Cyclists: How to Protect Your Skin While Cycling?

Do you ride a bike? Take care of your buttocks!

Repeated friction, moisture, and the maceration caused by sweat create the perfect conditions for irritation. And when you're cycling, this is exactly what happens inside your shorts.

The perineal area suffers from the pressure and friction of the saddle, and in extreme cases, this friction can lead to the appearance of the "cyclist’s cyst," caused by the blockage of sebaceous and sweat glands. In other cases, folliculitis can develop around the hair follicles, which can become ingrown and inflamed.

Trivial?

Did you know that Laurent Fignon is said to have lost the 1989 Tour de France because of a particularly painful ingrown hair?

As for the thighs, rubbing together repeatedly leads to skin abrasion. And sweating, whether caused by heat or effort, tends to worsen this phenomenon.

Preventing Saddle Pain in Cyclists: Our Tips!

Luckily, saddle soreness when cycling a lot is not inevitable. A good portion of the discomfort caused by cycling on your intimate areas can be avoided by following these simple tips:

Choose Your Gear

Your clothing should fit as closely as possible, especially around the thighs. Loose clothing will cause friction, which leads to irritation. Opt for technical clothing: most of the time, these are made with fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. You’ll even score bonus points if the fabrics are SPF50!

The choice of shorts is crucial. They should fit your body perfectly: not too large, not too small.
They should be elastic and compressive enough to follow your muscle movements, but without creating folds, which could accelerate abrasion. That’s why you should replace them if they’re damaged.

The insert (or chamois) is also a central element to consider: designed to limit friction and pressure, inserts come in gel (ideal for rides of less than two hours) or foam (for more intense activities).

There are multiple shapes and densities of chamois designed to fit every type of cyclist: gravel, road bike, mountain bike, etc. To find the one that suits you best, it’s easiest to ask for advice from specialized retailers.

Men and Women: Adapt Your Equipment

While in many sports, marketing mostly dictates the gendering of equipment, this is not the case for cycling.

Because the anatomy of the areas in contact with the saddle is completely different between men and women, it’s important to choose the right equipment to minimize the risk of injury.

The inserts of shorts for men and women are not reinforced in the same way, and more and more brands are offering clothing that adapts to the morphology of the vulvar area, with a wider chamois. Note: there are now menstrual shorts. Perfect for cyclists who don’t want to be hindered by their cycle while avoiding menstrual products that could also cause irritation.

Another key point to consider: the saddle!

In most cases, the "standard" saddles provided on new bikes are designed for a standardized male anatomy. However, it’s possible that it doesn’t suit your body, accentuating abrasions, pain, and burning. Women’s saddles are wider than those for men because of their more spaced ischial bones.

There are also many models with a perineal relief area: a hollow or even a gap in the center of the saddle, to prevent the vulva and perineum from rubbing. (Note that hollowed-out saddles can also be very useful for men’s perineums.)

In any case, the simplest solution is to ask for advice from your specialized retailer.

Think About Your Posture

Posture is a key element in avoiding discomfort for cyclists. Your bike should adapt to your body, not the other way around!

The height and positioning of your saddle, the angle of your handlebars, and the adjustment of your pedals are all factors to consider for pain-free rides.

Leave this precision work to the specialists: after a posture assessment, your bike will be set up to fit you perfectly, and it will make all the difference.

Before the Ride: Cyclists, Prepare Your Skin

For your buttocks: chamois cream

A quick but important reminder before preparing your buttocks: NEVER wear underwear under your shorts. Never.

The folds and seams could irritate you.

Next, make sure your gear is clean and completely dry: moisture can lead to maceration, which your sensitive skin may not appreciate.

Before dressing, feel free to apply chamois cream either directly on the insert of your shorts or on the areas most likely to be irritated. These insulating and often antibacterial creams help prevent chafing.

For the rest of your body: hydration and SPF50!

Cycling is an outdoor sport, and the combination of wind and sun isn’t beneficial for your skin. Before heading out, hydrate generously with After Sport Ritual serum: the combination of hyaluronic acid and the innovative RGTA complex will help your skin maintain hydration during the effort, protecting it from external aggressions. As for SPF50, it’s essential for all your outdoor activities, no matter your skin tone. Planning on riding for several hours? Take a tube with you so you can reapply every two hours.

After the Ride: Repair Your Skin and Recover

The shower is the first recovery reflex for cyclists. A no-brainer, but one that’s sometimes worth repeating!

As soon as the ride is over, wash your body with a mild soap. Not only will it relax you, but it will also help eliminate all the dirt from the road, as well as any residues of chamois cream and sunscreen. Pay special attention to irritated areas, and dry yourself carefully with a clean towel.

If, despite your preventive efforts, your skin is burning and your buttocks are sore, Bye Bye Burn cream will be your ally. It optimizes the healing of the skin tissues, even on the most sensitive areas of your anatomy. Apply it daily until your skin is fully recovered.

Is the area still painful? Rest! Getting back on the saddle when you're in pain can promote the development of cysts.

To rehydrate and accelerate the regeneration of skin damaged by the sun, rehydrate it by applying a generous amount of After Sport Ritual. And to soothe joint discomfort that may arise after a demanding ride, complete your skincare routine with localized massages using Shock and Roll. Its convenient roll-on tip helps you deliver the regenerative powers of its formula precisely where your skin needs it most.