Chafing happens when repeated friction causes the skin to become irritated. This can come from skin rubbing against skin, clothing moving against the body or repetitive movement during activities such as walking, running and exercise.
Sweat and moisture can make that friction more uncomfortable, which is why chafing often becomes an issue during hot weather or physical activity. Common trouble spots include the inner thighs, underarms, groin and areas where clothing repeatedly rubs against the skin.
When considering what causes chafing, individual factors matter too. Clothing fit, activity level, weather and where your skin naturally rubs can all play a part. Identifying your own friction-prone areas makes it easier to address the cause rather than focusing only on the irritation afterwards.
Does Chafed Skin Need A Special Type Of Cream?
The best cream for chafed skin should suit skin that already feels dry, sensitive or irritated. Look past the label and check whether the formula provides enough moisture and supports the skin barrier without adding unnecessary discomfort.
Texture matters too. Chafed skin can benefit from richer moisturising care when repeated friction leaves the area feeling dry or compromised. For those managing sensitivity, our Sensitive Skin Collection carries options formulated with sensitive skin needs in mind.
A cream alone cannot remove the friction that caused the chafing in the first place. Pairing suitable moisturising care with steps that reduce further rubbing gives the skin a better chance to settle.
Giving Chafed Skin The Chance To Recover
Once skin is already chafed, doing less can sometimes be more useful than adding several new steps. Start by reducing whatever is continuing to rub against the area. That might mean changing out of sweaty clothing, choosing something looser or temporarily avoiding the movement that triggered the irritation.
Moisturising care becomes relevant once chafed skin also feels dry, sensitive or damaged. Our Double Cream with Ceramides suits that stage well, since the formula targets dry, delicate, damaged and sensitive skin. The Ceramides and emollient lipid barrier work to support skin barrier function and reduce moisture loss, making this supportive moisturising care, not a dedicated chafing treatment. If chafed skin feels sore and tender, our Eczema & Psoriasis Cream with Marshmallow, Elderberry & More is another option, as its analgesic properties help relieve sore, painful or tender skin. And for chafed areas that feel very dry or rough, our Shea Sorbet Butter Balm is a rich, concentrated option made with Shea Butter, Coconut Oil and Hemp Seed Oil. Apply a thin layer overnight to give skin time to recover, avoiding any broken skin.
How rich your moisturising care needs to be depends on your skin. Our Moisturisers Collection lets you compare different textures, and Which Moisturiser Is Best for Me walks you through which type suits your needs.
Keep an eye on how the area progresses. Chafing that becomes more painful, bleeds, breaks or shows signs of infection needs more than another layer of skincare, and should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Simple Ways To Stop Chafing Before It Starts
Preventing chafing is largely about changing the conditions that let friction build up. Start by noticing where and when it happens, since inner thighs rubbing during a walk, damp clothing during exercise or a seam that catches the same patch of skin all point to slightly different solutions.
Reduce The Rub
Clothing that fits comfortably and doesn’t repeatedly drag across friction-prone areas can prevent irritation before it starts. Seamless activewear, moisture-wicking fabric and well-fitted underwear make easy swaps before a long walk or workout.
Manage Moisture Early
Sweat and damp fabric add to discomfort, so change out of wet clothing when you can and choose breathable options suited to the activity. A spare pair of socks or a change of shirt after a sweaty commute can spare your skin the irritation later.
Protect Your Trouble Spots
Chafing that tends to return in the same spot calls for a plan before prolonged movement or hot weather, instead of waiting until the skin already feels irritated. Applying a barrier-style moisturising cream, like our Double Cream with Ceramides, to the inner thighs or underarms before a run is one simple way to stay ahead of it. Our Deodorant Sticks also double as a handy anti-chafe balm. Glide a little onto anywhere that rubs before activity to add slip and help reduce friction.
Watch For Early Warning Signs
Warmth, tenderness or mild irritation can be a cue to ease up before the area becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Slowing your pace, adjusting your clothing or taking a short break at the first sign of rubbing often stops chafing before it becomes a bigger problem.
Prevention doesn’t call for an elaborate routine. A few adjustments to clothing, moisture and friction often go further than adding another product. For everyday care beyond those friction-prone areas, our Skincare Collection rounds out the rest of your routine.
Sources:
- Arora, G., Khandpur, S., Bansal, A., Shetty, B., Aggarwal, S., Saha, S., Sachdeva, S., Gupta, M., Sharma, A., Monalisa, K., Bhandari, M., & Bagrodia, A. (2023). Current understanding of frictional dermatoses: A review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, 89(2), 170–188. https://doi.org/10.25259/IJDVL_519_2021
- Basler, R. S. W., Hunzeker, C. M., & Garcia, M. A. (2004). Athletic skin injuries: Combating pressure and friction. The Physician and Sportsmedicine, 32(5), 33–40. https://doi.org/10.3810/psm.2004.05.304
- Voegeli, D. (2020). Intertrigo: Causes, prevention and management. British Journal of Nursing, 29(12), S16–S22. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2020.29.12.S16
