Ep 333 – Summer Splash – How Different Bodies of Water Affect the Skin

Summary

ASCP Esty Talk - Episode 333: Summer Splash – How Different Bodies of Water Affect the Skin

Release Date: July 9, 2025

Hosts:

• Alec Cressman: Licensed Esthetician, Reality TV Enthusiast, and Content Contributor for Associated Skincare Professionals (ASCP).
• Maggie Stasik: Licensed Esthetician and ASCP's Program Director.

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Introduction to the Episode

In Episode 333 of ASCP Esty Talk, hosted by Alec Cressman and Maggie Stasik, the conversation delves into the intriguing relationship between various bodies of water and their impact on skin health. As summer approaches, understanding how different water environments affect the skin becomes essential for estheticians and skincare enthusiasts alike.

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Understanding the Historical Significance of Water in Skincare

Alec Cressman opens the discussion by exploring the etymology of the word "spa," revealing its origins from the town of Spa in Belgium. He explains:

“The Romans... would soak in these [mineral springs] post-battle... They said these waters have healing powers... sanitas per aquam – health through water.”
[03:15]

Maggie Stasik acknowledges the historical context, emphasizing the enduring belief in water's restorative properties.

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Ocean Water and Its Effects on the Skin

Alec introduces the topic by highlighting the abundance of ocean water during summer:

“Ocean water is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium... These help soothe, also provide gentle exfoliation and can support hydration in certain skin types.”
[06:14]

Key Benefits:

• Mineral-Rich Composition: Offers natural antibacterial and exfoliating properties.
• Hydration Support: Beneficial for specific skin types.

Drawbacks:

• Dehydration Risk: Prolonged exposure can strip the skin of moisture, leading to dryness and irritation.
• Environmental Contaminants: Pollutants and bacteria present in some ocean waters can pose risks.

Maggie's Recommendations for Clients:

• Rinse with Fresh Water: Immediately after ocean exposure.
• Rehydrate: Both internally and externally using humectants and occlusives.
• Sun Protection: Consistently apply and reapply SPF throughout the day.

---

Geothermal Hot Springs: A Mineral-Rich Oasis

The conversation transitions to geothermal hot springs, with Alec sharing a personal experience:

“We recently went to a place near Taos, New Mexico, called Ojo Caliente... I left feeling so good, so recharged.”
[07:35]

Historical Context:

• Ancient Practices: Used by Romans, Native American tribes, and revered in Japanese culture for their healing properties.
• Medical Treatments: Historically employed for muscular, skeletal, and respiratory ailments.

Skin and Body Benefits:

• Mineral Content: Sulfur (antibacterial), silica (soothing), magnesium (calming and barrier support).
• Enhanced Circulation: Higher temperatures improve blood flow and encourage detoxification.
• Mental and Emotional Well-being: Promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and fosters a mind-body reset.

Post-Soak Care Recommendations:

• Hydration: Ensure both internal and external hydration.
• Barrier Repair: Use serums, hydrating masks, and calming botanicals to support the skin.

---

Chlorinated Swimming Pools: Balancing Cleanliness and Skin Health

Alec provides a brief history of chlorinated pools:

“The very first public pool to use chlorine was Brown University's Colgate Hoyt Pool in 1910... It became a way to prevent waterborne illnesses.”
[11:35]

Benefits:

• Disinfection: Chlorine effectively prevents the spread of waterborne diseases.

Drawbacks:

• Skin Barrier Disruption: Strips natural oils, weakening the lipid barrier and disrupting the microbiome.
• Potential for Breakouts and Sensitivity: Can lead to dryness, irritation, and inflammation, especially in individuals with compromised skin conditions like eczema.

Maggie's Recommendations for Clients:

• Pre-Swim Barrier Cream: Utilize products like squalane or dimethicone to protect the skin.
• Post-Swim Care: Gently cleanse and replenish the skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
• Restore Microbiome Balance: Incorporate topical probiotics or soothing botanicals.

---

Freshwater Lakes and Rivers: Purity vs. Potential Risks

Alec discusses the unique aspects of freshwater environments:

“Freshwater lakes and rivers usually lack the mineral richness that you'll find in ocean or hot springs, making them more neutral in composition.”
[15:00]

Benefits:

• Cooling Effect: Reduces inflammation and soothes the skin, particularly after sun exposure.
• Trace Minerals: Spring-fed or glacial lakes may contain minerals beneficial for the skin.

Risks:

• Water Quality Variability: Presence of algae blooms, bacteria like E. coli, and organic matter can irritate or infect the skin.
• Swimmer's Itch: A rash caused by parasites in warm shallow water.
• Fungal Infections: Especially in stagnant or contaminated waters.

Maggie's Recommendations for Clients:

• Post-Swim Cleansing: Use antibacterial or pH-balancing cleansers.
• Hydrating Treatments: Apply soothing and hydrating products after exposure.
• Monitor for Irritations: Be vigilant for any unusual rashes or skin changes.
• Proper Swimwear Maintenance: Remove and wash wet clothing promptly to prevent prolonged skin exposure.

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Practical Tips for Estheticians and Clients

Throughout the episode, Alec and Maggie emphasize the importance of educating clients about the effects of different water bodies on skin health. Key tips include:

• Hydration: Maintain adequate hydration before and after water exposure.
• Barrier Support: Use appropriate skincare products to reinforce the skin's natural barrier.
• Sun Protection: Consistently apply SPF, especially when spending extended periods outdoors.
• Cleansing Routines: Adopt thorough cleansing practices post-exposure to remove residual minerals or contaminants.
• Use of Soothing Botanicals: Incorporate products containing calming ingredients to mitigate irritation.

Alec encapsulates the essence of the discussion:

“It's really important to understand how different types of water affects the skin. Really helps estheticians to better support clients through the seasons, but also through their adventures...”
[17:41]

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Conclusion

Episode 333 of ASCP Esty Talk provides a comprehensive exploration of how various water environments—ocean, geothermal hot springs, chlorinated pools, and freshwater lakes and rivers—impact skin health. By understanding the benefits and risks associated with each, estheticians can offer informed advice and tailored skincare solutions to their clients, ensuring healthy and radiant skin throughout the summer season.

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Notable Quotes:

• Alec Cressman: “The word spa... sanitas per aquam – health through water.”
  [03:15]

• Maggie Stasik: “I would advise clients to rinse with fresh water immediately after their ocean exposure...”
  [07:08]

• Alec Cressman: “Chlorine strips the skin's natural oils and so that weakens the lipid barrier...”
  [12:49]

• Maggie Stasik: “After lake or river exposure, recommend using an antibacterial or pH balancing cleanser...”
  [17:03]

---

Connect with ASCP:

For more insights from Maggie and Alec or to learn more about ASCP's offerings, visit the show notes or reach out via Instagram, Facebook, or email at getconnectedscpskincare.com.

Transcript

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[Alec Cressman]

Hello and welcome to ASC P SD Talk. I'm Alec Cressman, licensed esthetician, reality TV enthusiast and content contributor for Associated Skincare Professionals.

[Maggie Stasik]

I am Maggie Stasik, licensed esthetician and ASCP's program director.

[Alec Cressman]

I'm also a big fan of summer. How about you?

[Maggie Stasik]

I'm a big fan of winter.

[Alec Cressman]

We're different in that I love the sun. I love this time of year. And I think it's because when I recharge, I recharge in water. Oh, okay. Interesting. How do you feel about bodies of water?

[Maggie Stasik]

I don't feel good about them.

[Alec Cressman]

Isn't that something?

[Maggie Stasik]

You know, I. Do you know what I love? I'll get in the river. I don't mind the lake, but the ocean scares me.

[Alec Cressman]

Does it? Yes, parts of it. I can see that as being intimidated. Well, listen, summer's here and that means the water is flowing and many, except for Maggie, are diving in. And that could be salty ocean waves, steamy hot springs. Do you like those? Yes. Or chlorinated pools. Water is everywhere in the summer season, right?

[Maggie Stasik]

Yes.

[Alec Cressman]

Have you ever wondered, though, how all of this water affects the skin?

[Maggie Stasik]

I have wondered deeply about this, Ella.

[Alec Cressman]

I never did. I think it was a conversation we had a few weeks ago. I was like, oh my gosh, this is very interesting. Before, like, how does it affect it really? I mean, we can guess on some of them. But before we immerse ourselves in the science of skin and water, let's talk about the word spa. Oh, spa. Deeply rooted in wellness History. But did you know that the word spa or the name spa originates from a town in Belgium called Spa?

[Maggie Stasik]

I never knew that.

[Alec Cressman]

You didn't? You're welcome. There's a lot of ideas on where this came from. But what is known now is that the Romans obviously were trying to conquer the world. And when they would have battles and such, they'd be in different areas. Once they got to this area of Belgium, they had this natural mineral springs and they would soak in these post battle. And this soak would soothe wounds, it would energize or relieve fatigue. And they said these waters have healing powers. So over the centuries, this practice of soaking in these natural areas became known as taking the waters. And it was a ritual of restoration and started then moving from the soldiers, through royalty and travelers and something like that. And so a Latin phrase came sanitas per aquam. Have you heard that one? No. And that really translates to health through water. And it's really interesting to think of this word because the representation of spa is renewal through through water based therapies. And then today, the way we use spa is really to indicate a space of wellness. Day spas for relaxation, skin care, self rituals. Then of course, medical spas that combine clinical treatments with that spa type experience. But the intention is to be restorative. That's the Cliff Note version. That could be why I love the water. I find it rejuvenating. And it could be why a lot of people choose to vacation in water areas. Yeah. Where do you vacation? I mean, not like specifics, nobody's gonna stalk you, but like, where's your ideal place to go?

[Maggie Stasik]

Um, I. So traditionally we're vacationing in cities or mountains. We don't go on water destinations.

[Alec Cressman]

That's awesome. Yeah. Oh, that's interesting. You're again, you're winter, I'm summer. Yeah. Well, the. A lot of people go to the ocean. Did you know amniotic fluid mimics the composition of seawater? I didn't. I'm learning so much. I'm full of things. Today I'm bringing it. And some say that is a poetic reminder of our biological connection to the ocean. So it's in us. The ocean lives within. Culturally, people have long sought out the healing opportunities from the sea. And let's talk about that. I know when I go to the ocean, maybe just your ankles, this might be your extensive exposure. But I love to soak and my skin feels different. Let's talk about the skin benefits of ocean water. Did you know that ocean water is rich in minerals Obviously, that salt water feeling, but it's magnesium, potassium and calcium even. And these help soothe, also provide gentle exfoliation and can support hydration in certain skin types.

[Maggie Stasik]

That makes sense that it would have all of these minerals.

[Alec Cressman]

Did you know also that that salt content offers a natural antibacterial and exfoliating benefits?

[Maggie Stasik]

Antibacterial is surprising. I wouldn't think that.

[Alec Cressman]

It's interesting, right?

[Maggie Stasik]

It is interesting. Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

So some of the drawbacks, though, of ocean water is that it can draw water out of the skin. If you're there too long or submerged too long, that could be me, because I just love to float around. Well, as you know, drawing water out of the skin can cause dehydration and can be irritating for sensitive or compromised skin. Another thing to consider in the ocean water are environmental contaminants like pollutants, bacteria. These can be something definitely to consider in some locations. So what would you say to, as an esthetician, to your clients who are going to be in and out of ocean water?

[Maggie Stasik]

I would advise clients to rinse with fresh water immediately after their ocean exposure and then definitely be rehydrating not just their skin, but also internally, but using humectants, occlusives, and definitely always be wearing their SPF and reapplying, especially if they're spending the day at the beach.

[Alec Cressman]

Love that. Very, very good. Because it's got that exfoliating property too.

[Maggie Stasik]

Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

How about geothermal hot spring waters, where we have a ton of them here in Colorado.

[Maggie Stasik]

We do.

[Alec Cressman]

Do you go to those? Yeah.

[Maggie Stasik]

Love the hot springs.

[Alec Cressman]

Me too. And lot different mineral contents. We recently went to a place in near Taos, New Mexico, called Ojo Caliente. And it was cool because they had all these different pools and each pool had a different mineral concentration. I don't know how they worked it out, but they're all natural. It was so nice, but I left feeling so good, so recharged. And these hot springs have a long historical root. The use of these thermal waters for healing dates back thousands of years. Of course, we talked about the Romans earlier. But also Native American tribes would consider these hot springs sacred. And the Japanese revered these waters for their restorative powers. So the idea of the taking of the waters like we talked about is really intended as a medical treatment in primitive times, especially for skin and systemic disorders. What do you think about that?

[Maggie Stasik]

Fascinating. I. I can see it. Absolutely. Like you said, when you leave the hot springs, you feel restored. It has a lot of mineral content. Going from the hot to the cold is really beneficial for the joints and.

[Alec Cressman]

The muscles and that for a time I think it was the 19. I don't remember when it was actually, but you know, Doc Holliday. Yeah. And then Theodore Roosevelt. I think it was Teddy Roosevelt. They would come to hot springs for a lot of different ailments for muscular, skeletal and then also for tuberculosis. It's a big deal for them to go west and also take. Take in the waters as I was. So lots of benefits, including for the skin. So let's talk about the therapeutic skin and body benefits. Some hot springs are rich in minerals like sulfur, which is antibacterial, and also keratolytic or silica, which is soothing, and magnesium, which is. Which is really calming, but also offers barrier support for the skin. These healing waters also seem to be at a higher temperature and that improves circulation, encourages detoxification. They should put one near Las Vegas. And it also eases joint and muscle tension. Do you notice that after you go. I do, yeah.

[Maggie Stasik]

And you know, if you are in a hot spring with magnesium, that's also really good for if you have muscle cramps.

[Alec Cressman]

Yeah, absolutely. So I wonder if they. Because you can take a magnesium bath. Right. I've seen these Epsom salt and magnesium really rise in my algorithms lately. So maybe I'm talking about it too much. It's also good for lymphatic drainage and immune support. How do you feel after you leave the hot springs?

[Maggie Stasik]

Amazing.

[Alec Cressman]

Amazing. Calm. Ready? Clear. Right. Did you know that the hot springs have a mental and emotional effect?

[Maggie Stasik]

Yeah, I mean, I totally could see that.

[Alec Cressman]

It's interesting, this connection. It helps to calm the nervous system and promotes obviously relaxation. That enhances sleep, reduces stress and fosters a mind body reset, which helps the skin look better, function better. Yeah. So what tips would you offer people or your clients or your peers for the geothermal hot spring waters?

[Maggie Stasik]

Very similar to the ocean in that you want to ensure you are hydrating before and after soaking. Especially with all this heat, you're going to be sweating. So you want to be sure that you're rehydrating. But also your skin can become dehydrated as well. So topically is important as well. Support the skin post soak with barrier repair serums, hydrating masks and calming botanicals.

[Alec Cressman]

It's a great time for calming botanicals. That's a good one. Yeah.

[Maggie Stasik]

Yes, absolutely.

[Alec Cressman]

How about swimming pools? Like chlorinated? How do you feel about chlorinated swimming pools?

[Maggie Stasik]

Well, I will say when I was a kid, if ever I had breakouts, I would hop Right in the pool because I felt it dried them right out.

[Alec Cressman]

Really did it?

[Maggie Stasik]

Yeah, I think it did. I don't know. Probably was a combination of both the chlorine and all the sun.

[Alec Cressman]

Yeah. Oh, I love the way a pool smells, I'm going to be honest with you. Especially in the summer. It smells like sunscreen and like potato chips, I guess, maybe.

[Maggie Stasik]

Oh, interesting.

[Alec Cressman]

Yeah. Maybe it's just the pools I go to, but did you know that chlorinated swimming pools, the very first public pool to use chlorine was Brown University's Colgate hoyt pool in 1910. So really interesting. We're only 110 years into using these, but what happened is when they started using the chlorinated pools, there was a real turning point in public health. It became a way to prevent these waterborne illnesses. But there was a side effect, and that side effect was a harsh effect on the skin noticed by swimmers and dermatologists alike. So I think they've adjusted those rates, those ratios. And chlorine still, of course, is a standard disinfectant. But we also know that it can be barrier compromising for the skin and it wreaks havoc on your eyes, on your hair, all of that. Here's the skin challenges. Chlorine strips the skin's natural oils and so that weakens the lipid barrier and this can disrupt the microbiome and this can lead to breakouts.

[Maggie Stasik]

I don't believe it.

[Alec Cressman]

Clege Malt Pearls. It can lead to sensitivity and it can lead to inflammation. So maybe one jump in the pool, no problem. But like the summer full, just be aware of that. It can make the skin dry, tight and flaky. And this can be especially problematic for people who swim a lot or in the waters a lot, or clients with eczema that already have this like compromised skin condition.

[Maggie Stasik]

Is it the chlorine that's causing the breakouts and the sensitivity or is it all the pee that's in the pool with the chlorine?

[Alec Cressman]

Where do you go? I go to ools. There's no pee in my pools. All right, so I know this is a hard pill to swallow for you, a hard pool to swallow for you, that this might, your acne theory might be wrong, but I think it's right and wrong at the same time. Can chlorinated swimming pool water be helpful in very limited cases? Some will anecdotally disagree and say in many cases the antibacterial properties might temporarily benefit acne prone skin. However, the long term impacts tend to be drying and Irritating. So just something to be aware of. So what tips would you give your clients or your colleagues for chlorinated swimming pool water?

[Maggie Stasik]

Uh, you may want to recommend like a pre swim barrier cream. This could be something like squalane or dimethicone. I will say that that is maybe skin type dependent. Also post swim cleanse, gently replenish the barrier with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. And then also encourage your clients to restore the microbiome balance through topical probiotics or again, those soothing botanicals.

[Alec Cressman]

Again with the botanicals. Great idea.

[Maggie Stasik]

Yeah, loving those botanicals.

[Alec Cressman]

So do you ever float down a river in the summer? Yeah. Or have you ever been whitewater rafting? Yeah, me too. But it was funny. It was more like a lazy river, the rafting experience by the guide's standards. But by mine I was like, we are. Oh my gosh. Anyways, it was really fun. Lakes and rivers scare me. Oh they do, they do. Because I can't see the bottom of a lake and I don't know where like the current is in a river. So I'm very cautious in those. But I still love them. Like I love to be by the water. Some things to consider skin wise for lake and river water, especially if you're boating or if you're tubing down a river. Uh, freshwater lakes and rivers usually lack the mineral richness that you'll find in like ocean or hot springs. So this makes them more neutral in composition. You know, we talked about the potential for that. They still come with some things to think about. The water quality is key with them, so it varies quite significantly based on location. Also runoff algae bloom bacteria like E. Coli. These can all irritate and infect the skin, especially if the barrier is compromised or broken. A few years ago we heard a lot about algae blooms. Another thing to consider, and this is the part that grosses me out, is the organic matter, like mud, plants, fish, these can contribute to uneven ph levels and that unevenness can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive skin people. So I, with sensitive skin, I prefer a real clear mountain lake that I don't tell anybody where it is because I don't want anybody else to find it. But yeah, interesting. There are a lot of benefits with lake and river water like that. Coolness, especially in the summer, can reduce inflammation and it can soothe the skin, especially after sun exposure. And then some freshwater lakes, like those spring fed or glacial lakes, they can contain trace minerals which benefit the skin. But there are some risks, like swimmer's itch. Have you ever heard of swimmer's itch?

[Maggie Stasik]

I've never heard of that, no.

[Alec Cressman]

It sounds so creepy to me and I'm afraid of it. But it's a rash caused by parasites in warm shallow water. Another risk to be aware of is fungal infections or bacterial imbalances, especially like in stagnant water or contaminated water that's the lake. Like I gotta be able to see part of the bottom. So what advice would you give other estheticians or clients for lake and river water access?

[Maggie Stasik]

Definitely educate about post swim cleansing, especially after lake or river exposure. Recommend using an antibacterial or PH balancing cleanser and and then follow with some soothing or hydrating treatments and then keep an eye out for mysterious rashes or irritations during summer months that could possibly be linked to natural water exposure. And I would say that, you know, to avoid things like the swimmer's itch or fungal infections, be sure that you are removing any wet clothing or swimwear so that that's not being held close to the skin for extended periods of.

[Alec Cressman]

Time, especially in intimate areas like underarms and other crevices. And wash your bathing suits swimsuits. So I think for estheticians it's really important to understand how different types of water affects the skin. Really helps estheticians to better support clients through the seasons, but also through their adventures, whether that's a beach vacation, a spa getaway, mountains like Maggie goes to, or just daily lap swims. Now listeners, we really want to hear from you. How will you be making a splash this summer or how will your clients be supported through their sold splashes? Reach out via Instagram, Facebook or send us an [e-mail] we want to know all the details. In the meantime, thank you for listening to ASCPSDtalk. For more information on this episode or for ways to connect with Maggie or myself, or to learn more about astp, check out the show notes and stay tuned for the next episode of ASTPS Talk.

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