Solutions to a slightly embarrassing summer problem: Chafing

Antiperspirant and LUSH Dusting Powder are both workable solutions to chafing.

It happens to me every summer: I get excited about wearing swishy, breezy, adorable sundresses, and then my thighs remember the pain of chafing (also called chub rub!). Sigh. For those of us not blessed with a thigh gap, the friction that happens when bare thighs rub together while walking can become very painful. Humidity makes it worse. On me, chafing leads to uncomfortable rashes and even a bit of swelling. It's bad enough that it makes me not want to wear dresses. Unacceptable!

It's an uncomfortable problem to admit to, but I know I'm not alone, so I thought I'd share the best solutions I've come up with.

Shorts don't work well for me—most eventually ride up, defeating their purpose. Applying something directly to my inner thighs to combat the problem works better. Here are my two favourite products so far:

1) Dusting Powder by LUSH

I bought Vanilla Puff Dusting Powder one day when I couldn't find any Silky Underwear Dusting Powder. It's a very soft powder that I rub right on the skin when I wear a dress without pantyhose. It keeps things fresh and dry, and dramatically reduces the friction. The only downside: It doesn't last very long. You need to keep the bottle in your purse.

2) Antiperspirant

I know it sounds weird, but don't knock it until you've tried it! Antiperspirant is designed to reduce moisture under your arms, so why wouldn't it work elsewhere? This solution lasts a little longer than the dusting powder (I'd still keep it in your purse if you're going to be out awhile), but now that I have this in my arsenal, I don't need to avoid dresses anymore. Small miracles like this make life better. :)

If you deal with chafing, what's your solution? Share in the comments! From one woman to another: Let's help each other out!