In 2013, the running industry peaked with nearly 19 million Americans crossing the finish line at various running events.

While it is difficult to say how many Americans run simply for exercise without registering for events, it is safe to say it is one of America's favorite past-times.

But running, as well as other high endurance sports that take place outside, can be rough on your skin.

In this article, we'll talk about what running can do to your skin, as well as how to find the best skin salve for you.

Read on for more information.

Running and Biking Can Both Cause One Thing: Chafing

Chafing.

It's a dreaded consequence of many physical activities. Some women even experience it when they're wearing a skirt and their thighs rub together for a prolonged period of time while walking.

But no matter what, the friction of your legs moving against one another, as well as your arms moving against your body, can cause serious chafing.

Additionally, when participating in endurance sports, some fabrics can rub against your body as you move, which can be irritating and uncomfortable.

Contrary to what non-endurance sports participants may think, you can chafe on any part of the body. Not only does it cause your skin to be sore, but it can also cause stinging, bleeding, and crusting. Most people will have a red rash for a few days after a big event if they don't take precautions.

While prevention is the best measure, even those can sometimes fall through. So, let's talk about some ways to both prevent chafing and to help it heal with skin salve.

Soothing Your Skin with Squirrel's Nut Butter Vegan Skin Salve

Are you heading out on a big run, or maybe just going out for a long jog around the neighborhood? Are you healing from a big competition and need a way to help your skin cool down?

If so, Squirrel's Nut Butter Vegan Skin Salve is an excellent product to help you both prevent chafing and soothe irritated skin.

The base of Squirrel's Nut Butter Vegan Skin Salve is coconut oil and cocoa butter, which gives it its beautifully thick consistency (and incredible smell). This is the natural base of the product, and it creates a barrier against your skin from any material or other parts of your body, to rub against it and irritate it as you move.

Also included in the vegan version of our salve is Candelilla, which helps keep your skin slick without using beeswax. Keeping your skin slick is important so that the constant rubbing doesn't irritate it. Instead, when the skin comes in contact, it will simply glide over the area instead of creating a friction rash.

You can use this salve anywhere you're prone to chafing, including your feet.

Additionally, you can use the salve if you're attempting to recover from chafing. Simply slather it on to soothe your skin.

This salve works best when it is warmed up, and it can harden in cooler temperatures. If you're intending to perform an endurance sport in a colder climate, our stick is a much better product to choose to keep your skin slick and chafe-free.

The Original Anti-Chafe Skin Salve

Our Original Anti-Chafe Salve works just like our vegan salve. But instead of Candelilla, it uses beeswax to slicken the area so that fabrics and skin do not damage it and create a rash.

Just like the vegan version, the base is also coconut oil and cocoa butter, giving it a natural but fragrant strong base.

This product is completely natural, and you don't have to worry about putting any harsh chemicals on your skin as you're preventing or healing.

The product performs best in warmer temperatures, just like its vegan twin.

Body Butter

If you're looking for some serious skin restoration in addition to our anti-chafing products, look no further than our body butters. We have two to choose from: Sariah Rose and The Naked Greek. The latter was created in collaboration with Dean Karnazes, a Greek-American ultramarathon runner.

Both are infused with only natural ingredients and are free from artificial fragrance. They'll help bring your skin back to life after running, biking or other outdoor endurance sport that can virtually destroy your skin as you participate.

They're both easily absorbed and can go on any type of skin irritation, including extra dry skin or skin that needs TLC from endurance sports. It also works on eczema and has no greasy residue to make your skin feel greasy and slippery after application.

Healing Your Chafed Skin

In addition to our all-natural salves, there are a few other ways to help heal your chafed skin and nurse it back to its original glory.

Avoid showering or bathing in water that is extremely hot, as this can further irritate the skin. Avoid using any type of chemicals on your skin, as these can make the rash worse, or even make it bleed.

When you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it to keep a handle on your irritation.

If you're still experiencing pain or discomfort, you can put ice packs on the chafed area to help reduce some of the swelling.

Our Amazing Skin Salves

Don't just take our word for it. Purchase a skin salve today that can change the game when it comes to your skincare. Have a look at our all-natural products today! Click to get a product donation for your next event!