How to Prevent Chafing for Good: A 5-Step Guide

If an upcoming workout makes you fear a different, non-exercise-related kind of soreness, you might be among the many people who want to know how to prevent chafing and, if possible, get rid of the issue for good.

A little too much sweat and friction doesn’t automatically equal irritated skin, but they can definitely contribute to creating the environment where chafing is likely to happen. The good news is, there are several small but effective ways to prevent chafing from ruining your day.

Let’s talk about the easiest and most effective ones, step by step.

Step 1: Know how chafing happens

To stop chafing, you should first understand what you’re up against. First, know that chafing isn’t a sign that something is wrong with you. It’s different from an allergic reaction or a flare-up of a skin condition such as eczema.

It’s pure physics. When two surfaces rub together with enough force and moisture between them, heat and irritation inevitably happen. Your inner thighs, groin, armpits, the area under the breasts, and buttocks are most likely to be affected.

Moisture is the main culprit or, at the very least, a major accomplice in the crime of chafing—the hotter it gets, the more likely it is to affect your skin barrier. Think about it: sweat, humidity, or even water from a pool can make your skin stickier. The tackier the surface, the more resistance there is with every movement, which amplifies the friction.  This is why chafing is worse on humid days or during intense, sweaty activities.

This means that if you want to figure out how to prevent chafing, you must first tackle the issue of unwanted moisture appearing in the places you don’t want it to appear.

Step 2: Choose the right clothing

What you wear plays a huge role in chafing prevention. The right outfit can be the difference between a soreness-free day and a painful one.

If you’re planning to be active, the rule of thumb is to opt for smooth fabrics that draw sweat away from your skin, such as polyester and nylon. They pull the moisture away from your skin to the outer surface of the fabric, where it can evaporate—this keeps you drier and reduces that sticky friction.

Cotton might be a more comfortable option for lounging, but there’s a reason it’s not a popular choice for athletic wear. It absorbs and then holds the sweat against your skin, becoming heavy, rough, and abrasive.

Better save those comfy cotton pants for a relaxing evening where you don’t plan on moving too much.

Another important detail: the fit. You won’t go far in figuring out how to prevent chafing without realizing that your clothes might worsen the situation if they don’t fit your body. Harsh seams and elastic bands that dig and rub can and will leave marks on your skin and cause irritation.

Step 3: Use anti-chafing products 

Even with the perfect outfit on, sometimes you need an extra layer of protection. This is where anti-chafing products come into play. If you’re looking into how to prevent chafing from happening on your thighs or armpits, or any other areas, some of these easily available day-to-day products are your best friends.

But how do those anti-chafing products work?

They’re designed to create a slick, often waterproof barrier on the surface of your skin, reducing the friction and allowing the skin or fabric to glide smoothly rather than rub.

Let’s look at some examples.

Corticosteroid creams

Corticosteroid creams are popular among athletes who deal with chafing and soreness all the time. These creams alleviate inflammation, swelling, and itching, allowing the affected area to heal faster.

Petroleum jelly and dimethicone

Yes, it all comes back to Vaseline. The chances of you not having it in your house are significantly lower than the opposite, so this product might actually be the top pick for you. Petroleum jelly can not only reduce friction by creating a protective barrier on the skin, but also keep the area moisturized and prevent dryness.

Dimethicone products work similarly, although they’re lighter in texture and are harder to sweat off during exercise. Whichever one you have on hand can help you avoid irritation and soreness.

Anti-chafe powders

Powders usually use talc (or corn starch) and zinc oxide. Both ingredients play a role in helping prevent chafing. Talc helps with moisture absorption, and zinc oxide soothes inflammation and protects the skin. Just keep in mind that with a lot of sweat, powders can clump, so if you plan to move around a lot, you’re better off with a dedicated anti-chafing balm.

Step 4: Adopt smart habits

Beyond what you wear and put on your skin, your daily habits are powerful tools for chafing prevention. Even small changes can help you avoid irritation and pain.

Remember to hydrate

Staying hydrated is a simple but often overlooked strategy. When you’re well-hydrated, your sweat is less “salty” and more diluted. Concentrated sweat can be saltier, and then that salt can crystallize on the skin, acting like tiny sandpaper particles that increase friction.

Change after a workout

This one might seem obvious, but changing out of sweaty or wet clothes immediately after the exercise should take priority. Don’t linger in your damp gear after a workout or a swim—the longer you wait, the higher the risk of chafing.

Exercise consistently

Strengthening the muscles in your inner thighs can sometimes help with chafing. The idea is that stronger muscles can improve your gait and stability, potentially reducing the side-to-side motion that contributes to thigh rubbing. It’s a long-term approach, but still worth considering.

Step 5: Heal chafed skin quickly

Sometimes, even after you’ve done everything right, chafing still happens. Maybe you tried a new route on your hike or got caught in an unexpected downpour and are now dealing with irritation and soreness.

Here’s how to manage chafing and help the skin heal:

• Gently cleanse the area from sweat with lukewarm water.
• Pat the skin dry with a soft, clean towel. Don’t rub!
• Apply a cool compress for 10 minutes to soothe irritation.
• Use a healing ointment with zinc oxide, petroleum jelly, or aloe vera.
• Avoid further friction until the skin has fully healed.

Wrapping up

We’ve covered a lot of ground here. The ultimate takeaway is that learning how to prevent chafing is a personal journey, but you always come out on top by staying proactive. Don’t wait for the chafing to start; instead, take steps to help you prevent the soreness and irritation from ruining your day.

Track what works for you! Pay attention to the outfits that never let you down, adopt healthy habits, and choose skincare ingredients that work for you.