Quick Question: It It OK to Swim With Your Makeup On?

Swimming with your makeup on seems like a scary feat, unless you have the right waterproof products to *literally* keep your complexion afloat. As far as your skin goes, however, mixing makeup and chemicals found in pool water doesn’t really sound like the best idea, so we tapped dermatologist Michele Farber, M.D, of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC to find out if it’s OK. Here’s what you need to know.

Swimming in Your Makeup Is Actually, Fine

According to Dr. Farber, swimming in your makeup is a net neutral. “It’s more important that you’re wearing sunscreen in addition,” she says, and it can even be helpful if your makeup contains sunscreen. Applying a nice face sunscreen under your beat, like the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60, and then following up with a CC cream that also contains SPF — like the IT Cosmetics Oil-Free Matte CC Cream SPF 40 should be your go-to combination. 

 

After You Swim, Though, Take It Off!

“Taking your makeup off after you swim is the most important step to think about,” says Dr. Farber. “You don’t want to leave chlorine and other chemicals to dry on your face with makeup after you swim.” Remove your makeup and make sure to apply moisturizer post pool to ensure that your skin is hydrated, refreshed and chemical-free.

Beware If You Have Sensitive Skin

Although wearing makeup with SPF is A-OK (and even encouraged) for swimming, Dr. Farber adds that those with sensitive skin or skin conditions — like eczema, rosacea, etc — might want to avoid any product but sunscreen altogether. “Using water-resistant makeup with sunscreen is great for extra-protection, but products in situations that can already irritate your skin (like coming in contact with chlorine) can lead to extra redness, dryness or breakouts,” she says. 

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