Thread: Skin Protection
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Old 03-22-26 | 09:31 AM
  #16  
KerryIrons
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Originally Posted by Cycleenthusiast
Hello all,
I’ve been doing some research on saddle sore prevention and wanted to get some input from people who ride a lot. Most of the current products (chamois creams, etc.) seem to focus mainly on lubrication to reduce friction. In my experience they help, but don’t always fully solve the issue on longer or hotter rides.

I’ve been wondering whether a different approach might work better. Perhaps something more focused on supporting skin health over time, rather than just reducing friction. I’ve also come across some discussion around the skin’s natural bacteria (“skin microbiome”) and whether that plays a role in irritation, especially with repeated long rides.

Curious what people think:

• Do current products actually solve the problem for you?
• Do you think there’s room for something better/different?
• Would you be open to trying something that focuses more on skin health vs just lubrication?

Not selling anything, just doing some research and trying to understand what actually works (or doesn’t).
Thanks.
I don't use anything, but there certainly is a difference between one pair of shorts and another. I have shorts that work fine for 60 mile rides but don't cut it for my weekly 100+ mile rides. From talking to a lot of cyclists on a number of different forums over the years, Bag Balm seems to come up over and over. And back in the day, a witch hazel in water butt soak was supposed to be good at toughening your skin. Never tried it, so I can only report what others have recommended.
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