June 2022 was the planet’s 6th warmest on record. And, as climate change continues to take its toll, soaring temperatures are guaranteed to remain the new normal.
You know what that means…
Chafing, chub rub, and even the dreaded swamp ass are here to stay.
Tired of sitting in a pool of your own sweat? Ready to reduce the friction between your sweet cheeks?
You’ve come to the right place. Read on for 7 essential tips to prevent chafing and stay fresh and dry all summer long!
1. Wear Moisture-wicking Fabrics
This is our number 1 tip for how to prevent chafing, especially if you live in a hot or humid climate.
Skip heavy fabrics, especially when it comes to your underwear, and instead opt for moisture-wicking materials that will help keep sweat off your skin. And, don’t assume that all synthetics will keep you fresh and dry. Some will actually trap moisture next to your skin, encouraging hot spots to form.
The very best place to incorporate these materials into your active attire is in the base layer. Because this clothing is work closest to the skin, it’s the most essential to keep dry.
Some athletic boxers and briefs also utilize a supportive ball pouch, which can help keep moisture from building up and reduce friction.
2. Use Skin Powders by Day
The market is packed with trendy chafing products, from creams and gels to roll-on sticks, but the one that’s guaranteed to work is body powder. This old-fashioned remedy will absorb moisture instantly, without any goopy or gross application.
For the best results, you should buy a product that is talc and chemical free, so you know it won’t irritate your skin or give you an allergic reaction. It’s also best to avoid powders that use clumpy corn starch or other heavy minerals that will wind up ground into your clothes, rather than keeping your skin dry and friction-free.
Purchasing a body powder that is lightly and naturally scented can also help you feel fresh when the sweat is flowing.
3. Moisturize Overnight
If you’re already dealing with skin irritation, nighttime is your best opportunity to take it on. That way, you won’t have to worry about walking around with burning or stinging skin.
Use a light moisturizing cream with key ingredients like zinc-oxide and vitamins to help heal areas of chafing while you sleep, and wear boxers or briefs to keep it in place. Then, in the morning, rinse or wipe away any lotion that hasn’t been absorbed before applying powder.
Avoid any moisturizing product that is heavily scented or contains a high percentage of alcohol. These potentially irritating ingredients might do more harm than good, leaving your skin angry and dry.
4. Find Workout Wear With Lining
If you’re trying to stop chafing during exercise and outdoor activities, stop and take a look at how your active clothing is constructed.
Multiple layers of fabric will reduce friction far better than just one. And, if you’re wearing unlined clothing, your potentially sweaty underwear is the only line of defense.
Skip the skin rash, and insist on a friction-reducing liner in all the clothes you plan to wear during sweat-inducing activities.
You can also consider buying compression shirts and shorts to wear underneath your active attire to help stop skin irritation before it starts.
5. Use Body Wipes When Needed
Chafing isn’t just the result of friction. It’s also a product of the bacteria in your body’s sweat. And, those creepy crawlies can be responsible for all kinds of other uncomfortable conditions like body acne and fungal infections, too.
Wet wipes can help remove sweat, reduce odors, and freshen your skin, priming it for the application of powder. This strategy pays off big time post-workout, when dealing with hot weather, and in situations when you can’t shower, like camping and hiking.
If possible, stick to wipes that use natural ingredients and don’t go too hard on the alcohol. That stuff won’t feel good on even slightly irritated skin!
6. Opt for a Longer Inseam
One of the easiest anti chafing strategies is to cover any skin that gets easily irritated. This includes your inner thighs, the back of your knees, your groin, the armpits, and potentially areas like the back of your arms.
Protect as much skin as possible by making simple switches, like moving from briefs to boxer briefs. You can also seek out longer workout shorts and full-coverage items like friction-reducing undershirts.
7. Watch for Misplaced Seams
If you’re prone to chafing, you probably know where your problem areas are already.
Avoid buying any clothing with seams placed in your danger zones. As soon as you start to sweat, these will turn into hot spots.
Still not sure where you might experience skin irritation? For most people, the inner thighs, groin, and butt crack are top offenders. Err on the side of safety and pass on any garment with seams in these areas.
Follow These Tips To Prevent Chafing
With this blog post as your guide, you’re ready to fight back against moisture, odor, and skin irritation. And not a moment too soon! Summer is here to stay, and there’s no reason to spend the next few months stewing in your own sweat.
The very best way to avoid discomfort is to prevent chafing altogether. Start by changing a few personal habits, and then incorporate the right products into your daily routine.
You’ll be enjoying a fresh and clean feeling that lasts all day and all night before you know it!
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