Q: My skin has become dull due to swimming. I want to continue swimming and have a good skin. Please help.

A:I am frequently asked this question and in my view the skin problems attributed to swimming are exaggerated. The reason for your dull skin could be tanning of the skin due to the effect of ultra violet light coming from the sun and getting reflected on water onto your skin. Chlorine has been blamed many a times wrongly as a cause of eczema and many other skin problems. Choose a sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher. Apply as much sunscreen as you would a lotion for dry skin. Spread it evenly over all uncovered skin, including ears and lips, but avoiding eyelids. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. Also look out for the Water-proof labeling on the sunscreen. With these few precautions I do not see any need for you to discontinue swimming.