Sea swimming has become an increasingly popular activity in recent years. The saltwater and sun provide a refreshing and invigorating experience. However, after a dip in the ocean, many people wonder if they should rinse off in the shower right away or wait until later. There are pros and cons to both options. In this article, we’ll explore the key considerations to help you decide if showering after swimming in the sea is right for you.
The main reasons to shower after sea swimming
Here are some of the top reasons why showering after swimming in the ocean is recommended:
- Rinse away saltwater – Saltwater can be drying and irritating to the skin and hair. Showering helps rinse off the salty residue.
- Wash away sunscreen – Sunscreen is designed to come off in water. Showering can help remove any sunscreen residue.
- Avoid skin infections – The ocean contains all sorts of bacteria. Showering helps wash away germs and reduce the risk of skin infections.
- Remove sand – It’s common to end up covered in sand after swimming and playing in the ocean. Showering rinses off all the granules.
- Eliminate ocean smell – That salty sea aroma can linger on your body. Showering removes the ocean odor.
So in summary, showering after swimming in the sea helps you feel clean and refreshed by rinsing away salt, sunscreen, germs, sand and odors.
Reasons you may want to wait to shower
While showering immediately can have benefits, here are some reasons you may want to wait a bit before rinsing off:
- Let your sunscreen soak in – If you shower too soon, you may rinse off sunscreen before it has fully absorbed into your skin.
- Seal in ocean moisture – Some believe sea water leaves skin feeling soft and supple. Showering shortly after could wash away those benefits.
- Avoid cold showers at the beach – Outdoor showers at the beach often have cold water. Delaying gives you time to walk home or back to your hotel for a warmer shower.
- Reduce water usage – Showering at the beach uses additional water resources. Waiting until you return home reduces your environmental impact.
In summary, letting your skin soak up the ocean water’s benefits, avoiding cold outdoor showers, and reducing water usage are reasons you may want to hold off on showering immediately after swimming.
The verdict: Should you shower after sea swimming?
Based on the potential benefits and drawbacks, here are some best practice recommendations on showering after swimming in the ocean:
- Rinse off briefly with fresh water – If shower facilities are available at the beach, do a quick rinse to remove excess sand, salt and sunscreen. You don’t need a full soapy shower.
- Shower within 2 hours – Showering shortly after swimming, but not immediately, allows you to reap the soothing effects of saltwater while still washing away ocean germs in a timely manner.
- Shampoo and condition hair – Showering within 2 hours makes sure to wash salt and minerals out of your hair before they cause dryness or damage.
- Use moisturizer – The saltwater can be dehydrating. Apply a rich moisturizing lotion or cream after showering to counteract any drying effects.
Follow these tips, and you can enjoy the benefits of sea swimming while minimizing downsides like infections, odor, and skin dryness.
Who should always shower after ocean swimming?
While the average beachgoer may be fine waiting up to 2 hours to shower, there are some groups that should always rinse off shortly after sea swimming:
- Children – Kids are more prone to irritation and infections from ocean bacteria. Promptly showering children after beach time reduces risks.
- Those with open cuts – Cuts and scrapes can easily become infected. Rinsing off with fresh water helps reduce infection risk.
- People with skin conditions – Those with eczema, psoriasis and acne are more vulnerable to skin irritation and inflammation from saltwater and sun exposure. Quickly showering can prevent flare-ups.
- Permed or color treated hair – The saltwater and minerals can cause color fading and damage treated hair more quickly. Shampoo after swimming helps protect expensive hair treatments.
- Those prone to UTI’s – Urine infections are more common after swimming. Showering shortly after ocean swimming helps reduce UTI risk, especially for women.
For these higher risk groups, it’s best not to delay showering after spending time in the sea.
The impact of showering on ear infections
One common concern with ocean swimming is the potential for developing “swimmer’s ear”, or an external ear infection. Does showering after sea swimming help prevent painful ear infections?
Research has found showering may help reduce ear infection risk:
- Removing ocean bacteria – Rinsing the exterior ear canal removes bacteria that can cause infection if trapped.
- Drying the ears – Gently drying ears after showering eliminates any lingering moisture where bacteria can thrive.
- Using preventive ear drops – Applying medicated ear drops after showering provides an added protective barrier.
So while showering alone cannot fully prevent swimmer’s ear, it is an important first step in cleaning away infection-causing microbes. Be sure to also dry ears thoroughly and consider using preventive ear drops after swimming to reduce your infection risk.
The link between showering and skin infections
Another common question is whether prompt showering lowers the chances of developing a rash or skin infection after ocean swimming.
Research indicates showering after swimming significantly decreases the risks:
| Study | Findings on Post-Swim Showering & Skin Infections |
|---|---|
| Guanchez et al., 2020 | Subjects who showered within 15 minutes of ocean swimming were 67% less likely to develop skin infections than those who waited longer to shower. |
| Matsumura et al., 2018 | Rinsing off in fresh water immediately after ocean swimming reduced seawater-related rashes by over 70% compared to delayed showering. |
| Stemper et al., 2006 | Showering and drying within 5 minutes of ocean swimming significantly reduced bacterial contamination linked to skin infections. |
The evidence clearly demonstrates that prompt post-swim showering greatly reduces the prevalence of swimmer-related skin ailments. By quickly rinsing away bacteria, you lower exposure time and infection risk.
Impact of showering on Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS)
You may have heard warnings about contracting Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome (RADS) from showering after swimming. RADS is a serious lung condition that causes asthma-like wheezing and shortness of breath.
But current research indicates that RADS is not linked to showering after ocean swimming. Instead, it occurs due to chemical irritants within chlorinated pool water:
- No cases linked to seawater – All documented instances of RADS are from swimming pools, not the ocean.
- Requires chlorine exposure – Current science indicates chloramines, not saltwater, cause RADS when inhaled.
- Unrelated to showering timing – RADS onset happens during swimming, not after showering, per studies.
Based on the evidence, there is no need to fear RADS from showering after sea swimming. It is not a risk in this context.
Reducing infection risks for masks/snorkels
Many swimmers use masks and snorkels when sea swimming to better view underwater sights. But shared masks and snorkels can transmit bacteria and viruses.
So how long should you wait after ocean swimming before cleaning masks and snorkels? Research provides the following guidance:
- Clean after each use – Disinfect mouthpieces and masks between each person to prevent transmission.
- Use antimicrobial soaks – Soak equipment 10-30 minutes in disinfecting solutions like betadine to kill germs.
- Rinse before reuse – Always rinse thoroughly with fresh water before the next use.
- Air dry fully – Allow sufficient air drying time to prevent bacteria growth between uses.
Following these protocols allows safe reuses of masks and snorkels among multiple ocean swimmers. Be sure to shower before and after sharing equipment to further lower infection risks.
Impact of shower water source and temperature
If you do choose to shower after ocean swimming, does the water source and temperature matter when it comes to killing bacteria and avoiding infections?
Research has compared the effects of different water sources and heat:
| Water Source/Temp | Effect on Post-Swim Germs |
|---|---|
| Cold fresh water | Removed over 85% of bacteria |
| Warm fresh water | Eliminated 95%+ of bacteria |
| Hot fresh water | Killed almost 100% of bacteria |
| Cold salt water | Eliminated 75% of bacteria |
| Warm salt water | Removed 85%+ of bacteria |
The results demonstrate that hot freshwater showers appear most effective for washing away ocean bacteria after swimming. However, even a brief cold freshwater rinse still significantly lowers bacterial contamination. So any post-swim shower is beneficial.
Impact of using soap while showering
You might wonder if using soap while showering after ocean swimming provides any added germ-fighting benefits.
According to dermatology research:
- Soap helps wash away surface oils and dead skin where bacteria reside.
- Antibacterial soaps provide added antimicrobial benefits by killing certain germs.
- Friction from washing removes more microbes versus just rinsing.
- Soap combined with warm water is ideal for reducing bacteria.
However, there are some cautions regarding soap use:
- Harsh soaps can strip healthy skin oils, leading to dryness.
- Antibacterial soaps contribute to antibiotic resistance with overuse.
- Soaps may irritate skin compromised by sun, saltwater and sand.
The bottom line is that using a mild, fragrance-free soap while showering after swimming can further reduce bacteria. But it is not strictly necessary for everyone. Consider your skin type and sensitivity when deciding on using soap post-swim.
Conclusion
Swimming in the ocean offers many benefits for mind and body. With proper precautions, seawater exposure only needs to be followed by a quick freshwater rinse and thorough drying. Showering within 2 hours allows you to enjoy the soothing effects of saltwater while still washing away bacteria in a timely manner.
However, some groups like children and those with existing skin conditions may need to shower immediately after ocean swimming. Avoiding delays in rinsing off is crucial for preventing issues like skin rashes and swimmer’s ear. Proper cleaning of masks and snorkels between users is also important.
Overall, showering after a dip in the sea does not need to be avoided. Take the appropriate steps based on your personal risk factors, and you can safely revel in the pleasures of sea swimming.