Ah, chafing. What a lovely word. You've probably experienced it many times, especially in the heat of summer. If you happen to live in a particularly humid climate, you are more prone to experience chafing than those who live in a drier climate.

Or perhaps you are a runner, have sensitive skin, or exceptionally burly inner thighs. Regardless of the reasons you experience chafing, it is an extremely common occurrence and there are ways to mitigate your chafing woes.

What exactly is chafing, and what causes it? Chafing is a common skin problem caused by any combination of friction, moisture, and irritating fabric. Prolonged rubbing on the skin makes your skin sting or burn, and you develop a mild, red rash. In severe cases, chafing will include swelling, bleeding, or crusting.

When skin rubs against skin, it causes friction and creates a warm, moist environment that is ideal for fungal and bacterial growth. Chafing is common in the skin between the buttocks (butt crack), which can become very raw, itchy, and painful.

The worst of chafing is testicularly chafing! This is flaking and redness of the skin on the scrotum. It is brought about through a combination of friction and heat, just like all chaffing is. Cyclists are prone to it, as are men who work outside in hot weather. Tight clothes can also contribute. Put away those stretchy pants, boys! Time to let the bollocks breathe.

A feeling of sore or extremely tender skin with a burning sensation is the most common symptom, but chafing can range from mild to severe in certain cases. Chafing is a tale as old as time. Keep reading to learn effective ways to prevent chafing so you can live your best life!

What Does Anti Chafing Cream do and What is it Made of?

Anti-chafing creams come in many forms. You've got your anti-chafing stick, anti-chafe balm, chamois butter, basic anti-chafe cream, body glide, thigh rescue, and the list goes on. But what exactly are these made of, and what do they do? Let's break it down.

Anti-chafing products are formulated with lubricants that help prevent your skin from sticking together, reducing the risk of subsequent chafe-causing friction. One product used by athletes is BodyGlide, which contains allantoin to help protect the skin from chafing. Many contain Vitamin E, which acts as a barrier. Others may contain coconut oil to prevent friction and some may even come in the form of a powder.

Some claim to be nongreasy, others are marketed for specific areas on your body like the inner thigh. Regardless of what's in them or how they are marketed, the main goal of an anti-chafing product is for you to be more comfortable and free to move your body without uncomfortable friction.

Why do men need a chafing cream?

Many men don't think about chafing cream products until it's too late. You finish a race, make it to the summit, win the tournament, or finally sit down to rest after a long walk on the beach. That's when many men (and women) realize their mistakes. They didn't apply an anti-chafing product, and they are now paying for it. It isn't pleasant. Especially at the beach when there is sand involved, that only adds to the painful rubbing and redness!

With all we have going on in our lives, the last thing we want to worry about is how painful our inner thighs or butt cheeks feel. Men need anti-chafing cream or other products so they can perform at their best. By preventing chafing in the first place, you free up so much time and energy to focus on doing the things you really love.

Best Anti - Chafing cream for men

Let's dive into some of the best anti-chafing creams, sticks, powders, and other products for men.

IF you want all-natural ingredients and simple home remedies with items you may already have at home, you can head straight for the petroleum jelly or shea butter. Or grab your partner's body lotion and see if that helps. While these may not be the most effective, they will certainly help.

As far as a true anti-friction product specifically designed to cut down on chafing, there is a precut called "Thigh Rescue" made by Megababe. It was originally marketed to women (who experience more chafing on their inner thighs because of how often they wear shorts and dresses), but men have discovered its effectiveness, and it is wildly popular.

It comes in a stick that looks like deodorant The balm-like formula creates a barrier that sits on top of the skin, allowing thighs that rub to glide smoothly against each other. Aloe, grapeseed oil, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E provide extra hydration for happy, healthy skin!

Another top product for runners and sports enthusiasts is Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm. This also comes in a deodorant-looking stick. Apply before you get dressed, on thighs, neck, arms, and anywhere skin is rubbed. It's made with allergen-free, plant-derived ingredients. It's vegan approved, never tested on animals, and child safe. Many men prefer this over messy, wet creams, gels, and powders. It contains no petroleum, lanolin, or mineral oils and claims to be effective and long-lasting. Many people use it daily in humid as well as dry conditions for a pain-free active life. And! It keeps pores clog-free. Sweat can still escape and let the skin breathe. It's safe if it gets on your clothing or wetsuit and can even be used on your feet!

Chub Rub is a great name and another great product. Their anti-chafing formulation delivers a powerful blend of natural ingredients, including organic coconut oil and cocoa butter, to moisturize, energize, and protect your skin. It's free of parabens, aluminum, and chemicals and boasts thousands of great reviews. It has a natural, subtle scent and promises to chafe relief that gives you back your power! It's a trusted brand and is extremely easy to apply. No matter how much you sweat, it promises a soothing effect in your groin, pits, thighs, or wherever you find irritating skin. Easy to purchase on Amazon here.

And now we come to UNDRBUDR anti-chafe cream. A high-performance, ultra-conditioning chamois cream that provides frictionless glide during cycling (or any chafing-prone activity), UNDRBUDR is enriched with natural butter and pressed oils. It feels weightless, not greasy. It boasts exceptional comfort that lasts all day in any condition, and your performance improves with moisture.  Enriched with natural botanicals including; aloe vera, Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Safflower Seed Oil & Shea Butter, plus others derived straight from nature. Available on Amazon.

A trusted name in the body game is Vaseline. They have a simple product called Vaseline All-Over Body Jelly Stick. Sounds....sticky. But it claims to be clinically proven to help heal dry, damaged skin as well as cut down on chafing.

It is TSA-friendly, on-the-go dry stick that you can bring with you everywhere you go. It is a non-greasy and mess-free formula which means you don't need to rub anything in. It is great for protection against friction and chafing. It's almost like a lube.

If men are looking specifically for an anti-chafe cream for their twig and berries, look no further than the BALLS anti-chafe cream. The magical thing about this product is it goes on like a lotion but dries and acts as an anti-chafing deodorant. (It also happens to smell amazing!) This is an amazing chafing cream for men, specific to private parts. No need to reapply throughout the day.

What to look for in an anti-chafing cream

With dozens and dozens of anti-chafing products on the market, it's hard to know what exactly to look for. It also depends on what you value in a product. Some men are sold a product based on a recommendation from a friend or influencer (who may earn a commission from touting the product). Others are very focused on finding an all-natural anti-chafing, anti-inflammatory cream. Maybe you are looking to decrease chafing in one specific area, like thigh chafing.

No matter what you choose, the consensus is that you want something long-lasting, nongreasy, the more natural, the better, something safe for sensitive skin, that will effectively reduce friction.

Read the reviews, check the price point, read the product formula, and pick your poison! You probably know your preference right away between a cream, a balm, a stick, a gel, or a powder. Go forth and chafe no more!