Thigh chafing irritation is a common phenomenon that primarily occurs in the summer due to heat and perspiration. Contrary to popular belief, this discomfort is not necessarily exclusive to individuals with larger body sizes and/or those who are overweight. It's also a matter of body shape. In this article, discover three steps to soothe skin irritated by recurrent thigh friction.
Thighs rubbing together: how to alleviate irritations?
Summary
Published on July 13, 2022, updated on June 20, 2024, by Maylis, Chemical Engineer — 4 min of reading
Step No. 1: Aloe Vera, your best ally.
Belonging to the Liliaceae family, thealoe vera orAloe barbadensishas prickly leaves with a tough appearance. These leaves contain a transparent gelatinous pulp, which is edible once it is freed from the aloin-rich latex that surrounds it. The pressure of this pulp provides the famous aloe vera gel which contains no less than ahundred active substances, nutrients and other components (polysaccharides, vitamins, trace elements, enzymes, and amino acids).
When applied topically, directly onto the irritated skin of the thigh, the aloe vera gel provides a refreshing sensation that soothes pain and burning sensations. It also helps to restore the skin's natural hydration. It contains substances that act as a hydrating shield on the skin, known as glucomannans. Researchers have shown that when Aloe vera gel is applied to the skin, the long-chain mucopolysaccharides polymerize and form a thin semi-permeable film that produces an immediate hydrating effect.
Furthermore, aloe vera will soothe any potential inflammations. Biologically, it exerts its soothing and repairing activity by inhibiting certain mediators of inflammation such as prostaglandin F2, through the degradation pathway of arachidonic acid by acting on cyclooxygenase.
We have formulated a skincare product based on aloe vera and orange blossom. This hydrating gel soothesthe skin and deeply moisturizes it. It provides a cooling effect, ideal for calming the skin after recurrent frictions. Applying it three times a day should accelerate the repair of the epidermis.
4 minutes to understand your skin. Our dermatological diagnostic guides you toward the ideal skincare for your specific needs. Simple, quick, personalized.
Step No. 2: Wash with lukewarm water and let your skin air dry.
Hot water will only exacerbate irritations or even burning sensations that friction may have caused. For cleansing, opt for a gentle and natural cleanser, like our shower oil with replenishing Vitamin E+F 2.5% + Bitter Almond Extract. As an antioxidant, it restores suppleness to the epidermis and reduces feelings of tightness while delicately scenting the skin with a light almond fragrance.
After stepping out of the shower, avoid drying your thighs with a towel to prevent any friction. If you wish to speed up the drying process, a hairdryer can potentially be used, provided it is set to a warm or even cool setting.
Step No. 3: Apply a plant-based oil with healing properties.
Some plant-based oils have shown promising anti-inflammatory and healing activities. For instance, hemp oil and more specifically the omega-3 it contains, modulate inflammatory responses by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory mediators. This effect thus helps to alleviate skin irritations and redness that can appear on the inner thighs.
Among other soothing vegetable oils, we can mention thecoconut oil, that of St. John's wort, Helichrysum or even rosehip. The latter is available from Typology. It is organic and accelerates skin regeneration. Even though this treatment is primarily recommended for the face, it can still be applied to the inner thighs to relieve irritations.
