As we’re heading into the hottest months of the year, I know many are dreading wearing shorts, dresses and skirts in the heat. Women constantly undergo pain for the sake of fashion, but there is one issue that is just not talked about enough.
Tik Tok has once again normalised and drawn attention to an issue that women desperately try to avoid and hide. Also known as ‘chub rub’, this phenomenon happens when moisture is under friction. A San Diego board-certified dermatologist, Melanie Palm, explains the science behind chafing, saying that the ‘friction causes shearing forces that can cause microtears in the skin’. She mentions that sweating is just an element that increases the rate of this because of an excess amount of salt. Some, like me, are not outside often enough so the amount of chafing that happens is sporadic. However, if you’re someone that is outside and deals with this for long periods of time, you can cause damage to your skin which prevents it from building up barriers to protect itself.
Taking care of your body if you’ve been chafing is one of the most important aspects, says Mona Gohara, a Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist. She says that the first thing you should do when you get home and have been chafing is to take a shower and ‘use a gentle cleanser, do not scrub; that makes things worse’.
Preventing chub rub can be tedious to remember, but it is definitely worth taking up a routine of applying anti-chafing products so as to not harm your body. Here is a list of the top five chafing prevention products that can help you stay active and free this summer!
Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm (£24.23)
This product is built like a stick of deodorant to make it simple to apply. This is a hypoallergenic, plant-based balm that reduces friction and can be used in places other than the thighs. The balm promotes long-lasting as well as clog free pores that lets skin breathe.
Silky Underwear Dusting Powder (£9/60g)
This dusting powder is made with cocoa butter and cornstarch to help soften the skin. The product is best used after a shower, shaking the powder all over your body to prepare yourself for the day. Even better, Lush promotes handmade products that are made from natural ingredients.
Lyonsleaf Calendula & Marshmallow Balm (£10.95)
This balm soothes irritated skin and can be used in a variety of areas. It’s an ideal product for anyone with sensitive skin as the all-natural plant oils make it gentle to use in delicate areas to heal your skin. This product promotes repairing skin as well as improving elasticity.
Monistate Care Chafing Relief Powder (£12.99)
This product starts off looking like gel but then once you rub it in, it transforms into a soft, velvety, almost powder-like finish. It helps to reduce redness and irritation on the skin. The powder can also be used more on other parts of the body, not only helping to prevent chafing and redness, but to help razor burn from shaving, as well as vaginal health too.
BeYou Anti-Chafing Cream (£12.95)
This all-natural anti-chafing cream was made from ingredients such as lavender and coconut oils. This cream allows skin to breathe while providing long-lasting protection against chafing. Also, the product is antibacterial, non-greasy, while working on soothing and repairing irritated skin.
And if ointments, creams and deodorant sticks aren’t your thing, don’t forget that you can find clothing options that might suit you better. If you’re interested in garters, take a look at John Lewis for a simple look, or La Redoute for a sexier lace garter. Also, M&S has a great choice of anti-chafing shorts as well if that is more your style.
So, while we can’t prevent the heat and sweat, we can still feel powerful and free in our skirts and shorts this summer and not have the constant worry of sores down below!