7 Ways to Treat Sore Thighs, According to Dermatologists
Warm summer months come with many positive experiences: taking a dip in the pool or beach, grilling outdoors with friends and family, and getting some much-needed Vitamin D (with sunscreen, of course!). While warm weather has many benefits, it’s not all sunshine for your thighs, as one dreaded side effect of rising temperatures and humidity is chafing.
Many, if not most, people experience chafing when walking or running. When skin touches, friction and irritation can occur. Certain factors, such as heat and humidity, can increase friction and worsen the irritation known as chafing. To learn how to best protect the skin on your inner thighs, we consulted three skin experts: board-certified dermatologists Drs. Marissa Garcik, Dr. Anna Guancher, and Dr. Rebecca Marcus. Read on to learn her seven tips for avoiding sore thighs.
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Chafing/Chafing Pins
Dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus explains that chafing occurs when friction breaks down the skin barrier on your thighs. “Chafing can be caused by clothing rubbing against skin, thighs rubbing against each other, or sports like biking that involve repetitive and sustained movement of the thighs,” she says. One of the most commonly used anti-chafing products is a friction stick or scrub stick. These are usually lubricants that reduce friction between skin.
Marcus recommends the Nakery Beauty Glide & Go Magic Friction Stick to prevent chafing while treating minor irritations. “The Glide & Go Magic Friction Stick consists of a balm with an easily absorbed, silky, powdery finish that glides gently over the skin instead of rubbing. Skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, squalene, and jojoba wax soothe and heal the skin to prevent further chafing,” explains Marcus.
Dermatologists also recommend Megababe Thigh Rescue by Marisa Garshick, who says the product’s formula is easy to use, easy to apply, and contains aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe skin. Garshick also recommends the Gold Bond Friction Defense Stick as a great option that’s non-greasy and fragrance-free.
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Barrier Cream
Garshick says if you’re looking for something to prevent chafing, look for something that creates a barrier between skin and tight clothing. So, it may be helpful to apply a barrier cream to minimize potential friction. Garshick recommends Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm, a fragrance-free balm that creates an invisible dry barrier to protect the skin and can be applied to areas prone to chafing, such as the thighs, groin, neck, arms, feet, and chest.
Dermatologist Dr. Annaguanche focuses on moisture when fighting thigh chafing. “One of the best ways to prevent thigh chafing is to keep the area dry,” she explains. Guanche says you can use baby powder, but her top recommendation is MAELYS B-FOXY Inner Thigh Firming Cream. “The product feels powdery and matte due to the presence of tapioca starch, prevents chafing, and is proven to tighten the skin,” Guanche explains.
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Chafing shorts or shapewear
Anti-chafing shorts have become a popular solution for lingerie and skirts. These are usually tight shorts made of materials like bamboo or spandex (to prevent wrinkling or curling).
Moisture-wicking materials are best for keeping the area dry, explains Guan. “Sweat or moisture can cause the area to stick together, which can increase friction,” she says. You don’t need to buy a specialized brand of anti-chafing shorts, either. Some types of shapewear can also prevent chafing if they have fabric that covers the thighs, says Garshik.
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Thigh bands or body tape
If your outfit doesn’t allow you to wear shorts or you want a physical barrier, consider using thigh bands or body tape. If you’re not ready to buy thigh tape, you can use body tape (also called chest tape) that you already have on hand to achieve a similar effect. Use the tape to cover the area of the thigh where the chafing occurs. Be sure to remove the tape carefully to avoid irritation. It’s also not a good idea to apply tape to inflamed or broken skin, so if chafing has already occurred, consider other solutions.
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Zinc-based creams
Diaper rash is not unlike chafing: Both are caused by moisture and friction. For this reason, Garshick recommends using a zinc-based diaper rash cream to prevent and treat thigh chafing. “While this zinc-containing cream is more commonly used to treat diaper rash, it can also be used as a barrier cream to help prevent chafing,” Garshick explains.
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Deodorant
Gashick recommends using a deodorant to treat chafing, especially if sweating is making your problem worse. “If excessive sweating is an issue, using a mild deodorant or antiperspirant may also help. It reduces the overall moisture and odor that comes with sweat accumulation,” Garshick explains.
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Thick moisturizing ointment
If you already have chafing on your inner thighs, you need to be careful about what you apply to the irritated skin barrier. In these cases, Garshick recommends applying a thick moisturizing ointment, such as Vaseline Healing Jelly or Aquaphor Healing Ointment, to the area where chafing may occur to prevent and treat chafing, as they create an occlusive barrier that protects the skin while allowing it to heal. However, Garshick warns that if irritation persists or worsens, it’s best to see a dermatologist, as a topical steroid cream may help, depending on the extent of the irritation.
Conclusion
Thigh chafing is caused by constant skin-to-skin contact and friction on the inner thighs, and is often worsened in the summer or during exercise due to sweating from heat and humidity. Chafing can cause severe irritation, redness, and even skin blisters, so our experts agree that it’s important to take action at the first sign of pain or redness.Marcus recommends proactively using anti-chafing products rather than waiting for irritation to occur, so you can have comfortable thighs this summer (and beyond).
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
