#chafe

First attested ca. 1300, this word originally meant "to be provoked or excited, to make warm (especially by rubbing)", and was borrowed from Old French chaufer, "to heat up". The French is from Vulgar Latin *calefare, which developed from Classical Latin calefacere, literally "to make hot".

The Latin is a compound word from calere, "to be warm", and facere, "to make or do". Both are Proto-Indo-European in origin, the former from *kele-, "warm", and the latter from *dhe-, "to put or set".

It’s summer, it’s roasting hot, even the best of us have to deal with the dreaded chafe, the Chub Rub is real!

Chub Rub is where there is that awful mix of hot, sweaty limbs sticking and rubbing together in the summer heat, causing more heat, a rash, irritated skin and an irritated person on a hot summers day.

And chafing can happen to anyone! Big or small whatever your size, but it can be a particular problem if like me, you’ve got those thick thighs!

Previously we’ve tried things like:

- Baby Powder

- Vasaline/ Petrolim Jelly

- Aloe Vera Gel

Some can help, but it’s never for long as the (gross) combination of sweat and friction from the chafe rubs off whatever solution you apply. This is where your new found fave will come in, Smoovall.

Smoovall is the brainchild of entrepreneur Reginald Ofori who dreamt up the idea of the product after learning about the discomfort experienced by his girlfriend from skin chafing. He has already successfully launched the product in his native Netherlands, as well as Belgium and Germany and now is coming to my terf, the UK.

The thing that struck me most about this product is how easy it is to use. Its an aeresol, so you shake, spray, wait a few seconds and you’re set for multiple hours. 

Also how sleek and beautiful is that packaging!

I always find chafing is a problem if I’m doing exercise in the heat or anything a bit vigorous but a spray on the thighs with Smoovall just before and you have no chafing worries.

One of the ingredients in Smoovall is silk powder, which makes your skin feel super smooth and instead of your thighs sticking together they just glide right by.

A single bottle of 80 ml Smoovall Skin Contact Spray contains an average of 30 spray applications. It is priced at £12.99 plus £1.99 for delivery, which is free on orders over £20.

Just thought some of my fellow chub rub sufferers might be interested in hearing my thoughts on this unique product.

5 Situations Where Chafing Happens (And How to Prevent It)

Chafing is a common skin irritation caused by friction, moisture, and repeated movement. It usually happens when skin rubs against skin or clothing, especially when sweat softens the skin and makes it more vulnerable to irritation.

The result can be redness, burning, rashes, or even blisters if the irritation continues.

The good news is that most chafing can be prevented with the right products and a few simple habits. Below are five common situations where chafing occurs and how to stop it before it starts.

1. Running or Gym Workouts

Exercise combines heat, sweat, and repetitive movement, making it one of the most common causes of chafing. Activities like running, cycling, or long gym sessions can cause friction in areas like the thighs, underarms, or groin.

Applying an anti-chafing cream before exercise creates a protective barrier that reduces friction and irritation.

A good option is 3B cream, designed to help prevent sweat rash and skin rubbing during activity. You can explore the full range here: https://neatfeat.com/collections/neat-3b

For extra protection during intense workouts, the Extra Strength version can help manage sweat and friction in high-movement areas: https://neatfeat.com/products/neat-3b-extra-strength-sweat-rash-chafing-cream

2. Hot Summer Weather

Warm temperatures increase sweating, which makes chafing more likely. Sweat softens the skin and increases friction between skin surfaces.

Areas such as the inner thighs, underarms, and groin are particularly prone to irritation in humid weather.

Using a powder designed to absorb moisture can help keep skin dry and comfortable throughout the day.

A simple solution is 3B Body Powder, which helps absorb sweat and reduce friction in warm conditions: https://neatfeat.com/products/neat-3b-body-powder-125g

3. Hiking and Long Walks

When you walk long distances, friction builds up over time. This is why hikers and travellers often experience chafing on the feet, heels, and inner thighs.

Foot friction can also lead to blisters if left untreated.

Applying blister protection early can prevent irritation from turning into painful skin damage.

For hotspots or rubbing in footwear, Blister Plasters provide cushioning and protection where friction occurs: https://neatfeat.com/products/blister-plaster

4. Long Work Shifts

Jobs that involve long hours on your feet, walking, or physical movement can increase sweating and friction throughout the day.

Workers in healthcare, hospitality, construction, and retail often experience irritation on the feet or skin folds.

Keeping the skin dry is key to preventing sweat-related irritation.

A targeted solution like the 3B Foot Saver Roll-On Antiperspirant Deodorant helps control sweat on the feet and reduce the conditions that lead to chafing: https://neatfeat.com/products/neat-3b-foot-saver-roll-on-antiperspirant-deodorant

5. Dresses, Skirts, and Everyday Clothing

Chafing doesn’t only happen during exercise. Even normal daily activities like walking in warm weather can cause the inner thighs to rub together, especially when wearing skirts or loose clothing.

This type of irritation, sometimes called “chub rub”, is very common and can occur quickly in humid conditions.

Applying a barrier cream beforehand can prevent the skin-to-skin friction that causes irritation.

Preventing Chafing Before It Starts

A few simple habits can significantly reduce the risk of chafing:

• Apply anti-chafing cream before activity • Keep skin dry with powders or antiperspirants • Wear breathable clothing • Protect high-friction areas early

Because chafing is caused by friction and moisture, reducing either of these factors dramatically lowers the chance of irritation.

Sweat is one of your body’s most natural cooling systems — but when it comes to chafing, it often feels like the enemy. If you’ve ever experienced red, irritated skin after a long walk or during a summer day, you’re not alone. Understanding why chafing gets worse when we sweat is the first step toward preventing it — and staying comfortable no matter the temperature.

What Is Chafing?

Chafing happens when skin repeatedly rubs against skin or clothing, causing irritation. Sweat doesn’t directly cause chafing — but it makes it a lot easier for chafing to happen because:

Moist skin has less friction resistance

Salt in sweat can irritate and sensitize skin

Clothing sticks more to damp skin and moves with every step

Whether you’re walking the dog, at the gym, or just running errands on a hot day, sweat can be the trigger that turns friction into pain.

Why Sweat Makes Chafing Worse (In Plain Language)

Here’s how sweat contributes:

🔹 1. Increases Skin Friction

When skin is dry, it slides more comfortably. But once it’s wet — from sweat or humidity — it becomes sticky. That stickiness increases friction and accelerates irritation.

🔹 2. Weakens Skin’s Defenses

Sweat changes the pH of the skin and can soften the outer layer. Softer skin is more vulnerable to abrasion.

🔹 3. Salt in Sweat Causes Irritation

Salt crystals left behind after sweat evaporates can rub into the skin and amplify soreness — especially in sensitive areas like thighs, underarms, or the groin.

Stop Chafing Before It Starts: What Works

Prevention is easier than healing — and there are tools that make a real difference:

✅ Barrier Creams

Applying a protective cream forms a slippery shield between skin and friction.

Try Neat 3B Action Cream 100g for everyday anti-friction defense.

Or choose Neat 3B Extra Strength Sweat Rash & Chafing Cream when you need something more heavy-duty during intense workouts or long days outdoors.

These creams help block moisture and reduce friction so chafing doesn’t stand a chance.

🏃‍♂️ Carefully Curated Bundles

If you want all-around protection for active days:

The Active Life Bundle brings together essential chafing-fighting products for all your movement needs.

The Self Care Bundle Deal is perfect for everyday comfort and recovery.

Bundling saves money and ensures you’re always prepared.

🧴 Keep Dry with Body Powder

Powder can help absorb excess sweat before it becomes a problem. Try Neat 3B Body Powder 125g — ideal for sliding into shorts, leggings, or bras with less friction.

And if you’re aiming for an all-summer solution, check out the full Sweat Free Summer collection for coordinated products designed to keep you confident and rash-free.

💪 Specialized Protection for High-Friction Areas

Some spots are just more prone to rubbing. For those areas, a targeted cream can be a game changer:

Neat 3B Body Saver goes on smooth and stays put through heat and motion.

Other Practical Tips to Prevent Sweat-Related Chafing

Here are simple routines that pair well with the products above:

⭐ Wear moisture-wicking clothing — fabrics like polyester or technical blends pull sweat away from skin. ⭐ Stay clean and dry between activity bursts — patting the skin dry helps reduce friction. ⭐ Apply your barrier product before sweat begins — this gives the product a chance to work before sweat changes the skin’s friction.

Final Thoughts

Sweating is natural. Chafing doesn’t have to be. With the right products and habits, you can enjoy movement — even in heat and humidity — without paying the price in irritation.

Start with prevention, use products that form a real barrier, and keep your skin happy whether you’re training, working, or just living life on hot days.