Chamois Cream: What it is and how to use it
Whether you’ve been in the game a few years or are just getting into cycling, chamois cream is something that’s a bit like marmite for cyclists - either they love it and see it as a necessity, or don’t understand what the fuss is about. In this blog, we’ll get to know this mystical cream, what it’s for and how you should use it!
What is chamois cream?
Essentially, chamois cream is a barrier between your skin and your chamois pad inside your cycling shorts or tights. It protects your skin from the friction caused by being in the saddle, thus helping to prevent issues like saddle sores and general soreness.
Good chamois creams will also contain some antibacterial properties, as your shorts or tights are great breeding grounds for bacteria thanks to the warmth and moistness. Chamois creams differ in their consistency, texture, and ingredients, so make sure to read the label carefully if you have any allergies.
Female cyclists should also look out for creams that don’t alter the vaginal pH balance - you don’t necessarily need something that says ‘female specific’, but if you have sensitive skin then avoiding things like menthol or peppermint, for example, will help to avoid irritation. Veloskin is pH neutral and was designed to work for both men and women, so ladies, our chamois cream is absolutely perfect for you. We are working on a female specific version, but it's still a way off just now.
How should you use chamois cream?
Where you use it and exactly how much is down to personal preference, and may vary depending on the length of ride you’re going to be doing. If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend taking a two finger amount out of the tin, but don’t be afraid to be generous.
Some people prefer to apply to the pad, making sure to cover seams and areas where contact is made. Whereas, others prefer to apply directly to their skin. If you do, make sure you cover the obvious saddle contact areas, and your creases such as your backside to your thighs.
For women, don’t be afraid to apply some to the crotch area including the visible portions of the vulva. Just remember to keep it external only, do not apply chamois cream internally. You’ll start to learn where you need to apply the cream after a few rides, but these are some general pointers to help you get started.
Why VeloSkin Chamois Cream?
VeloSkin Chamois Cream isn’t something we added onto an already vast product line, it’s our hero product and the reason we started the company. It took us 46 iterations to get to the formula we were happy with, and plenty of testing across some of England’s most treacherous terrain!
Our patented formula is packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. We use natural ingredients and no animal products whatsoever to provide a thick, luxurious and long-lasting chamois cream that protects and keeps harmful bacteria at bay.
We currently sponsor two of the top men’s and women’s domestic road racing teams in the country, and work with them to take on board any feedback they may have about our Chamois Cream, but they are all big fans of it and are regular users of it.
Equally, it’s just as useful to a cycle commuter or someone who rides 30 miles a week as it is to an elite athlete. VeloSkin Chamois Cream is all about keeping you comfortable on the bike, whatever bike and adventure that may be!
Top Tip
When it comes to storing VeloSkin Chamois Cream, we recommend keeping it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight so as to not alter the consistency through heat. This means the window sill probably isn’t the ideal place to keep your stack of VeloSkin tins, but the bathroom cupboard might be!
Ready to give it a go? Shop our Chamois Cream.
