The Simple Hack to Prevent Chafing (No More “Chub Rub” This Summer)
Apr 14, 2026@samanthaschneidermd Spring & summer = skirt season… but thigh chafing? Not invited. Derm hack: Use a swipe of antiperspirant (not deodorant) on inner thighs to reduce sweat + friction. It’s easy, effective, and lets you enjoy dresses without the burn. Bonus: look for fragrance-free formulas to keep it gentle. #DermHack #ThighChafing #SummerSkinTips #DermTips #SkirtSeason #PacficCrestDerm #SkinComfort #NoMoreChafe ♬ original sound - Samantha Schneider, MD
As the weather warms up, so does a very common (and very annoying) problem: chafing.
Whether it’s your thighs, arms, or anywhere skin rubs against skin or clothing, that red, dry, sore irritation can make even the cutest outfit feel uncomfortable.
But here’s a simple hack you might not have tried yet.
The Problem: Friction + Moisture
Chafing happens when two things come together:
- Friction (skin rubbing against skin or fabric)
- Moisture (like sweat)
That combination leads to irritation, redness, and sometimes even painful skin breakdown.
The Easy Fix: Use Antiperspirant
Here’s the trick:
Apply antiperspirant to areas where you experience chafing.
Yes—antiperspirant, not deodorant.
Why it works:
- It reduces moisture by limiting sweat
- It creates a smoother surface so skin can glide instead of stick and rub
You can apply it to:
- Inner thighs
- Underarms or sides of arms
- Anywhere you notice rubbing and irritation
Why Not Just Use Deodorant?
Deodorant helps with odor—but it doesn’t stop sweat.
Antiperspirant is what actually keeps the area dry, which is key for preventing chafing in the first place.
Other Options to Consider
If you’ve already found something that works for you, stick with it.
There are also products specifically designed for chafing, like:
- Body glide sticks
- Anti-chafing balms
- Barrier creams
But if you’re still searching for a solution, this is an easy, affordable option you may already have at home.
Wear What You Want—Comfortably
This hack can be a game changer if you’ve ever felt like you had to wear shorts under dresses or avoid certain outfits altogether.
With the right protection, you can:
- Wear dresses and skirts more comfortably
- Stay active without irritation
- Feel more confident in warm weather
The Bottom Line
Chafing is common—but it doesn’t have to be something you just put up with.
A simple swipe of antiperspirant in the right areas can help keep your skin dry, protected, and irritation-free.
Have you tried this trick—or found something else that works? Everyone’s skin is different, and sharing tips can help others find relief too.
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Want the transcript for this video instead?
Listen, I've got a hack for you. I'm Dr. Schneider. I'm a board certified dermatologist, do you have a problem with your legs rubbing or your arms rubbing on your clothing and getting irritated? Skin that's like red and um, dry and sore. Some people call it chub rub. There's lots of different names for it.
We're heading towards summer and like this is how you are gonna wear a cute summer dress. Or a cute skirt without having to wear boy shorts underneath. You take your antiperspirant and rub it all over your legs, okay? It's gonna help dry up any moisture and provide a surface where your legs can slide over each other without irritating the skin, so it's not the deodorant you're gonna put there.
It is antiperspirant. Now, listen, there are a lot of other products you can use for this. There's something called Body Glide. There's something called Shammy butter. Listen, if you already have solved this problem for yourself and you have a good solution of what to apply, then this video is not necessarily for you.
But if you're still searching for something, try this. Just, just hear me out and give it a try. Use your antiperspirant. You can put it on your thighs, you can put it on your arms. If that's rubbing, like wherever you're having an issue, you can use that and it will help protect your skin. Have you tried this?
Has it worked for you? Let me know.