Play On! Beauty Tricks from Top Olympic Athletes

Triathlete Sarah Groff

Sarah Groff, 30, Olympic triathlete, Hanover, New Hampshire

Build a barrier

Before swimming, Groff slathers her face with a moisturizer, like Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream ($58, dermalogica.com). "When I don't apply it, the pool water dries out my skin," she says.

Get a grip

"I don't wash my hair for a few days before a race," Groff says. "If it's too clean, my swim cap will slip off." Her dirty little secret gives her hair the right texture to create her favorite race-day do, a braid.

Be proactive

Groff knows that all the time she spends in the sun and water -- up to six hours a day -- can damage her skin. Her prevention plan, which was recommended by her derm: microdermabrasion treatments a few times a year and Tazorac, a prescription retinoid treatment that's "good for breakouts and fine lines," Groff says.