

It's a small but mighty barrier that helps reduce the softening, peeling, and breakage that might happen to your nails after a day of swimming. Of course, a top coat doesn't work like magic, so you'll need to use a good hydrating base coat first for you to keep your nails smoother and stronger. With these two, every time you step out of the pool, your nails will still look good.

4. Wear Gloves

Gloves might seem a bit too much, but if you're truly worried about your nails, then they're also a good option. I mean, at home, you're already wearing gloves while doing the dishes to protect your nails, so what's stopping you from doing the same while swimming?

Gloves act as a physical barrier and shield your nails from harsh chemicals that want to take away your moisture. This means your nails are not exposed anymore. So wearing these protective swim gloves in the pool is a good way to keep your nails looking perfect, and still get protected. I agree, it may be a little unconventional and weird, but trust me, it works to protect nails when swimming.

5. Moisturize After Chlorine Exposure

Every time you come out of the pool, you need to show your nails a little bit of love. It's been inside the water where the chemicals have been drying and stripping it away, so you'll need to moisturize it if only just to replenish what was lost.

So, choose a hand moisturiser or a cuticle oil that comes with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba, shea butter, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or other antioxidant-rich oils. This will help rehydrate your nails and protect them from further dryness. So, always pack a moisturiser or oil in your beach bag so your nails will always be strong, smooth, and healthy.

6. Avoid Acetone Nail Polish Removers

This is not truly a method to protect your nails when swimming, but if you truly want to protect your nails, then avoid using acetone nail polish removers. It's the last thing your nails will ever need after being exposed to the sun, chlorine, and saltwater. If you don't know, acetone can seriously weaken your nails, cause dryness, peeling, and even breakage.

But what if you did a gel polish and you want to clean it off? What then do you do? At this point, you have two options: either you clean it and stay away from the pool for a while, or you use gentler non-acetone removers. This might be a bit stressful for you, but trust me, your nails will appreciate the extra care, and you will, too. 

Best Products to Protect Nails When Swimming  

1. Orly Nail Defense

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If your nails are always splitting and peeling when you swim, then you need this Orly Nail Defense. It is a protein-enriched nail treatment that can be used like a base coat. But it's stronger than your regular base coat or nail polish cos it makes your nails smoother and stronger.

This nail defense is versatile, easy to use, and dries quickly. So you can use it with your regular or gel polish, or just decide to use it alone to make your bare nails healthier. Obviously, it can't make your nails completely waterproof, so you'll need the full routine. Which is - a hydrating base coat, the Nail Defense, a durable nail polish, and a post-swim cuticle oil or hand cream. This way, your nails will be well protected when you're in the pool.

2. Typology Hand & Nail Serum

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For a hand and nail moisturizer, this Typology Hand & Nail Serum (L93) does an extremely excellent job. It takes care of your nails and cuticles, and not just protects them. This treatment is made with plant keratin and hyaluronic acid, so it makes your nails less prone to dryness, peeling, or any other damage.

This serum is not like the regular hand moisturisers. It actually sinks into your nails to strengthen, add moisture, and protect the nails themselves. So, if you want to use it, it can be a step in your skincare routine. Just apply it directly to your bare nails and cuticles after every swim. You can also follow it up by using a very good cuticle oil or cream to lock in the benefits.

3. Manicurist New Rose Balm

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This Manucurist New Rose Balm does more than just protect nails when swimming, cos it protects nails, cuticles, and lips. This balm creates a protective layer that shields your skin and also nourishes it with natural oils and plant extracts.

This rose balm is made with coconut oil, Damask rose extract, and wakame extract; together, they repair fragile cuticles and dried nail edges. That's why it's a very good product to use before or after swimming. You can also use it on your lips, too, so you're getting one product with multiple uses and benefits, which is just great.

4. Londontown Nail Hardener & Base Coat 

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If you're a competitive swimmer, then you should already be using this product. And if you're a regular swimmer, I would love to introduce you to the protective, hydrating, and strengthening Londontown Nail Hardener & Base Coat. 

This nail care product is made with biotin, antioxidants, and essential vitamins that allow it to act as a protective shield against harsh chemicals. But it also comes with the London Town’s Florium Complex, which does a nourishing job for your nails from the inside. This means you're getting both internal nourishment and external shielding. So next time you're entering the pool, apply it first, and give your nails the extra layer of defense they need.  

Conclusion

Listen to me, it's high time you stop worrying about your nails when swimming. It's high time you stop sacrificing your healthy, beautiful nails just cos you want to swim. With these protective methods and products, you no longer have to worry about your nails getting dry or peeling or breaking cos they work, and they work well.

If you're a regular swimmer, then you need to follow these methods very well; they might be the only thing that can protect your nails when swimming. And if you feel you need to wear gloves or use a hydrating serum, then by all means go ahead. Just remember that your nails deserve some love and care too, especially if you're planning to spend a day at the beach or pool.