Swimming is a great kind of exercise since it works the entire body, increasing flexibility, muscle strength, and cardiovascular health. On the other hand, extended exposure to chlorinated pool water can harm your skin, causing inflammation, dryness, and other problems. Jaggery is a natural medicine that works well for these issues. Take it after swimming. Essential minerals including iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins are abundant in jaggery. In particular, these nutrients support skin health and are essential for preserving general health. Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals’ Dr. DM Mahajan, Senior Consultant in Dermatology, explains the benefits of eating jaggery in treating skin conditions.
Common Skin Issues Caused Due To Swimming
Explained that Dr. DM Mahajan, swimming, especially in chlorinated pools, can cause a number of skin issues because of the chemically treated water, dampness, and friction. Typical skin conditions linked to swimming include:
1. Folliculitis: A bacterial infection of the hair follicles that results in pus-filled lumps, redness, and itching.
2. Contact Dermatitis: Blisters, redness, and itching due to an allergic reaction to chemicals in the pool.
3. Swimming can cause or exacerbate the symptoms of eczema (atopic dermatitis), which results in dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
4. Seborrheic Dermatitis: An overabundance of yeast that causes red, dry, and itchy skin, particularly in regions where oil production is excessive.
5. Dry Skin (Xerosis): Extended contact to chemicals and water depletes natural oils in the skin, resulting in rough, dry, and itchy skin.
How Can Jaggery Help Alleviate Skin Issues?
Dr DM Mahajan explains how jaggery can help combat skin issues caused by swimming:
1. Natural Antimicrobial Agent: The antibacterial qualities of jaggery can fight fungus and bacteria, lessening the intensity of folliculitis and other illnesses.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The anti-inflammatory qualities of jaggery can relieve and lessen the redness, itchiness, and inflammation linked to eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.
3. Moisturiser: The humectant qualities of jaggery might aid in retaining moisture, lessening xerosis and dry skin.
4. Antioxidant Properties: The skin can be shielded from oxidative stress and damage by substances found in pools, such as chlorine, thanks to the antioxidant capabilities of jaggery.
How To Utilize Jaggery For Swimming-Related Skin Issues:
- To relieve infections and irritations, topically apply a paste prepared from jaggery and water to the afflicted skin areas.
- After swimming, apply a natural moisturiser made from a mixture of jaggery and coconut or olive oil to hydrate and protect the skin.
- For an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory soak, add jaggery to your bath water.
Ways To Add Jaggery In Your Diet
1. Direct Consumption: To rapidly restore your energy and give your body the nutrition it needs after a swim, eat a little piece of jaggery.
2. Jaggery Water: After your swim, dissolve a little piece of jaggery in some warm water and drink it. This aids in systemic detoxification and bodily hydration.
3. Jaggery and Lemonade: Blend jaggery with water and lemon juice for a pleasant beverage. This adds a dose of vitamin C for increased collagen formation in addition to being hydrating.
4. Herbal tea with jaggery: For a calming and nourishing drink after swimming, mix jaggery into your herbal tea.
5. Include in Meals: You can add jaggery to your meals or snacks as a natural sweetener.
