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NBC News
4 days ago
- Health
- NBC News
The best anti-chafing products to use this summer, tested by our editors
During the warmer months, few things are more annoying than the sticky, itchy, burning feeling of chafing. Whether you're a runner who likes to take advantage of the nice weather or someone who wants their inner thighs to coexist in peace, anti-chafe products can help prevent any uncomfortable friction that causes sore skin. To help you stay friction-free in high temperatures, we spoke to dermatologists about the best anti-chafing products on the market, plus got their tips and tricks on how to avoid chafing and what to do when it occurs. How we picked the best anti-chafing products When shopping for quality anti-chafe products, dermatologists emphasize finding the right, friction-reducing ingredients more than anything. We also valued price and our own personal experience with these products, where applicable. Ingredients: Shoppers should look for chafing sticks that contain a combination of humectants, emollients and occlusives (the same types of ingredients found in quality face moisturizers), according to Dr. Hadley King, a New York City-based dermatologist. Ideally, these products should glide smoothly while creating a strong barrier between any hotspots that rub (like inner thighs or the back of your heels), and any exterior irritation like the heel of your shoe or a wet swimsuit strap on your skin. Notable emollients include glycerin and coconut oil, which appear in nearly every anti-chafe product we recommend. We explore these ingredients and others in more depth, below. Price: Based on our own experience shopping for and using these products, we've found great options in the $7 to $20 range for roughly 2 ounces (or one deodorant-like stick) of product, except our pick for anti-chafing underwear. Personal experience: As people who struggle with thigh chafing during the warmer months, we've tried a handful of these products and included our recommendations. The best anti-chafing products in 2025 Most anti-chafing products are salves packed in glide-on sticks, jellies, powders or creams. Below, we've compiled a list of expert-recommended options from dermatologists and favorite picks that have helped NBC Select staff keep their skin friction-free. Best overall anti-chafing product Several of the dermatologists we spoke to recommend Megababe as an anti-chafe solution. '[It's] an affordable, easy-to-use stick formulated to prevent friction by providing both hydration with grapeseed oil and improved glide to reduce the friction that leads to chafing with ingredients like vitamin E and aloe,' says Dr. Annie Chiu, dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute. Colizza has used Megababe for years and says she cannot imagine her life without it. It's packaged in a deodorant-like applicator and is a breeze to use: 'I typically swipe the balm across each of my inner thighs two to three times and typically reapply throughout the day as needed,' she says. The formula, which has a subtle, clean scent, leaves behind a residue that she says makes her inner thighs 'happily glide across each other as [she walks]'. Megbabe is formulated with caprylic/capric triglyceride (a compound derived from glycerin) and coconut oil, both of which are emollient ingredients that moisturize the skin. Another favorite product of Colizza's for chafing, Squirrel's Nut butter is made with Cocos nucifera (coconut oil) to help moisturize your skin and avoid friction. According to King, Cocos nucifera has both emollient and occlusive properties, meaning it hydrates and also helps create a protective barrier on top of your skin. Squirrel's Nut Butter is sold as an everywhere solution for athletes with chafing. The brand recommends applying it not just before a race or athletic event, but also before showering to avoid further bothering your already-tender skin. Colizza used Body Glide's anti-chafe stick, which comes recommended by King, on her inner thighs during a recent warm-weather vacation. While other options, like Megababe, offer a more slippery feel, Body Glide for Her feels thicker and more waxy, and perhaps is a better option to use along a bathing suit line or anywhere else where you need a heavy-duty barrier between you and any fabric, like the back of your shoe. Best budget anti-chafing product Jessica Wu, MD, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist and author of ' Feed Your Face,' recommends Gold Bond's Friction Defense Stick as a more affordable option that contains several popular friction-reducing and inflammation-fighting ingredients including zinc oxide and aloe. Colizza finds this unscented option similar to Body Glide; it creates a strong, waxy barrier across your skin that doesn't glide on as smoothly, but still helps eliminate friction. Chamois cream is most known for helping cyclists avoid friction while riding, but it's also an effective fix for everyday chafing. Chamois Butt'r is a non-greasy lubricant formulated for all skin types to treat chafing and reduce friction, according to the brand. It has aloe vera and vitamins A and E to moisturize and soothe skin, and can be easily washed off with soap and water. It's also available in four versions, including a pH- balanced formula made specifically for women, and has a 4.7-star average rating from 10,645 reviews on Amazon. This dusting powder from Lush has a cornstarch and kaolin clay base, which works to absorb sweat and moisture and reduce friction, according to Wu. It's also formulated with cocoa butter to nourish the skin, according to the brand. Compared to other deodorant-like applicators so far in this list, Lush's option is a powder, which Marchbein recommends using only after first applying a regular cream or moisturizer: the cream can work as a barrier and the powder, in turn, can work to absorb excess moisture. She recommends this strategy for people whose skin has already started to chafe to avoid further irritation. 'Boob chafing is real, especially for runners,' says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. After experiencing severe chafing on her chest and under boob area from sports bras ('the rash can get so bad that it starts bleeding mid-run,' she says), she started using this Aquaphor Balm Stick religiously before running. 'I don't have to actually touch the product or my skin thanks to the applicator, and the balm creates a barrier between my skin and the bra's fabric, which prevents chafing,' she says. She usually applies it underneath the perimeter of her bra and up to her underboob area. The balm uses avocado oil and shea butter to moisturize skin, and is all-purpose, meaning it can be used all over your face and body, according to the brand. Best anti-chafing underwear Thanks to Knix's Thigh Saver, Malin says she no longer worries about chafing when wearing dresses or skirts. 'The little shorts are thin enough that they're lightweight, but thick enough to prevent my thighs from rubbing together,' she says. She likes how soft and airy the fabric is, which makes the shorts comfortable to wear for hours at a time. 'I literally threw out all my other undershorts after trying these because nothing compares to them.' The shorts are also available in a leakproof version for periods, which has a built-in liner that the brand says absorbs about three regular tampons' worth of blood. This anti-chafing stick from Fur is designed to glide on smoothly while forming a lightweight, protective layer across your skin, according to the brand. It uses chamomile and cica to help calm irritated skin, and is infused with licorice root and niacinamide to reduce discoloration and redness. This stick is also formulated to help soften hair and prevent ingrowns, according to the brand. How to shop for anti-chafing products According to the dermatologists we spoke to, there are certain healing and moisture-wicking ingredients you should look out for when shopping for anti-chafing products: Cocos nucifera: Many anti-chafe products include coconut oil, a natural emollient that helps hydrate skin and glides smoothly. Glycerin or caprylic/capric triglyceride: Also known as glycerol, this ingredient 'moisturizes skin without clogging pores,' according to Wu. Aloe vera: Many of the dermatologists we spoke to noted that aloe can both protect the skin from chafing and reduce inflammation after chafing has occurred. Zinc oxide: Commonly found in products that treat diaper rash and sunscreens, this compound usually comes in the form of a thick, white paste and is designed to form a protective barrier on your skin, according to Dr. Shari Marchbein, Cornstarch: Cornstarch-based products help absorb moisture, making them ideal for anti-chafing products, according to Chiu. Wu added that they can also reduce friction in chafing-prone areas. Vitamin E: According to cosmetic dermatology expert Kenneth Mark, MD, products with vitamin E are 'particularly soothing' and hydrating. Kaolin clay: This mineral helps absorb sweat and skin oils, making it ideal in anti-chafing products, according to Wu. When shopping for a quality option, pay particular attention to what order the ingredients appear on the label: 'Skincare products list their ingredients in order of concentration from highest to lowest,' says Dr. Michele Green, a NYC-based dermatologist. So, 'the closer [an ingredient] is to the top of the ingredient list, the greater the concentration of the ingredient in the given product,' she says. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? Christina Colizza is a former editor at NBC Select and has been a product reviewer since 2018. Ashley Morris is an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select, covering wellness topics like the best whole body deodorants and acne spot treatments. For this piece, Colizza spoke to dermatologists about the best anti-chafing products to stop unwanted friction.
Jordan News
4 days ago
- Health
- Jordan News
Why You Should Never Skip Sunscreen on Your Eyelids - Jordan News
While most of us know the importance of wearing sunscreen daily, many tend to overlook certain areas of the face—most notably, the eyelids. According to dermatology experts, neglecting this delicate area can have serious consequences. اضافة اعلان Dr. Karan Lal from Schweiger Dermatology Group in New Jersey warns, 'I've seen some of the worst skin cancers on the eyelids. Surgery in this area is complex and can leave scars that lead to chronic dry eyes or even the complete loss of skin from the upper or lower lids.' Why the Eyelids? Dr. Hadley King, a New York-based dermatologist, explains that the skin on the eyelids is exceptionally thin and highly vulnerable to UV rays. This makes it prone to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. She adds, 'Many patients hesitate to apply sunscreen on their eyelids for fear of irritation or getting it in their eyes.' How to Protect This Sensitive Area Protection is possible. Experts recommend mineral (physical) sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause eye irritation. How to Apply Sunscreen Safely to Eyelids Use a small amount and gently apply it: Under the brow Inner corners of the eyes Upper eyelids Under the eyes Allow the product to dry completely. Reapply if needed. Wash your hands immediately after application to avoid getting sunscreen in your eyes. Smart Alternatives If you're sensitive to sunscreen around the eyes, don't worry. Dermatologists recommend: Oversized sunglasses Wide-brimmed hats UV-protective face shields, especially if you spend extended time outdoors. Your eyelids may be small—but they need big protection.
Vogue
6 days ago
- Health
- Vogue
Vogue's Guide to the Different Types of Sunscreen You Need This Summer
Ask any dermatologist what the best sunscreen is and they'll most likely tell you this: the best sunscreen is the one you'll actually use everyday. But how does one choose that perfect sunscreen that will make you remember this very important step in your routine? To figure that out, you'll have to understand what all of your options are. Below, the experts break down every type of sunscreen to help you make wise skin health (and shopping) decisions. Types of Sunscreen There are two types of sunscreens you can choose from: mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. The difference between the two can be broken down as follows: Mineral Sunscreens Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, block the sun's harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin. As Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, explains it, mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to scatter and reflect the UV rays when it bounces off the skin to protect it from damage. There are many pros of mineral sunscreen, but they are most known to be less irritating and great for sensitive skin. Though they may leave behind a white cast, Dr. Garshick says that newer formulations have been developed to minimize that. Options like the U Beauty's Multimodal Sheer Mineral Sunscreen or Shiseido's Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+ provide nourishing skincare benefits while also blending quite nicely into the skin. Chemical Sunscreens According to Hadley King, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun's UV rays and create a chemical reaction to turn the UV rays into heat that will be released from the skin. They're usually made of chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate, and Dr. Garshick says these formulations are generally easier to rub in and won't leave a white cast. But because they are made of various chemical filters, she does warn that some people may experience some irritation or sensitivity to these types of formulas. But a lot of formulations are made with sensitive skin in mind, such as the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 or the Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect SPF 50+. If you happen to like the feel of these chemical sunscreens more, you can easily opt for these gentle options over a mineral one. Lotions, Sprays, Sticks, and More Sunscreens also come in many forms. You can find a mineral and chemical sunscreen in a lotion, stick (the E.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Invisi-Stick SPF 50 makes reapplying so easy while on the go), spray, and even serum format (cult-classic Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette is finally available in the U.S. and the Future Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Serum is a current fave among many). Mineral sunscreens also come in powder form like the classic Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50. When it comes to choosing between these types of sunscreen, Dr. King says that you should pick the one most appropriate for your lifestyle. What does SPF mean? We're always told to look for sunscreen with SPF, but what does that actually mean? SPF stands for sun protection factor and as Dr. King explains it, it measures how much a sunscreen will shield your skin from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which can cause sunburn.
CNET
20-05-2025
- Health
- CNET
I Use This K-Beauty Skin Care Hack Every Night. Here's Why You Should, Too
As the weather continues to get warmer, it's time to venture outside and soak in the sunshine. While you spend more time outside, it's crucial to remember to not only protect your skin from harmful UV rays but to moisturize. Thankfully, this viral K-beauty skin care hack can help repair your skin's protective barrier. "Slugging" is a quick and easy way to lock in precious moisture, and it's something I have been doing almost every night for the past couple of years. Let's discuss the potential benefits of slugging, what experts say, who it's best for and more. What is slugging? Slugging is a Korean beauty skin care practice that means slathering petroleum jelly on your face. You can use any product from Aquaphor to CeraVe to Vaseline to moisturize and protect your face overnight. Videos of this beauty technique -- which tend to really overdo the amount to put on -- have gone viral on TikTok, with over 500 million views to date under the hashtag #slugging. Many TikTok users who've tried it for themselves report results such as plump, glowing and moisturized skin. The slugging process Step 1: Cleanse your face. Step 2: Pile on hydrating products, such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin. Step 3: Add a nightly moisturizer, like a lotion, oil or cream. Step 4: Load on your occlusive, or the petroleum jelly: Vaseline, CeraVe, Aquaphor or another brand. (While you'll see TikTokers using a full handful for dramatic effect, you can use as little as a pea-size amount to see benefits.) Step 5: Wait a few minutes before getting into bed. Sergey Mironov/Moment/Getty Images Supposed benefits of slugging Petroleum jelly consists of oils and waxes that act as a barrier on the skin, trapping moisture underneath. Studies have shown that Vaseline -- one of the most popular brands of petroleum jelly -- has properties that may help repair your skin's outermost layer. In addition to keeping the skin moisturized, petroleum jelly can increase the potency of other products applied underneath. Slugging is most effective when combined with humectants (a dermatology term for ingredients that retain moisture), such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin or urea. Reported slugging benefits include: Moisturized, glowing skin Healthier, younger-looking skin Repaired skin barrier Locking in other products Decreased appearance of wrinkles What do the experts say? Dermatologists are not surprised by this trend, given that Vaseline has been a popular beauty product for decades. They already know how occlusives (such as petroleum jelly) effectively lock in moisture to keep skin hydrated and plump. Board-certified New York dermatologist Dr. Hadley King agrees with the effectiveness of slugging as long as you "do it the right way." "First apply a product or products that contain humectants and emollients (moisturizing ingredients), then add other occlusives. You can start with a serum containing humectants and add a face oil with emollients," she said. "The last step would be slugging petrolatum as the occlusive. Alternatively, you could apply a moisturizer that contains humectants, emollients and occlusives, and then for extra occlusive properties, apply the slugging petrolatum." According to King, the slugging skin care trend is most helpful for those with dry skin or those who are often exposed to dry conditions given that "a dry environment will exacerbate transepidermal water loss and dryness of the skin." Still, King recommends being cautious when applying occlusives on top of topical medications because it could increase the potency, creating adverse effects. Slugging isn't for everyone, according to Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified New York dermatologist and author of the book Skin Rules. "Slugging before you go to sleep is fine if you have very dry skin, but not a good idea for acne-prone skin," Jaliman said. "Slugging can potentially trap oils and clog the skin's pores and especially irritate acne-prone skin, contributing to breakouts." She went on to say: "If you are not acne-prone, some good products you can use for slugging are CeraVe healing ointment and Aquaphor." Echoing King's advice, Jaliman also recommends using a product that hydrates, moisturizes and protects all in one: "Personally, I would recommend using a thick cream such as CeraVe moisturizing cream that has ceramides and hyaluronic acid." Anna Efetova/Moment/Getty Images Slugging tips Apply only at night Unless you're in an extremely cold and dry environment, it is best to apply only at night. That way, you can lock in moisture and other skin care products while you sleep. (Otherwise, you'll be walking around all day with slimy skin.) Combine with your nightly moisturizer Vaseline works by preventing moisture from getting in or out. If there is no moisture on the skin to begin with, applying petroleum jelly won't provide much benefit. For the best results, it's important to load up your skin with hydrating and moisturizing products first, then slather your slugging product on top to keep moisture from evaporating off your skin. Drugstore or high-end products will work Vaseline is a cheap product that can be found at any drugstore, but if you're looking for luxury products with extra moisturizing properties, King recommends Ghost Democracy Ceramide Cream. "It contains ceramides, lipids, squalane and murumuru seed butter to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture. You could add heavier occlusives on top if desired," she said. King also recommends Innbeauty Project Daily Moisturizer. "With ceramides, triglycerides, shea butter, squalane, dimethicone and fatty acids and fatty alcohols, this supports the skin barrier and locks in moisture." Use consistently to see results Darnisha Monson, a licensed esthetician, recommends making slugging a part of your nighttime skin care routine. In order to notice results, you need to slug consistently for four to six weeks. Slugging cannot repair your skin or your skin's appearance overnight. Best if used in the winter The colder months are the times when our skin loses the most moisture. Slugging will be more effective in winter and in environments that are harsh on the skin. Occlusives can even protect against windburn during your winter ski trips.
USA Today
25-04-2025
- Health
- USA Today
How fast does hair actually grow? What dermatologists want you to know
How fast does hair actually grow? What dermatologists want you to know Show Caption Hide Caption Recession-proof hair is trending again, here's what women are doing Here's why the term "recession-proof hair" is trending again. So you want to know how fast hair grows. Maybe your barber was a little too liberal with the scissors. Maybe you've been dealing with some hair loss. Or maybe you want long, flowing locks but don't have the budget for high-end extensions. Regardless of why you're interested in hair growth techniques, we're here to answer those FAQs. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King tells USA TODAY all about the truths (and falsehoods) regarding hair growth. Hair loss is extremely common. Are vitamins the solution? How fast does hair grow? The average person's hair grows about half an inch per month or 6 inches per year, according to King and the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD). The hair growth cycle consists of three stages: anagen (the growth period), catagen (the transition period) and telogen (the rest period). The anagen phase lasts about three to five years, King says. This is the time in which that particular hair will grow, and it can average anywhere from 18 to 30 inches total in its lifetime. The catagen phase is much shorter – about 10 days – before the final telogen phase: "a resting phase when strands are released and fall out." "It's normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day," King adds. Once that cycle is complete, the hair follicle remains active for about three months before repeating the process all over again. Does wearing a hat make you go bald? What dermatologists want you to know about hair loss Is it possible to speed up hair growth? While there are treatments to help promote better hair growth, they usually don't help to get you from a buzzcut to a throwback Justin Bieber flow overnight. "Hair growth treatments generally work by keeping hair in the anagen phase longer, not by increasing the speed of hair growth," King explains. Sometimes people experiencing severe emotional stress, poor nutrition, significant weight loss, surgery, childbirth or a high fever caused by illness can develop a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes hair to spend less time in the anagen phase and appear thinner. Anagen effluvium, a similar condition that causes hair loss due to hair follicles being injured during the anagen phase, commonly occurs during chemotherapy. It usually reverses once chemo treatments are over. Rogaine is a popular treatment to help with some early hair loss, though the AAD notes it cannot regrow a full head of hair. There are also other medications available. Microneedling and laser caps or combs have also shown some early promising signs of being helpful, though the AAD stresses that more research is needed to confirm. If you're experiencing hair loss, experts say the first step to figure out why that's happening. When it comes to men, androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness) is to blame for about 95% of hair loss cases, according to NYU Langone. That probability drops down to about 40% for women. Other common causes can include genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, medications, medical conditions or a vitamin deficiency. The course of action to remedy hair loss depends on the cause, which is why health experts stress meeting with a qualified medical professional before trying any treatments at home. While there's a common belief that trimming your hair makes it grow faster, King says this isn't actually the case. But that doesn't mean getting a haircut every few months isn't still a good idea. "Trimming helps to keep the hair healthy by removing damaged ends," she says. "This can help to decrease breakage, but it doesn't change the speed of hair growth."
