Chafing is when your skin experiences damage from friction with abrasive materials. The skin is vulnerable to this around the beach and in the ocean water. The sea salt and the sand can cause irritate your skin. The worst case of chafing is when bleeding start to happen. Fear not, here are the 15 Ways How to Avoid Chafing in the Ocean. Do these things to provide maximum protection to your skin.
1. Petroleum Jelly
Applying petroleum jelly can prevent chafing on your skin. A popular petroleum jelly to use is Vaseline. The jelly has a property that is able to repel any sands or water from your skin. You need to apply a thick layer of vaseline. Build up layers and make it as thick as possible. Rub the Vaseline around your thighs down to your knees where chafing often occurs.
2. Showering
Swimming or playing around the sand on the beach will cause a high salty residue on your skin. There is a greater chance for chafing to happen. Most beaches often provide places where you can shower. Every few hours or so, take some time to clean yourself up with fresh water. Wash away all the salt crystals from every part of your body.
3. Proper Fitting Clothing
Pay attention to what you’re going to wear at the beach. Make sure that your bathing suits or any other piece of clothing fits you properly. Don’t wear anything that is too loose or too tight. For instance, a bathing suit that is too loose will cause more salt from the ocean or the sand to stick on to your skin. But if it’s too tight, the fabric can cause a strong friction which will irritate your skin.
4. Synthetic Fibers
Wear swimsuits that are made from synthetic fibers. A great option is one that is made with spandex. Never wear something that is made from cotton fabric. Cotton gets heavy when it comes in contact with ocean water and soaks up all the salt too. Sand will also stick on cotton. Synthetic fibers are better at repelling all those materials.
5. Longer Shorts
Wearing longer shorts or clothing for your lower body can also help. It ensures that less abrasive materials will sneak their way into your sensitive skin. The long clothing will protect a wider area of your skin. Less exposure to the salt water means no chafing.
6. Don’t Sit on Sand
In case you’ve had cases of really bad chafing, try to avoid contact with the sand. Don’t sit on sand for too long as most of it will end up sticking on your skin. You may use blanket but make to keep it clean from sand as much as possible. A better way to avoid sand is to sit on a beach chair. It will keep your body from being covered in sand and any salt residues in it.
7. Change to Dry Clothing
Keep spare clothes ready. After you’re done having some fun in the ocean water, shower immediately. Then wear your clothes that are dry and clean. That way, you can still enjoy the beach and the view of the ocean without worrying about chafing on your skin. Make sure to keep yourself clean from any of the sand on the beach.
8. Chafing Powders
There are now chafing powders that you can apply on your skin. Look for these powders that help to make your skin protected but still feel silky. Use the powders on area where you experience the most chafing. Some powders also have great cooling effects. They will make you feel comfortable even under the blistering sun on the beach.
9. Chafing Gel
If you’re not into powders, there are also gel for you to try out. There are chafing gels with many beneficial ingredients for your skin. You may want to look for one that contains Vitamin E. Most gels will eventually dry up into powdery texture. However, they are effective in repelling moisture from the ocean water.
10. Chafing Balms
You can also try out chafing balms too. Apparently the most popular brand out there is the Bodyglide. However, you can look for other brands too. You apply chafing balms on your skin like deodorant. They don’t smell and also don’t cause stains. Most balms are vegan and safe enough to use in the ocean environment which is so crucial to avoid worsening acidification of the ocean.
11. Stay Hydrated
Always maintain good hydration for your body at the beach. An adequate intake of water will help your body to create sweat. The sweat can help in removing any salt or sand from sticking to your skin. Dehydration will provide a perfect condition for abrasive materials to stick to you.
12. Aloe Vera Cream
You can also try to wear some aloe vera cream. Mix it with a little bit of petroleum jelly for full effect. Apply on areas that are prone to chafing. This aloe vera mixture will give your skin healthy moisture that can repel sand and salt.
13. Baby Powder
After you’ve cleaned yourself up from the salt water in the ocean, apply some baby powder. Use one that has soothing or healing property. You will help any signs of chafing to disappear. Keep the area dry and stay out of the sea water.
14. Chafing Towelettes
In case you’re more of a practical person then you might want to give chafing towelettes a try. Easily carry a pack with you to the beach as it doesn’t take much space. Apply the towelettes on your skin as you’re about to go for a swim. Remember to throw into trash cans. Don’t litter as that cause Ocean Pollution.
15. Avoid Soaps
When you feel some burning pain or redness on your skin, that means chafing is beginning to occur. Wash off immediately. Remember to not use soap. Soap will only cause irritation to your skin. If possible, use warm or cool water to soothe your injured skin.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. These ways of avoiding chafing will help keep your skin away from painful blisters.