Smooth Moves: How to Avoid Chafing and Stay Comfortable

Chafing is a painful skin irritation that occurs when skin rubs repeatedly, and like any irritation, it can take a while to completely heal. So, it’s a good idea to take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Lucky us: There are many products you can use (like our Thigh Savers) and tips you can follow to avoid chafing altogether. And with a little advance planning, you’ll be able to enjoy those hot and humid days without the associated burn of skin chafing.

7 Steps to Prevent Chafing by Protecting Sensitive Skin

1. Prevent Inner Thigh Chafing with Thigh Savers

One of the most common areas to experience chafing in the summer months is between the inner thighs. You may hear it referred to as ‘chub rub.’ And chafing in this area can quickly go from minor irritation to burning pain if you don’t take precautions. But you can help prevent thigh chafing of the inner thigh and groin area with a simple product.

Products like our Thigh Savers work to help prevent chafing by creating a physical barrier between your thighs. Usually, they’re light shorts that are form-fitting, and you can also look for styles (like our Leakproof Thigh Savers) that help absorb groin sweat. The upside is that you can wear light summer clothes like dresses and still protect the delicate skin of your inner thighs from painful thigh chafing. 

Of course, many of us are dealing with more than just chafing. Whether you're on your period or you experience light bladder leaks, we've got a product that will help along with keeping you chafe-free. Introducing Leakproof Thighsavers. They'll absorb blood, sweat, or pee and help keep you chafe-free. 

2. Light Layers of Fitted Clothing Will Stop Skin Rubbing

While shorts are great for protecting the inner thighs, some areas prone to chafing don’t have dedicated products aimed at chafing. Indeed, chafing can happen on almost any body part. In addition to the inner thighs, common areas chafing may occur include:

• The heels and toes (often caused by stiff shoes that haven’t been broken in)
• Beneath the boobs (often caused by too-tight or too-loose underwire bras that rub against the rib cage. Can also be exacerbated by boob sweat)
• Nipple-chafing (often happens to male athletes who may experience chafing when the fabric of their top rubs against the nipples. Less common in women as sports bras are usually worn)
• Inner arm or armpit chafing (another area where the skin is delicate and friction can easily happen between the folds of the skin)

You want to add a physical barrier to protect your bare skin from skin-on-skin contact and to reduce friction.

For example, a sports bra can protect your nipples from chafing. Or moisture wicking socks can protect the delicate skin on your feet from severe chafing and reduce friction from shoes or trainers (and if you want that sockless look, there are more and more invisible socklets to choose from.) If you experience chafing along your inner arms, try a fitted tee rather than a tank top. 

There are usually workarounds that still let you wear pretty much whatever you want. And if you absolutely don’t want to adjust what you’re wearing, try some of the topical products in the next section!

3. Look for Clothes With Sweat-Wicking Properties

In addition to fitted clothes that form a protective barrier, look for garments that wick moisture to prevent chafing. This is because sweat makes chafing worse in two ways:

1. First, it creates a damp, sticky skin surface that is more likely to ‘drag’ when it rubs. This means your skin won’t glide over the surface of whatever is causing the chafing. Instead, it pulls. And when this happens repeatedly? You’ve got yourself some skin chafing.
2. Second, we all know that sweat contains salt. And salt can be irritating to inflamed skin. In fact, that’s often where a lot of the burning sensation of chafing comes from. Those tiny salt crystals can also cause micro-tears to the skin, and while they might not be individually visible to the eye, they will cause red skin and inflammation.

So, to avoid this, look for clothing that wicks moisture and sweat from the skin surfaces. You’ll usually find most athletic or athleisure clothing has some degree of moisture-wicking these days.

But also pay attention to the fit of your clothes. Clothes that fit the body snugly (like leggings) with minimal seams don’t tend to move a lot, so this means there’s less friction of them rubbing against your skin. And because they fit snugly, they also mean your skin is encapsulated, so there’s less skin-on-skin friction.

However, if your clothes are too tight, those tight seams and bands (like waistbands or bra bands) can dig into the skin and cause irritation. So look for products with that perfect second-skin feeling rather than that sausage-like, too-tight encapsulation.

4. Try Anti-Chafing Creams That Form a Skin Barrier

There are many anti-chafing products hitting the market to help prevent friction and combat (and treat) skin chafing. Some of these include anti-perspirant, and some are more balm-like. Often packaged like deodorant sticks, these products are designed to create a barrier that sits on top of the skin and helps the skin “glide” past other skin rather than it rubbing and creating friction.

It might take some trial and error to find a skin lubricant or product you like, but they might be worth trying. Some notes to consider: 

• These anti-chafe products might rub off on or stain clothing, and
• Of course, they will run out and need to be replenished!

If you don’t have these products handy, you can even try good old petroleum jelly (aka Vaseline) to create a skin barrier, and it’s worth noting that petroleum jelly can also be used to treat chafing if it does happen.

5. Absorb Excess Moisture with (Non-Talc) Powders

If sweat is a major source of bother, moisture-absorbing powders can keep you dry by absorbing excess moisture. Look for non-talc all-natural products with ingredients like kaolin or cornstarch to absorb moisture. Other ingredients, like aloe and lavender, can cool, soothe and have antibacterial properties.

In general, we prefer the physical barrier (clothing) approach rather than talcs or creams. This is mostly because these products can get messy, stain clothing, and sometimes need repeated reapplication.

Note: According to research, talcum powder may increase the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, so avoid using this type of powder in the genital area.

6. Try Antiperspirants or Deodorants

While we usually think about our armpits when it comes to sweat, you have sweat glands all over your body, including your boobs, groin, back, and thighs. Factors that impact how much you sweat include:

• How many sweat glands you have (the average person has 3 million, but it can range between 2 million and 4 million. The more glands, the more sweat).
• Gender
• Genetics
• Age
• Fitness level
• Environment

Antiperspirants work by temporarily plugging your sweat glands, so they are very effective at preventing sweat. Many of us use antiperspirants for underarm sweat (though people increasingly switch to natural deodorants for various health reasons connected with aluminum - the chief ingredient used to plug those glands). 

But whether you are for or against them, antiperspirants can offer an effective solution to sweat. And you can use antiperspirant on other body parts too. That said, the skin around your groin and inner thighs may be more sensitive. You should also avoid putting product around your vulva, where it may cause irritation and even infection.

7. Keep Your Skin Clean and Dry (but Moisturized)

If your skin is already irritated, red or inflamed, chafing can happen more easily. There are certain body parts where the skin is just naturally more delicate. These include:

• The skin of the inner thighs and vulva
• The breasts and nipples (and beneath the breasts)
• Inner arms and armpits

Always make sure that you are treating the skin gently. This includes not scrubbing too hard in the shower nor drying too aggressively (pat dry rather than rubbing harshly.) It also includes the kinds of products you choose: Products with scrubbing particles or acids (like lactic acid, fruit acid, or AHAs) may irritate, as might products with a strong fragrance. Also, consider the temperature of the water you’re bathing in: Hot showers and baths can irritate sensitive skin. 

If your skin is sensitive (or is already a chafed area), gentle washing with a scent-free shower gel is ideal. Pat the skin dry and moisturize it with a light lotion.

While gentle cleaning is best, it is also worth noting the importance of staying clean and dry. If you work up a sweat, don’t sit around with wet skin in damp and sweaty workout clothes. If it’s a steamy hot day, you might want to change your underwear even after a short stroll. Those damp conditions can easily aggravate the skin (as well as creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause skin infections, UTIs, or yeast infections!)

So shower and change often to keep the skin clean and dry. But treat it gently so you don’t cause any irritation!

If Chafing Occurs, Don’t Panic

If you already have chafed skin, you may be in quite a bit of pain. But don’t panic; although it may feel otherwise, chafing is usually considered a minor irritation. Read detailed steps about how to heal chafing. In summary:

• Clean any broken skin with cool or lukewarm water and a scent-free, gentle cleanser
• Pat the skin dry with a clean towel (avoid vigorously rubbing it)
• Apply a balm or cream like Vaseline, aloe vera gel, or argan oil to the irritated skin
• Let the skin rest: Try to minimize the movement that caused the chafing
• Sleep in clothes that encapsulate the area: That burning sensation may really bother you at night. If your inner thighs are affected, try sleeping in leggings or shorts so the thighs don’t continue to rub against each other
• See a doctor if the chafing doesn’t clear up in a few days or:
• A wound opens up and doesn’t scab over in a few days (assuming it’s not further exacerbated)
• You notice blood or pus coming from a chafing wound
• The skin is very hot or swollen
• Redness spreads beyond the point of chafing

More FAQs about Chafing

How Do I Stop My Inner Thighs From Chafing?

When your thighs rub together, shapewear (like Thigh Savers) is your friend. Slather petroleum jelly or apply skin lubricant on sensitive skin areas, or use powders like talc to keep things dry. The key here is to keep your inner thighs as dry as possible. Less moisture means less irritation.

What Is the Best Thing to Prevent Chafing? 

If you want to prevent chafing, make sure you're wearing comfortable and breathable fabrics. Also, try to dodge activities that rub your skin the wrong way. Consider using anti-chafing products like petroleum jelly or specialized lubricants. They work wonders in reducing friction and keeping things smooth. Keep those areas prone to chafing clean and dry.

How Do I Stop Chafing Down There?

You can stop chafing in sensitive spots like your inner thighs, groin, or underarms by using anti-chafing balms and powders, opt for breathable clothing, and choose products like Thigh Savers to stop skin rubbing in the first place.

Does Vaseline Prevent Chafing?

Yes, Vaseline can help prevent chafing. It forms a protective barrier that resists sweating and keeps the skin lubricated and moisturized, reducing friction and irritation. Additionally, Vaseline All-Over Body Balm Jelly Stick can be applied to the inner thighs before exercising or walking to effectively protect against chafing. 

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We hope you found this post informative—but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition.

We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.