As much as we’re sad to see the Olympics come to an end, there’s a silver lining: It’s given us the chance to catch up with some of the incredible athletes who competed at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, like swimmer Abbey Weitzeil. While we all know the three-time Olympian has perfected her craft, a few burning questions come to mind for us non-professional swimmers. As a former swimmer who’s battled dry, chlorine-ravaged skin and hair, I couldn’t help but wonder—what does a skin and hair-care routine look like for an Olympic medalist who’s in the water almost as much as she’s out of it? We take a deep dive into her routine ahead.
How do you maintain your hair, despite the challenges of wearing a swim cap, frequent exposure to chlorine, and regular washing?
"I try to keep as much moisture in my hair as possible," Weitzeil tells NewBeauty. "I use leave-in conditioner and serum on the ends after I get out of the pool, and I always make sure to rinse the chlorine out of my hair. I try not to wash it every day despite the chlorine, but I rinse and condition the ends when I do not use shampoo."
Shop Abbey Weitzeil's hair-care regimen
How does chlorine impact your skin, if at all?
"Chlorine has really affected my skin by making it extremely dry. Being in chlorine twice a day and also in the sun, I have to be very careful to keep enough moisture in my skin, and also aware of the types of products I use. Right out of the pool, I make sure I replace as much moisture as possible." Her product of choice? Face Reality's HydraCalm Mask, a soothing and hydrating treatment that’s become a staple in her practice bag.
Weitzeil relies on Face Reality Skincare for her entire skin-care regimen. The brand is well-known for its professional-grade acne products, many of which are only available through licensed skin-care professionals. Fortunately, you can shop her favorite products directly from the brand’s website. "My morning and night routine consists of [the brand's] Moisture Balance Toner, HydraBalance Gel, Mandelic Serum, HydraCalm Mask, and Cran Peptide Cream," she explains. "And then, based on morning or night, I use sunscreen or acne medication at the end."
Intrigued by Weitzeil's skin-care routine? Check out her full regimen below, which includes one product only available through a Certified Acne Expert. To explore more of Face Reality's offerings or pay a visit to a brand-certified acne expert, visit the brand's website and use the provider locator tool to find a certified professional near you.
