I realize that the main question was more or less answered already. Just want to add that Chamois Creams are not a cure for poor bike fit, a saddle that does not correctly support your width of sit bones, or not having a chamois short with a mix of closed and open cell foam in the right places.
If you all those things in place, then chamois cream comes into play and can make a major difference in your comfort, level of chafing, and distance you can comfortably ride. It also depends on which chamois cream you use as some have better attributes for long distance, temperature, etc.