After-Swim Skin Softener
A soothing after-shower slather: colloidal oatmeal settles skin that feels tight, glycerine draws water back towards the surface, and almond oil seals the whole lot in place.
You will need
- 2 tbsp colloidal oatmeal
- 1 tbsp vegetable glycerine
- 1 tbsp sweet almond oil
The ritual
- Whisk the colloidal oatmeal, glycerine and almond oil into a loose cream.
- Shower the pool water off properly with a mild wash.
- Pat yourself almost dry, leaving the skin slightly damp.
- Smooth the mix over arms, legs and shoulders in long strokes.
- Give it three minutes to sink in before you get dressed.
Why these ingredients
- 2 tbsp colloidal oatmeal
- Milled fine, it settles on the skin as a soft film and takes the edge off that tight post-pool feeling.
- 1 tbsp vegetable glycerine
- Draws water towards the surface of the skin, which is why the mix goes on damp rather than dry.
- 1 tbsp sweet almond oil
- Sits over the top and slows that water leaving again, so the softness lasts past getting dressed.
Easy swaps
- 2 tbsp colloidal oatmeal → fine oats blitzed to a powder and sieved, though it will feel less smooth.
- 1 tbsp vegetable glycerine → honey, or a few spoons of your usual light lotion as the base.
- 1 tbsp sweet almond oil → sunflower or grapeseed oil for a nut-free version.
Keep it clean
Mix with freshly washed hands and clean, dry bowls and spoons. If a recipe is stored, use a jar or bottle washed in hot soapy water and dried completely, and never dip wet fingers into the batch.
Storage & when to let go
Mix fresh each time, or keep a small batch three days covered in the fridge. There is no preservative in it.
What to expect — honestly
Skin feels softer and less tight for the rest of the day, which is most of what you want after an hour in chlorine. It is comfort and surface softness, not a change in the skin itself. Genuinely irritated skin needs a proper emollient.
Common questions
Why colloidal oatmeal rather than porridge oats?
Colloidal oatmeal is milled fine enough to stay suspended rather than sinking as grit. Porridge oats need blitzing and sieving first, and still feel rougher on the skin.
Can I put it on before I swim?
Not really. It rinses straight off in the pool and does nothing there. Oil belongs before a swim, and this belongs after, once you are clean and damp.
This recipe is shared for general cosmetic enjoyment, not medical advice — see how we research and write in our editorial policy and the full safety guide.
