Sweating While Swimming and Other Aquatic Effects

The Science of Sweating During Swimming

Many people feel like they sweat a lot when they go swimming. But is it actually possible to sweat while submerged in water? And if so, how does sweating during swimming compare to sweating during other vigorous exercises?

Mechanisms of Thermoregulation

When our body temperature rises, the hypothalamus region of the brain initiates thermoregulation mechanisms to cool us down. The main method is sweating, which evaporates to dissipate heat. But for sweating to happen, sweat glands in the skin must excrete fluid containing electrolytes onto the skin's surface.

So can this process occur when swimming underwater? Research indicates that some sweating is possible, especially in warmer pools. However, the evaporation required to achieve a cooling effect cannot physically happen under water.

Exercising in Water Versus Air

Vigorous swimming requires much exertion from our muscles. During high intensity aerobic activity, our metabolic rate ramps up drastically and we begin generating a lot more body heat. At the same time, water conducts heat away from the body much more efficiently than air.

The combined effect is that core body temperature tends to stay more stable during swimming compared to running or other land-based sports. And this subsequently results in less sweating both during and after aquatic exercise.

How Extended Swimming Impacts Skin and Hair Health

Frequent and prolonged exposure to chlorinated pool water can have many effects on skin, hair, and overall body functioning. Some are primarily cosmetic nuisance while others bring about health concerns. Understanding both types can help swimmers prevent issues.

Wrinkled, Dry Skin

After emerging from lengthy pool sessions, most swimmers have experienced the signature "pruney" fingers and toes. This occurs because the outermost layer of skin absorbs water and swells up, while deeper layers remain dry and compressed.

In addition to wrinkling, extended soaking thins skin's protective oils and waxes. This can leave skin feeling tighter and drier than usual, especially in older swimmers. Regular moisturizing helps counteract chronic dryness.

Green Hair and Swimmers Skin

The disinfectant chemicals that keep pool water sanitary can inadvertently damage hair and alter skin pH over time. Copper and chlorine turn light-colored hair green by oxidizing pigment precursors deposited in the hair shaft.

Meanwhile, monochloramine accumulates on skin and triggers "swimmer's skin," an itchy rash. Thorough rinsing with clean water after swimming can help treat and prevent both of these cosmetic issues characteristic of frequent swimmers.

Increased Risk of Infections

While pool chemicals work to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other germs, exposure to contaminated water can still enable transmission of certain illnesses. Two common infections swimmers may acquire are:

• Hot tub rash - Caused by pseudomonas bacteria getting trapped under swimsuits.
• Swimmers ear - Painful ear infections where water gets trapped in ear canals.

Following pool hygiene rules, showering before and after swimming, and using well-maintained home pools and hot tubs will help lower infection risk.

6 Weird Effects of Swimming and How to Address Them

In addition to general skin and hair issues swimmers frequently face, spending long periods of time in chlorinated and/or salty water can provoke some peculiar temporary and longer-lasting bodily changes.

1. Bloodshot Eyes

The chlorine levels required to keep pools sanitary irritate the delicate tissue of the eyes. Prolonged exposure to chlorinated water makes the whites of the eyes turn red and give them a bloodshot appearance.

Wearing goggles eliminates this effect. But even without eye protection, bloodshot eyes caused by swimming tend to be transient and clear within a day or two.

2. Raisin Fingers

As mentioned earlier, water exposure wrinkles fingers and toes by prompting swelling underneath while outer skin layers shrink.

The wrinkling usually reverses within 30 minutes. But continual heavy pool use could accelerate the skin aging process in hands and feet over time due to frequent cycles of swelling and shrinking.

3. Chlorine Scent

Ever noticed how swimmers seem to perpetually smell like chlorine? Thats because our skin and hair absorb small amounts of the pool chemicals that then interact with oils and other substances present on the skin surface.

While not dangerous itself, the signature swimming aroma serves as an indicator that oils have already been stripped away by the chlorine, starting damaging drying effects.

4. Cooling Effects on the Body

While overheating is not a typical problem during aquatic exercise, getting in cool-to-cold water does impact body temperature regulation in several ways:

• Heart rate slows down as blood vessels in outer skin layers constrict to retain core heat.
• Initial shivering gives way to numbness as vessels close near limbs' extremities.
• Muscles may stiffen and coordination suffers temporarily when getting in frigid water.

Acclimatization prevents severe hypothermia. But properly warming up body temperature before swimming remains important for comfort and muscle functioning.

5. Altered Thirst Reflexes

Research shows that immersion in water dulls the central nervous system signals telling the body it needs hydration. While swimming, people mistakenly perceive reduced thirst even as body water losses continue through exposure and exercise.

This often results in post-swim dehydration. Drinking extra fluids before, during, and after swimming can help counteract the blunted thirst response.

6. Salt Taste Diminishment

Swallowing small amounts of salt water is common during competitive or fitness swimming. Studies reveal that salt receptor cells on the tongue become desensitized by the high sodium chloride levels, impairing swimmers ability to taste salt as acutely.

The receptors recover in a couple of hours. But the phenomenon helps explain why in-competition swimmers opt for more strongly flavored sports drinks over water to optimize fluid and electrolyte replenishment.

The Takeaway

While not exactly identical to other forms of exercise, swimming still results in some sweating, especially before cool-down. Frequent immersion also uniquely impacts skin, eyes, body temperature, thirst reflexes, and salt taste perception. Understanding these effects helps swimmers address discomforts and health risks.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.