There are millions of people that enjoy running and jogging in the United States, and even though this is a wonderful way to get a workout in, it can be difficult if you have skin that rubs together. It may even get to the point where you don't feel like you can run comfortably at all.

Are you someone that seems to constantly have chafed legs? Whether you're a runner, swimmer, hiker, or biker, it's likely that you've experienced chafing at some point and know how irritating it can be.

If you're exercising in humid weather, this problem can be especially annoying because it might feel ten times worse! Does this sound familiar?

Keep reading below to learn more about why your legs chafe, how you can treat it, and what you should do to prevent it from happening ever again. 

Why Do Legs Chafe?

If you've experienced chafed legs, you likely realize how uncomfortable and even painful it can be. Knowing the reasons that chafing happens in the first place is the best way to figure out how to treat chafed legs and how to prevent chafed legs in the future.

For some people, it's as simple as getting sweaty. When you're running or doing any type of exercise that makes you sweat, your legs will get moist. As they rub together, friction is created, and this is what causes the chafing effect you know so well.

Even if you're not sweaty, the friction from your legs rubbing together as you move around can still cause chafing. Using some type of lubricant, such as a natural anti chafing slave, will help you avoid chafing or blisters when applied before you start your activity.

If your clothes don't fit correctly or are made of materials that aren't designed for exercise, this can also cause chafing. As you sweat and the fabric gets wet, it will lead to uncomfortable rubbing. 

Lastly, if you haven't been drinking enough water, you will have more salt in your sweat as you start to exercise. The sweat alone will cause chafing if you don't be proactive with a salve beforehand, but the extra salt will add insult to injury (literally) and make the chafing much worse.

Treating Your Chafed Legs

It's important to note that you shouldn't just avoid skin chafing in hopes that it will get better on its own. Although this is possible, it may also get much worse and even end up becoming infected.

The best way to handle chafed legs is to gently clean the area first once you notice the chafing. You can use water to do this, but be sure that you dry the area off very gently when you're done.

After this, you should use petroleum jelly or a similar substance to give the area a little bit more moisture. If you're finding that it's too painful for you to do this on your own, it's a good idea to get in touch with your doctor. You may need a medicated ointment to help with the swelling, blistering, or bleeding, and they will want to look at the area to ensure it is not more serious than you think.

Besides this, try to avoid any type of activity that is going to make the chafing worse. You need to give your skin plenty of time to heal before you start up with your regular level of activity once again.

Chafed Legs Prevention for Future Comfort

As we mentioned previously, using a salve or balm designed to prevent chafing is a great place to start because it gives your skin moisture, protects from friction, and will provide a buffer between your skin's sweat and the skin on the other legs.

If you're a regular runner or someone that gets chafing often, it's a wise decision to invest in something like this to make sure that you don't have similar issues in the future.

However, there are some alternative measures that you can try if you're looking for some other ideas to prevent chafing.

For instance, instead of choosing cotton clothing for your workout, be sure to find a moisture-wicking material that will help with controlling your sweat and make it easier for the fabric to dry. You also want to think about how the clothing is cut; think about choosing clothing that is seamless or prevents the skin from touching on areas that cause problems with chafing.

Consider the type of activity you're doing as well. You may need clothing with a looser fit that allows for more airflow if you're doing yoga, but you may want clothing that fits more closely to the body if you're running or hiking.

Experiment with some of these ideas to figure out which one works best for you. A combination of a few of these tips may help you prevent chafing and keep your skin healthy. 

Stop Chafing Before It Begins

If you're dealing with chafed legs, know that it's a common issue that plenty of athletes and non-athletes experience. Luckily, there are some easy remedies to help solve the issue and get you back in the swing of things without any pain, discomfort, swelling, or redness.

The best way to handle chafed skin is to prevent it. Pay attention to the clothing you're wearing, drink plenty of water, and try out some products designed to combat chafing to give your skin a fighting chance. 

Don't let chafing run your life! Instead, run chafing off the track with one of our Anti chafing products today. 

Many people enjoy running in the heat because they get to combine their love of getting outdoors in the sunshine and becoming fitter at the same time.

Because the hot weather makes it more challenging to run, it can also feel like it's more beneficial because you need to work harder.

However, if you try running in the summer without taking sensible precautions, you could become uncomfortable or even suffer a severe reaction.

Read on to find out how to enjoy running in the heat safely.

1. Run at the Optimal Time of Day

One of the easiest running tips to follow is to plan your running schedule ahead of time. This way, you can get out and exercise in the early morning or late evening times.

The weather is generally at its hottest during the afternoon, so it's best to avoid working up a sweat at this time if possible.

You don't have to wait until all the warm air has gone, but it'll make it a lot easier to keep your run going for longer if there is at least some coolness in the air.

2. Wear Comfortable Clothing

When some runners are trying to lose weight, they attempt to exercise while wearing heavy clothing. But, this practice could be harmful to health if the body begins to overheat. 

It's always best to wear light clothing that allows your skin to breathe. A pair of shorts, ankle socks, and a thin t-shirt are ideal. If you like to take a backpack on your run, you could carry a spare t-shirt to change into halfway through.

This can make you more comfortable when you replace a sweaty and sticky top with a cool fresh one. 

3. Stay Hydrated When Running in the Heat

The benefits of running in the heat are much the same as running in cooler weather. You can expect to increase your aerobic capacity and strengthen your leg and core muscles, amongst other advantages. 

However, the biggest downside is that you are likely to dehydrate much more quickly. Therefore, you should drink a bit more water than usual before heading out for your exercise. 

It's also a good idea to take a small bottle of water that you can sip from on the way around. You don't want the water to weigh you down, but it would be worse if you run out of fluids during exercise.

Dehydration can have serious harmful effects, and you could even end up in the hospital or suffer a fatal reaction. Of all the tips for running in the heat, staying hydrated is by far the most important.

4. Slow Down Your Running Speed

You may find you need to adapt your running technique to take account of the warmer weather. This doesn't mean you won't be getting a good workout; your body will still be tested.

But, if you try to run at your usual speed, you could find you tire much more quickly than usual. In addition, if you are sweating too much in the hot air, you could also become dizzy or suffer from heat stroke. 

5. Hit the Trail Running Tracks

If the weather is scorching, it's not always sensible to run on the roads. Asphalt and concrete retain heat, and you may not have much shade if you are running in relatively open urban areas.

But, if you are still determined to get out for your run, you can hit the trail running tracks. If you can find a wooded area, there is likely to be considerable cover from the sun. 

The air should be cooler, and you may find it is easier to breathe. Also, if the trail running track is short, you could extend your exercise period by running loops. 

6. Look After Your Skin

Most runners appreciate the dangers of running in the sun and apply sunscreen before heading out to exercise.

However, what about chafing? This can not only be extremely unpleasant but can also cause bleeding and skin damage. The friction and moisture between your clothing and skin can also cause a rash. 

If you do not address these issues, they are likely to become worse. You could even experience sufficient pain that you dread going for your run.

However, there are excellent products available that can treat and prevent these problems from getting in the way of your exercise.

Aside from products that can help your skin stay in great condition, you can also purchase a pain relief salve to help soothe your muscles after exercise.

7. Run With Friends

There are obvious safety benefits to running in the heat with friends. For example, if one person begins to feel unwell, the others can look after them and decide if they require medical attention.

However, there are also other benefits that can contribute to improved mental health.

Of course, you're already familiar with the feeling of getting a runner's high, but you can also get fantastic social enjoyment from training with friends. It's a great chance to catch up and enjoy spending time with your buddies.

Chatting while running can also distract you from how difficult your session is. In addition, you can motivate and encourage each other to improve your running results.

Shop With Squirrel's Nut Butter Today

When you follow safe practices, running in the heat can be a great way to get fit while enjoying the glorious sunshine.

You're also likely to enjoy your run considerably more if you're comfortable and well-prepared. You can then provide your body with the necessary care and attention before, during, and after your run.

As Squirrel's Nut Butter, we supply all-natural, high-quality products that help prevent skin damage and relieve aches and soreness.

We personally mix and pour our ingredients to ensure you receive market-leading products we can proudly stand over. We also believe in community and sponsor endurance athletes around the country.

Visit our shop today and get ready for your next run.

In 2020, Strava athletes in the US cycled 1.2 billion miles and ran 387 million miles. There’s been a boom in global exercise. But with improved health and fitness comes an unwanted side effect for some exercisers: dry, irritated skin.

If you’re someone who likes to hit a hiking trail or rack up lengths in a swimming pool but suffers from dry skin as a result, this article is for you. There are many ways to manage skin health and repair flaky skin. Our handy guide is here to help.

Dry Skin Defined

First, a quick definition. Your skin is home to a moisture barrier comprised of natural lipids. These help keep moisture in and irritants out. If that protective barrier is damaged, minute cracks appear, and moisture escapes.

There are many causes of dry skin. These range from exercising--and the accompanying chafed skin that may occur--to aging. Other factors include using products that are too harsh and medical conditions.

Whatever the reason – and there may be multiple – there are a host of methods to relieve and repair dry and irritated skin. Read on to find out more.

Anti-Chafing Salve Is a Must

If endurance sports are your thing but you find yourself suffering from extremely dry skin, cut down on friction with an anti-chafe salve. Applying a chafing cream lubricates the skin and is particularly helpful in areas such as thighs, feet, and groin.

Use an all-natural anti-chafe stick to prevent blisters and protect your skin before hitting the sidewalk for a run. Or if you prefer heading out on two wheels, say no to saddle sores with cycling salve.

Bath and Shower Tips

Help heal dry skin and stop it from rearing its ugly head again by using warm water rather than hot. By doing that, you don’t wash away your skin’s natural oils.

What else? Limit your time in the bath or shower to less than 10 minutes. Staying within that time frame means your skin’s oily layer isn’t stripped away.

Wash with gentle and natural products, minimize soap usage, and buy a sulfate-free cleanser to remove dirt and oil.

Keep away from scratchy bath sponges and cloths to avoid damaging your skin. Or use a light touch if you don’t want to stop using them entirely. And after bathing or showering, blot your skin gently with a towel rather than rubbing vigorously.

Invest in a Humidifier

Humidifiers help raise air hydration. How? By forcing moisture into the environment. Keep moisture circulating with a humidifier and help your skin retain its natural moisture.

Control your skin by controlling your environment.

Linked to that point: don’t be tempted to sit right in front of a fireplace. In wintertime, that may be appealing. Pulling up a pew by a crackling fire sounds appealing, right? But your skin may suffer and dry out further.

Moisturize Skin

Restore your skin with an all-natural regenerative slave. Whichever specific skincare products you choose, apply immediately after you bathe or shower. Why? To trap as much moisture in as possible. Leaving your skin bare for even a minute means it will start to dehydrate.

Moisturize to repair cracked skin, say bye-bye to irritated skin, and improve skin health.

And remember: when you’re out and about exercising, be sure to apply a moisturizing lip salve or balm. It’s super important to wear sunscreen, too – whatever the time of year.

Say Yes To Night Creams

Choose one that suits your skin type and let the moisturizer perform its magic. People tend to bypass night creams to let their skin breathe, but nighttime is when your skin’s permeability is at its peak.

Absorption is at its best when you’re at rest.

The moisturizer you choose doesn’t have to be labeled as a night cream. Pick one that works for you and your skin type. Don’t forget to experiment with serums, too. For that extra hydration kick, use under your moisturizer.

Gloves Are the Way Forward

If you’re heading out for a run or a hike – especially in wintertime – don’t forget to protect your hands. Reduce dry skin by donning a pair of thick, waterproof gloves.

Avoid Irritating Clothing

Keep your skin protected and soft by steering clear of rough clothing. Opt for cotton, or even silk if budget permits. And use hypoallergenic detergents.

Home Remedies

To improve skin health further, think about using everyday products to moisturize. Dry, flaky skin can benefit from homemade treatments.

For example, use coconut oil to improve skin hydration and increase the number of fats on the skin’s surface. Coconut oil contains saturated fatty acids that moisturize by filling in gaps in dry skin.

Or how about an oatmeal bath? It’s said that adding oatmeal powder to water can be effective at relieving dry skin. How? Oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Sunflower oil can also be applied to extremely dry skin to help hydrate it. And it’s been suggested that honey can relieve dry skin too.

Banish Dry, Irritated Skin

MapMyRun saw a 65% increase in runs logged in 2020. That’s great news for health and fitness, but what about the impact on the exerciser’s skin? Endurance sports such as hiking, ultrarunning, and mountain biking can leave you with flaky and irritated skin.

There are a number of simple ways to deal with extremely dry skin. These range from humidifiers and better bathing routines to anti-chafing creams and all-natural skin products.

Keen to restore your skin and be chafe-free? Head on over to our online store and get browsing.