How to nurture summer skin & hair when at the pool or beach

​Scrub up well

The only way to keep skin looking fresher is a decent sloughing session.

A hardworking scrub is key to looking instantly smoother. So pick up a product like Amanda Harrington's New Skin Advanced Glycolic Body Scrub, £22. It has just the right balance of sloughing particles courtesy of the castor beads, teamed with glycolic and fruit acids to give you baby-soft, smooth skin. And the fresh, spa-like scent makes both skin and bathroom smell divine.

Amanda Harrington New Skin Advanced Glycolic Body Scrub, £22 – buy here

How to care for your poolside skin

Sun damage and chlorine mean double trouble for your skin – oxidative stress from the rays and the chemicals in the pool can trigger eczema, and strip skin of its natural oils, leading to dry, itchy and flaky skin.

For super-sensitive types, and if you're planning to stay in the water for longer than a quick dip, try slathering on an eco-friendly barrier cream, such as Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly, £9.31.

Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly, £9.31.

Alba Botanica Un-Petroleum Multi-Purpose Jelly, £9.31 – buy here

Invest in a physical sunblock

Layer on a physical sun block of SPF 30 (or ideally) above. In theory, some of the thicker lotions may offer some protection from pool chemicals too. Try

The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sunscreen SPF50 is £39.95; this contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and skin-caring aloe, oils, and butters to moisturise.

The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sunscreen SPF50 is £39.95

The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sunscreen SPF50 is £39.95 – buy here

​Post swim, use a pH-friendly wash

Always spend time cleansing the body thoroughly from head to toe when you get out of the pool. The QV Gentle Wash Soap Alternative for Dry Skin Conditions, £10.95 has just landed from Australia. Developed at Melbourne's Queen Victoria Hospital, this is medical-grade and scientifically proven to stop dry skin in its tracks – cleansing away the day without soap.

The QV Gentle Wash Soap Alternative for Dry Skin Conditions, £10.95

The QV Gentle Wash Soap Alternative for Dry Skin Conditions, £10.95 – buy here

​Institut Esthederm Micellar After Sun Face and Body Shower Gel, £19

Institut Esthederm Micellar After Sun Face and Body Shower Gel, £19, with micellar molecules to lift away dirt and impurities and all traces of salt, suntan lotion and chlorine and imparts a sunny scent that will always remind you of your holiday.

Institut Esthederm Micellar After Sun Face and Body Shower Gel, £19 – buy here

At the end of the day, invest in a super-nourishing body cream

A super-nourishing body cream is crucial to keep skin glowing and healthy looking and also to help replace any moisture loss. Try Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Deluxe Body Moisture Cream, from £15.19 (with their membership programme), prevents transepidermal water loss and is profoundly nourishing courtesy of the shea butter with hibiscus offering antioxidant protection.

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Deluxe Body Moisture Cream, from £15.19 (with their membership programme)

Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Deluxe Body Moisture Cream, from £15.19 (with their membership programme) – buy here

Remedies for a post-pool face

An antioxidant serum is a must throughout the summer months – even better if it contains vitamin C. Try Elequra Youth Capture Serum, £85 – it's lightweight, helps to soothe skin with aloe, and the bio-actives help to heal, hydrate and soften superficial lines.

Elequra Youth Capture Serum, £85 – buy here

​D'Alchémy Super Rich Multi-Hydrator, £40.11

Thick and rich in texture, with vitamins and omega-3, 6 and 9, unsaturated fatty acids and botanicals – this cream offers instant relief from dry and tight skin caused by lazy days at the pool.

D'Alchémy Super Rich Multi-Hydrator, £40.11 – buy here

​How to care for your hair at the pool

It may seem counter-intuitive – but saturating locks in fresh or bottled water before stepping into the pool can save hair. The hair shaft acts a bit like a sponge, soaking up the water – leaving no room for chlorine. When teamed with a leave-in conditioner or hair cream, it's even better.

​Philip Kingsley Swimcap Treatment, £19

Initially formulated for the US Olympic synchronised swimming team, the cult classic cream is a favourite among professionals; it delivers maximum protection against discolouration and dryness associated with chlorinated or saltwater, and sun exposure.

Infused with sunscreen, the safeguarding formula intensely hydrates while helping to prevent colour fading on colour-treated hair. Hair looks healthy and radiant, and blonde hair is protected from turning green.

Philip Kingsley Swimcap Treatment, £19 – buy here

​It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product for Hair, £15.99

This is what pro-surfers Bruna Schmitz and Alessa Quizon swear-by to protect hair from hours spent surfing in the sea and training in the pool. Spray in before you submerge, after you get out of the water and post shampooing, it de-frizzes, repairs, and offers some antioxidant and UV protection.

It's A 10 Miracle Leave-In Product for Hair, £15.99 – buy here

​For more summer inspiration...

Check out the best swimwear to buy now, and the pool floats to play or (precariously) lounge on.