Offshore Racing: How Can Skippers Take Care of Their Skin?

Sea Water: Ally or Enemy for the Skin?

Sea water is regularly used in cosmetic treatments. It is also the basis for therapies designed to treat skin issues, such as thalassotherapy or balneotherapy. This is because sea water is rich in minerals and trace elements (sodium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iodine).

These unique chemical properties give it moisturizing and healing virtues. Sea water has notable effects on the treatment of acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It may also promote the healing of certain inflammatory lesions. Studies have also shown that, under certain conditions, deep sea water can have preventive effects on the development of skin cells damaged by UVB rays and potentially reduce the risk of skin cancer.

However, be cautious: sea water has many beneficial qualities, but especially when filtered and used in a medical or cosmetic setting. When you're out sailing, whether offshore or near the coast, it’s not quite the same thing.

While sea water is made up of over 96% pure water, it also contains many other components. The famous salts and trace elements, but also all the microorganisms that make it so conducive to life. Their concentration can vary depending on the region of the world and the temperature. The warmer the water, the more bacteria will proliferate. This is why immersing a wound or lesion in sea water can not only be painful but can also cause infections and hinder healing.

Even without injuries, sea water dries out the skin. It tightens, it itches, and it becomes more prone to irritation and abrasion. And on the bow of your boat, it's difficult to avoid.

How Can Sailors Take Care of Their Skin When the Conditions Are Tough?

Skincare and Water Sports: Our Tips

Preparing for Exposure

Before getting on your boat or starting your day at sea, prepare your skin. As we’ve seen, sea water is not necessarily your skin's best friend. And let’s not forget the fierce UVA and UVB rays that are intensified by the effects of reflection.

Start by hydrating your skin. This will help it retain moisture better — essential when you’re spending the day between winds and spray! Not sure which product to choose? Opt for formulations with hyaluronic acid. This molecule is known for its ability to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water.

The foundation of medical research estimates that 85% of skin cancers are caused by excessive exposure to sunlight. So don’t skimp on sun protection. At least 20 minutes before exposure, apply a generous dose of SPF 50. Reapply every two hours.

Choose formulations with zinc oxide: it is a broad-spectrum mineral UV filter (absorbing both UVA and UVB) that is far less polluting and less allergenic than chemical filters. Be extra cautious with the skin on your face. Stick textures are ideal for quick touch-ups during the day. Their creamy texture doesn’t “melt” when in contact with water.

Choosing the Right Gear

Sunscreen is great, but it's not enough to properly protect your skin. That's why you should also prepare gear suited to your sailing conditions, whether you're near the coast, offshore, or racing. Your clothing needs to be not only waterproof (to protect you from moisture, rain, and wind) but also adaptable to the effort you will exert and the temperature changes you’ll encounter.

If you're sailing in bright sun and mild temperatures, consider wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. When sailing, sensations can be misleading: just because you feel cool doesn’t mean you're protected from UV rays. Start with a thermal layer, preferably with a high sun protection factor. Its role is to keep you dry. A second layer will insulate you from the cold. And the third layer will protect you from wind and rain.

Make sure your clothes are well-suited to your body shape. As mentioned earlier, skin is more sensitive in a marine environment. And clothing that doesn’t fit properly can cause chafing and irritation.

Rinsing and Hydrating: The Winning Combo

Don't skip the rinsing step: not only will it free you from the uncomfortable tightness caused by sea water, but it will also remove salt, sweat, and sunscreen residues. And to give your skin the moisture it needs to stay healthy, go back to the hydration step. This is especially important if you’ve spent time in strong wind and sun.

When sailing, between rope chafing, humidity, salt, and sun exposure, your hands’ skin takes a real beating. Don’t hesitate to give them special care. Apply Ritual After Sport serum with a gentle massage to soothe and help your hands regenerate and strengthen.

Don’t Underestimate Skin Lesions

In a regatta or during an offshore race, even the smallest injury can have serious consequences. A simple irritation may seem harmless, but if left untreated, it can stop your adventure in its tracks. That would be a shame, wouldn’t it?

On a boat, after many hours handling ropes and lines, calluses, blisters, or even cracks can appear. If this happens, take extra care of them! Never leave without a healing cream that will soothe inflammation and promote healing. Once a day, massage the lesions with Bye Bye Burn balm. Formulated with a combination of RGTA and hyaluronic acid, it is designed to optimize skin repair.

If you experience discomfort in your joints, which can happen when wearing technical clothing that causes friction, massaging will be your best ally to soothe, relieve, and support the skin’s healing.