For many, summer is by far the best of the four seasons! Who doesn’t love ice cream in the park, flowy summer dresses, and spontaneous trips to the beach? While summertime may be famous for its fun-filled days and warmer temperatures, there are some unpleasant occurrences associated with the sunniest season of the year as well. One thing at the top of that list is chafing. It can happen to anyone: that uncomfortable experience of one’s thighs rubbing together as the heat, sweat, frequent outdoor activities, and skin baring, warm weather athletic clothing all converge in the summer. Unfortunately, if not properly taken care of, chafing may shift from being mildly annoying to extremely painful. Left untreated, chafing my result in rashes, burns, blisters, and in some extreme cases - bleeding. Not to worry, though! With a few Eve Hansen tips & tricks, along with our favorite natural remedies, chafing will become a mere distant memory of summers past! Good riddance!
Natural Treatments for Chafing:
Aloe + Green Tea
Individually, aloe and green tea are each antioxidant powerhouses. Together, these ingredients make a highly effective treatment for a variety of skin conditions, including rashes caused by chafing. Aloe vera soothes skin irritation and replenishes moisture to the affected area while green tea reduces inflammation and delivers antioxidants for a quick and effective skin repair. Steep a bag of green tea in hot water for a few seconds. When the bag is a comfortable temperature for skin, lightly dab it against areas of irritation. Follow with aloe vera gel. Ingredients can also be mixed into a soothing spread.
Tea Tree Oil
Known for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil can help to reduce irritation caused by chafing while also helping to prevent infection and speeding up the healing process. Add a few drops of tea tree oil (diluted either with water or a carrier oil) on a cotton ball and dab over affected area. Repeat this process twice daily until chafing heals.
Almond Oil
One of the best treatments for chafing skin is to keep it hydrated and moisturized with ingredients high in fatty acids. Almond oil is one of the best carrier oils to help reduce the irritation and itching of chafed skin. Massage almond oil into affected area several times a day and leave on skin for a minimum of 30 minutes, then wash off with cold water.
Castor Oil
Castor oil’s antifungal and moisturizing qualities make it another natural treatment for chafed skin. The oil works to provide relief and prevent risk of infection. Apply castor oil to skin with a cotton ball or clean cloth. Let the oil rest on skin for 15 minutes, then rinse off.
Oatmeal + Olive Oil
A powerful, chafe combating duo! Oatmeal soothes irritated skin while olive oil rehydrates and softens. Mix oil into the oatmeal until the mixture takes a paste form, then spread over affected areas. Allow the spread to sit for 10-20 minutes, and then wash off! This gentle treatment can be repeated multiple times a day.
Tips to Avoid Chafing:
Although chafing can be treated with a variety of anti-chafe products or natural ingredients, the easiest way to free yourself from the dreaded chafe is to avoid it all together!
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Look for clothes that provide a barrier between skin (ex: biker shorts - cute and functional!), or invest in anti-chafe undergarments.
- If you’re working out, replace tank tops with fitted t-shirts to avoid underarm chafing
- Thin shorts/spanx underneath dresses and skirts
- Use an absorbent body powder like cornstarch or baby powder in areas prone to chafing
