On the Street Noelle Anderson

Our experts advise a college swimmer on her schedule, her hair, and her skin.

Medically Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD on September 12, 2012
Written by Andrea Gabrick
4 min read

Each issue, "On the Street" profiles a WebMD the Magazine reader and his or her personal health challenges. We then tap top medical and healthy lifestyle experts for answers and solutions. In the November/December 2012 issue, Noelle Anderson, a junior at University of Wisconsin, asks for help dealing with the wear and tear of keeping up with her college swim team practices, her studies, and her friends.

Between classes and extracurricular activities, most college students find it hard to keep their heads above water. For Noelle Anderson, a 21-year-old junior majoring in broadcast and digital media, it's even more challenging to stay afloat. Anderson is on the university swim team, practices every day -- twice a day three times a week -- and travels regularly for meets.

"I love swimming, but it really takes a toll on my skin, hair, sleep, nutrition, and schedule," she says. "My hair is tortured daily by the chlorine in the pool, and though I try my best to condition, it isn't always easy!" The chlorine also wreaks havoc on her skin. "It gets even worse in the winter, and I always forget to moisturize after practice."

And the pool doesn't just stress out her skin and hair. "With swim practice, studying, and trying to have a social life, there are definitely times when I get especially stressed. I always have to make sure I am getting enough sleep and that I am on a set schedule." Anderson also strives to make sure she fuels her body properly. "I don't always have time to make something healthy. I often take the easy route and make spaghetti. I have really tried to stick to a meal plan with plenty of protein, but I'm having a hard time finding the right balance."

"Excess chlorine can damage hair and also combine with the metal salts used to treat pool water that give tresses a green hue. I recommend a swimmers' shampoo like UltraSwim that contains a reducing agent (sodium thiosulfate) to remove chlorine more effectively than a general-use shampoo. Keep up the frequent conditioning -- apply conditioner and cover with a swim cap before jumping into the pool, and apply again after your post-swim shampoo."

Mort Westman, cosmetic chemist; president, Westman Associates Inc.

"Canned tuna is a go-to protein food for your pantry. Try a Mediterranean-inspired dish, like tuna with canned white beans on top of a big salad. Nuts, especially almonds, walnuts, and pecans, are tasty additions to salads and make good snacks -- and they contain heart-healthy fats along with protein. In your fridge, keep some boiled eggs (one of the best sources of protein) for an easy addition to salads or a quick egg salad sandwich. Milk, cheese, and yogurt -- especially Greek yogurt -- are good protein foods to have on hand, too."

Carolyn O'Neil, RD, co-author of The Dish on Eating Healthy and Being Fabulous!

"Try to keep a consistent bedtime, even on the weekends. You may want to sleep in by 30 to 60 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays to try to catch up on lost sleep. Consider instead a 20- to 30-minute nap during any daytime down time. (No longer than 30 minutes, or you'll feel worse than when you started.) Eliminate alcohol within three hours of lights-out to increase the quality of your sleep. Go decaf by 2 p.m. to allow all caffeine to leave your system by bedtime."

Michael J. Breus, PhD, ABSM, author of The Sleep Doctor's Diet Plan: Lose Weight Through Better Sleep

"Before hitting the pool, moisturize with a product that contains dimethicone, a derivative of silicone that prevents water loss from the skin by forming a hydrating barrier. It also acts as a mild water repellent while protecting skin from irritation. Two to try are Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion and NeoStrata Problem Dry Skin Cream. After your swim, rinse off in fresh water. While skin is still damp, reach for a spray bottle filled with olive oil, spritz on, and massage. Olive oil is inexpensive, readily available, and hydrates while protecting the skin."

Mohiba K. Tareen, MD, founder, Tareen Dermatology, Roseville, Minn.; clinical assistant professor of dermatology, University of Minnesota

The opinions expressed in this section are of the experts and are not the opinions of WebMD. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

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