For whatever ails your skin, really…
When the FP copy team was tasked to “wear test” the new Friction Free Anti-Chafe Body Stick from Summary, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. A few of us were familiar with the pains of skin chafing (irritation) thanks to intense workouts or sweaty summer soirees, but it wasn’t necessarily an issue that sat top of mind for anyone.
What WAS a concern for most of us? Skin sensitivity, dry patches, abrasiveness that sometimes comes with wearing tight jeans and workout gear. Razor burn, too??
After a weekend of experimenting, turns out that this ultra-versatile, easy-to-apply, portable stick might fast become part of everyone’s “schtick.” Maybe yours, too?
Read on for this morning’s Slack chat and invaluable takeaways:
Carrie 10:15 AM
Good morning, (hopefully chafe-free) copy team!
Jules 10:17 AM
Good morning!! Excited to hear about everyone's anti-chafe experience!
Gwen 10:17 AM
Hellooooo 😇
Natalie 10:18 AM
Hi everyone! Yay, so excited to hear, too! 😊
Carrie 10:20 AM
Show of hands -- was chafing/skin irritation ever a concern for any of you before today?
Jules 10:21 AM
So, I've never actually had an issue with chafing, but I have extremely sensitive skin and have dealt with eczema since I was a baby! I've bounced around remedies from cortisone creams to prescription and everything in between.
Gwen 1 hour ago
Because of my body shape, occasionally yes. Skirts and shorts worn for long periods of time were always a pain. Same with Jules, too – I've always had really sensitive skin.
Gwen 43 minutes ago
Me dealing with that was either, a) wearing shorts under skirts/dresses to avoid that; and b) wearing shorts for short (lol) periods of time or longer shorts as of recent years (thank god they're in style now) 😆
Natalie 43 minutes ago
It wasn't for me necessarily (on the standard spots like in between my legs), but sometimes I could get irritation around my lower stomach area if my leggings were high rise and rubbed while working out, or at the back of my thighs when I would wear running shorts with built-in spandex that were on the tighter side! I've never tried anything to combat the issue, but it's so nice now having this product to prevent it ahead of time. Also excited to try it in the coming summer months when I wear denim shorts... I feel like that's when I notice the discomfort the most!
Jules 10:25 AM
Yes! I love rigid jeans and I feel like wearing them for long periods of time is when I can sometimes feel irritation so I think this would be perfect for that, too.
❗️2
Caitlin 10:25 AM
I don't have a lot of issues with chafing in the usual sense (between the legs) but I often get some issues with my sports bra rubbing under my arms and back — I usually combat this by wearing a tank instead (like the Happiness Runs) but sometimes that doesn't offer enough compression.
Carrie 10:26 AM
So -- safe to say that, generally, sensitive skin is what we were hoping to address/alleviate through this "experiment?"
Gwen 10:28 AM
Definitely! I like how the product really emphasizes that it is not a "chafe only" stick. The moisturizing formula is good for dry spots, too, which I feel like a lot of people suffer from in different ways.
What WAS a concern for most of us? Skin sensitivity, dry patches, abrasiveness that sometimes comes with wearing tight jeans and workout gear. Razor burn, too??
After a weekend of experimenting, turns out that this ultra-versatile, easy-to-apply, portable stick might fast become part of everyone’s “schtick.” Maybe yours, too?
Read on for this morning’s Slack chat and invaluable takeaways:
Carrie 10:15 AM
Good morning, (hopefully chafe-free) copy team!
Jules 10:17 AM
Good morning!! Excited to hear about everyone's anti-chafe experience!
Gwen 10:17 AM
Hellooooo 😇
Natalie 10:18 AM
Hi everyone! Yay, so excited to hear, too! 😊
Carrie 10:20 AM
Show of hands -- was chafing/skin irritation ever a concern for any of you before today?
Jules 10:21 AM
So, I've never actually had an issue with chafing, but I have extremely sensitive skin and have dealt with eczema since I was a baby! I've bounced around remedies from cortisone creams to prescription and everything in between.
Gwen 1 hour ago
Because of my body shape, occasionally yes. Skirts and shorts worn for long periods of time were always a pain. Same with Jules, too – I've always had really sensitive skin.
Gwen 43 minutes ago
Me dealing with that was either, a) wearing shorts under skirts/dresses to avoid that; and b) wearing shorts for short (lol) periods of time or longer shorts as of recent years (thank god they're in style now) 😆
Natalie 43 minutes ago
It wasn't for me necessarily (on the standard spots like in between my legs), but sometimes I could get irritation around my lower stomach area if my leggings were high rise and rubbed while working out, or at the back of my thighs when I would wear running shorts with built-in spandex that were on the tighter side! I've never tried anything to combat the issue, but it's so nice now having this product to prevent it ahead of time. Also excited to try it in the coming summer months when I wear denim shorts... I feel like that's when I notice the discomfort the most!
Jules 10:25 AM
Yes! I love rigid jeans and I feel like wearing them for long periods of time is when I can sometimes feel irritation so I think this would be perfect for that, too.
❗️2
Caitlin 10:25 AM
I don't have a lot of issues with chafing in the usual sense (between the legs) but I often get some issues with my sports bra rubbing under my arms and back — I usually combat this by wearing a tank instead (like the Happiness Runs) but sometimes that doesn't offer enough compression.
Carrie 10:26 AM
So -- safe to say that, generally, sensitive skin is what we were hoping to address/alleviate through this "experiment?"
Gwen 10:28 AM
Definitely! I like how the product really emphasizes that it is not a "chafe only" stick. The moisturizing formula is good for dry spots, too, which I feel like a lot of people suffer from in different ways.
Jules 10:28 AM
I think so – when I was looking up info on this stick, I was most excited about its balminess ala sea buckthorn and oat kernel oil. I've experienced pretty bad stress eczema flare ups where I've tried washing my face with oatmeal or using Vaseline to help with said patches.
Gwen 10:29 AM
So true, Jules – it feels like a nice, less sticky, more convenient alternative to Vaseline and Aquaphor.
Carrie 39 minutes ago
And healthier, right? Petroleum-free?!
Gwen 38 minutes ago
Yes! Ingredients are always key and I always feel better putting something more naturally-derived on my body.
Jules 10:30 AM
Exactly ^ which is why I think it’s perfect for summer -- it had that balmy feeling I wanted from Vaseline without leaving the greasiness.
❗️1
My boyfriend also tried it when he went to the gym/worked his 12-hr shift as a nurse, and he liked how lightweight it was for him! He usually chafes on his thighs and he felt like this was something he could use when it gets hotter.
Gwen 10:35 AM
I also get baaaaddddddd razor bumps on my inner thighs/bikini area as well, and this seemed like the perfect thing to ease that irritation. It seems like a great summer essential, and especially in its compact form it's something you can take with you when you need it or keep it handy when you're right out of the shower.
❗️1
Caitlin 10:36 AM
I think a lot of my uncomfortable-ness with chafing comes from clothes moving around and sticky sweaty skin rubbing together so I often combat that by wearing more clothes, which is not ideal -- I rarely, if ever, wear shorts to work out in just because i don’t like the idea of my skin touching, but i really do feel like the Summary stick creates a "barrier" of sorts, thanks to the sunflower seed wax in it!
💯1❗️2
Somehow it feels like a rubber bumper on top of your skin, yet somehow still hydrating to the touch.
Jules 10:37 AM
I agree! I used it on my hands before I went to bed a few nights in a row and it helped with dryness without leaving that sticky feel, like it soaked in without a film.
Carrie 10:38 AM
What were your first impressions -- texture, scent, ease of application?
Gwen 10:38 AM
So true, Caitlin. My friend Laura always wears shorts to the gym, but she has less thigh-age than i do 😆 and I'm like, "there's no way i could do that without being uncomfortable." This gives me a bit of hope that this summer I won't have to wear leggings to the gym and sweat more than I already do.
Jules 10:40 AM
First impressions: the bergamot mint smell was nice and herbal-ish, which I like, but not too overwhelming for people who are sensitive to fragrance. The texture was super smooth and soft like a petroleum jelly, but harder and less goopy. Application was 10/10 easy and effortless (and great bc it's portable for reapplication)I !
🌱1
Gwen 10:43 AM
Different from goopy dry skin treatments I use normally. It feels light but that it will do the job. When people want remedies, convenience is key. Its stick form makes it less of a hassle to put on, which I feel makes it less intimidating or embarrassing to use, since there is a level of stigma with chafing especially.
❗️1❤️1
Caitlin 10:43 AM
I am so fascinated by the texture -- it's almost like a Chapstick/waxy texture, but so lightweight -- you can definitely feel it on the skin, but not in a bad way, in a way that makes you know it's working.
I love the scent, it's very natural and light.
And the application is so simple and I agree, I think the packaging makes it so easy to carry around. This is a product I think people would definitely like to reapply throughout the day.
❗️2🏆 1
I think so – when I was looking up info on this stick, I was most excited about its balminess ala sea buckthorn and oat kernel oil. I've experienced pretty bad stress eczema flare ups where I've tried washing my face with oatmeal or using Vaseline to help with said patches.
Gwen 10:29 AM
So true, Jules – it feels like a nice, less sticky, more convenient alternative to Vaseline and Aquaphor.
Carrie 39 minutes ago
And healthier, right? Petroleum-free?!
Gwen 38 minutes ago
Yes! Ingredients are always key and I always feel better putting something more naturally-derived on my body.
Jules 10:30 AM
Exactly ^ which is why I think it’s perfect for summer -- it had that balmy feeling I wanted from Vaseline without leaving the greasiness.
❗️1
My boyfriend also tried it when he went to the gym/worked his 12-hr shift as a nurse, and he liked how lightweight it was for him! He usually chafes on his thighs and he felt like this was something he could use when it gets hotter.
Gwen 10:35 AM
I also get baaaaddddddd razor bumps on my inner thighs/bikini area as well, and this seemed like the perfect thing to ease that irritation. It seems like a great summer essential, and especially in its compact form it's something you can take with you when you need it or keep it handy when you're right out of the shower.
❗️1
Caitlin 10:36 AM
I think a lot of my uncomfortable-ness with chafing comes from clothes moving around and sticky sweaty skin rubbing together so I often combat that by wearing more clothes, which is not ideal -- I rarely, if ever, wear shorts to work out in just because i don’t like the idea of my skin touching, but i really do feel like the Summary stick creates a "barrier" of sorts, thanks to the sunflower seed wax in it!
💯1❗️2
Somehow it feels like a rubber bumper on top of your skin, yet somehow still hydrating to the touch.
Jules 10:37 AM
I agree! I used it on my hands before I went to bed a few nights in a row and it helped with dryness without leaving that sticky feel, like it soaked in without a film.
Carrie 10:38 AM
What were your first impressions -- texture, scent, ease of application?
Gwen 10:38 AM
So true, Caitlin. My friend Laura always wears shorts to the gym, but she has less thigh-age than i do 😆 and I'm like, "there's no way i could do that without being uncomfortable." This gives me a bit of hope that this summer I won't have to wear leggings to the gym and sweat more than I already do.
Jules 10:40 AM
First impressions: the bergamot mint smell was nice and herbal-ish, which I like, but not too overwhelming for people who are sensitive to fragrance. The texture was super smooth and soft like a petroleum jelly, but harder and less goopy. Application was 10/10 easy and effortless (and great bc it's portable for reapplication)I !
🌱1
Gwen 10:43 AM
Different from goopy dry skin treatments I use normally. It feels light but that it will do the job. When people want remedies, convenience is key. Its stick form makes it less of a hassle to put on, which I feel makes it less intimidating or embarrassing to use, since there is a level of stigma with chafing especially.
❗️1❤️1
Caitlin 10:43 AM
I am so fascinated by the texture -- it's almost like a Chapstick/waxy texture, but so lightweight -- you can definitely feel it on the skin, but not in a bad way, in a way that makes you know it's working.
I love the scent, it's very natural and light.
And the application is so simple and I agree, I think the packaging makes it so easy to carry around. This is a product I think people would definitely like to reapply throughout the day.
❗️2🏆 1
"
Gwen 10:44 AM
I also read some articles leading up to this, which said a lot of anti-chafing remedies are targeted toward men and athletes. The packaging, scent, and overall handiness of it will make it seem like an everyone product, and not some far-reaching remedy that may or may not work.
"
Carrie 10:45 AM
So can you tell me a little bit about how/when/where you used your sticks? And your takeaways -- meaning, did it help to curb aforementioned skin ailments?
Jules 10:48 AM
So I consistently used it on my hands and the back of my knees before bed since that's where my skin is the driest -- I loved it for that because I hate that sticky feeling of creams when I'm under the sheets! I also tried using it after I shower to see how it worked with my other skincare staples and I found it didn't cause any irritation. I've been keeping it next to my bed because honestly it's just kinda fun to reapply lol
Carrie 10:49 AM
And how about the nurse?
Jules 19 minutes ago
He used it before the gym and before putting on his scrubs for work! He doesn't really have any skin issues (I'm so jealous) but he's dealt with chafing in the past, so I think this would be something he could keep in his work bag/gym locker for when needed!
Gwen 10:49 AM
I wore a skirt to the bar this weekend (lol) which I never do because of the comfort issue and sweating when in a crowded place. But this definitely made me think about my discomfort less and just focus on having a good time and feeling confident. I also normally use a post-shave oil for razor bumps, but replaced it with this. It left everything just as soft as the shave oil did and actually moisturized those areas for longer periods of time.
🍸1
Caitlin 10:50 AM
I wore it during my workouts -- I wore shorts for a power pilates video because it had a lot of small movements where I thought my legs might rub -- which they did, and I didn't feel uncomfortable. My body tends to get sweaty all over when I do pilates and I actually feel like where I applied the stick were the only places that stayed more dry, which was cool.
I also used it during an arm workout and placed it where my sports bra usually rubs. I feel like it really did act as a barrier to where my skin typically becomes irritated, and even though my sports bra moved around, it didn't leave any soreness behind. (I have a mole on my back, right where the edge of a racerback sports bra hits, which always rubs against my bra and becomes painful. But I used the stick, and it did alleviate some of the discomfort! So a good solution in the interim!)
Carrie 10:51 AM
So, safe to say that this "anti-chafe" stick is actually SUPER versatile
Gwen 10:51 AM
Back of my arms is the driest spot too because of a little keratosis, and it feels like a baby's butt after I use this stuff.
🙌1👶1
So can you tell me a little bit about how/when/where you used your sticks? And your takeaways -- meaning, did it help to curb aforementioned skin ailments?
Jules 10:48 AM
So I consistently used it on my hands and the back of my knees before bed since that's where my skin is the driest -- I loved it for that because I hate that sticky feeling of creams when I'm under the sheets! I also tried using it after I shower to see how it worked with my other skincare staples and I found it didn't cause any irritation. I've been keeping it next to my bed because honestly it's just kinda fun to reapply lol
Carrie 10:49 AM
And how about the nurse?
Jules 19 minutes ago
He used it before the gym and before putting on his scrubs for work! He doesn't really have any skin issues (I'm so jealous) but he's dealt with chafing in the past, so I think this would be something he could keep in his work bag/gym locker for when needed!
Gwen 10:49 AM
I wore a skirt to the bar this weekend (lol) which I never do because of the comfort issue and sweating when in a crowded place. But this definitely made me think about my discomfort less and just focus on having a good time and feeling confident. I also normally use a post-shave oil for razor bumps, but replaced it with this. It left everything just as soft as the shave oil did and actually moisturized those areas for longer periods of time.
🍸1
Caitlin 10:50 AM
I wore it during my workouts -- I wore shorts for a power pilates video because it had a lot of small movements where I thought my legs might rub -- which they did, and I didn't feel uncomfortable. My body tends to get sweaty all over when I do pilates and I actually feel like where I applied the stick were the only places that stayed more dry, which was cool.
I also used it during an arm workout and placed it where my sports bra usually rubs. I feel like it really did act as a barrier to where my skin typically becomes irritated, and even though my sports bra moved around, it didn't leave any soreness behind. (I have a mole on my back, right where the edge of a racerback sports bra hits, which always rubs against my bra and becomes painful. But I used the stick, and it did alleviate some of the discomfort! So a good solution in the interim!)
Carrie 10:51 AM
So, safe to say that this "anti-chafe" stick is actually SUPER versatile
Gwen 10:51 AM
Back of my arms is the driest spot too because of a little keratosis, and it feels like a baby's butt after I use this stuff.
🙌1👶1
"
Jules 10:53 AM
I think, because of the texture, it's great for so many skin types -- and I am truly so sensitive to products because of my skin type and this didn't cause any reactions for me!
"
Gwen 10:53 AM
EXTREMELY! It's the best thing about it, I think – we all obviously have very different scenarios, but have found great use of it despite it being labeled as an anti-chafe stick. Other anti-chafe sticks feel very singular to that issue – this you can use almost as a lotion substitute.
Jules 10:54 AM
I would honestly say if you're at the gym, or doing any type of outdoor activity in the heat for long periods of time such as hiking, running, etc., this is super handy for carrying in a bag or even a pocket.
Gwen 10:55 AM
Summary makes it very clear that you can create your own personal use for the product, not just between your thighs or for any athletic irritation.
Jules 10:55 AM
The anti-chafe stick that's not just for chafing!
💯1
Gwen 13 minutes ago
110%! That's the selling point and what the real takeaway from the product is, in my opinion.
❤️1
DEFINITELY a summer essential, as everyone's skin goes through something different once more heat/UV is introduced to the climate.
Natalie 10:57 AM
I used it on my waist area this weekend at the gym where my leggings typically dig into my skin, and I def noticed more comfort while I was running/sweating on the treadmill! The consistency reminded me a little bit of a stick highlighter I have for makeup, which was awesome. I loved the scent, ease of application, and the lightness of the formula! I totally agree that it has the benefits of a stickier/heavier barrier without the greasiness or even knowing it's there! Also strongly agree with Caitlin that it would be amazing under the arms where sports bras typically rub. I honestly didn’t even think about that, but that is def an issue for me! And hikes, walks outside in the summer for SURE. Maybe even to the beach?
Caitlin 10:58 AM
I'm going to Nashville this weekend for my bachelorette party and it's supposed to be in the high eighties so I'll definitely be bringing this along since we'll all be wearing shorts/dresses. I told my sister about it and she's actually really excited to use it because she struggles with chafing in the summer.
EXTREMELY! It's the best thing about it, I think – we all obviously have very different scenarios, but have found great use of it despite it being labeled as an anti-chafe stick. Other anti-chafe sticks feel very singular to that issue – this you can use almost as a lotion substitute.
Jules 10:54 AM
I would honestly say if you're at the gym, or doing any type of outdoor activity in the heat for long periods of time such as hiking, running, etc., this is super handy for carrying in a bag or even a pocket.
Gwen 10:55 AM
Summary makes it very clear that you can create your own personal use for the product, not just between your thighs or for any athletic irritation.
Jules 10:55 AM
The anti-chafe stick that's not just for chafing!
💯1
Gwen 13 minutes ago
110%! That's the selling point and what the real takeaway from the product is, in my opinion.
❤️1
DEFINITELY a summer essential, as everyone's skin goes through something different once more heat/UV is introduced to the climate.
Natalie 10:57 AM
I used it on my waist area this weekend at the gym where my leggings typically dig into my skin, and I def noticed more comfort while I was running/sweating on the treadmill! The consistency reminded me a little bit of a stick highlighter I have for makeup, which was awesome. I loved the scent, ease of application, and the lightness of the formula! I totally agree that it has the benefits of a stickier/heavier barrier without the greasiness or even knowing it's there! Also strongly agree with Caitlin that it would be amazing under the arms where sports bras typically rub. I honestly didn’t even think about that, but that is def an issue for me! And hikes, walks outside in the summer for SURE. Maybe even to the beach?
Caitlin 10:58 AM
I'm going to Nashville this weekend for my bachelorette party and it's supposed to be in the high eighties so I'll definitely be bringing this along since we'll all be wearing shorts/dresses. I told my sister about it and she's actually really excited to use it because she struggles with chafing in the summer.
"
I'm also wondering if it might help with the straps of my high heels rubbing at all of these weddings/ events I've been going to.
"
Jules 10:58 AM
True! I think it would work at the beach because of the applicator (you could wipe it off if it gets sandy) and because it isn't sticky-feeling.
☀️1
Carrie 10:59 AM
Final takeaways -- sounds like this stick is gonna be stickin with all of you this summer...and beyond?
Jules 10:59 AM
Yes! I'm going hiking this weekend and will definitely bring this with me.
✔️1
Gwen 11:00 AM
From the bar to beach and back again
❤️3
Natalie 11:00 AM
Agreed! I'm so excited about how versatile it is and hearing about all of the different ways to use it that I didn't even think of – makes it that much better!
❤️1
Caitlin 11:34 AM
OH! I also went to a bridal shower this weekend and wore a long dress -- usually I would pair with shorts or Spanx underneath so my bare legs wouldn't rub together, but I felt okay wearing regular undies because I put the Anti-Chafe Stick on. So I definitely think beyond the actual skincare benefits it'll give people some extra invisible confidence.
❗️1💥1
True! I think it would work at the beach because of the applicator (you could wipe it off if it gets sandy) and because it isn't sticky-feeling.
☀️1
Carrie 10:59 AM
Final takeaways -- sounds like this stick is gonna be stickin with all of you this summer...and beyond?
Jules 10:59 AM
Yes! I'm going hiking this weekend and will definitely bring this with me.
✔️1
Gwen 11:00 AM
From the bar to beach and back again
❤️3
Natalie 11:00 AM
Agreed! I'm so excited about how versatile it is and hearing about all of the different ways to use it that I didn't even think of – makes it that much better!
❤️1
Caitlin 11:34 AM
OH! I also went to a bridal shower this weekend and wore a long dress -- usually I would pair with shorts or Spanx underneath so my bare legs wouldn't rub together, but I felt okay wearing regular undies because I put the Anti-Chafe Stick on. So I definitely think beyond the actual skincare benefits it'll give people some extra invisible confidence.
❗️1💥1
"
I think women especially get so embarrassed about things like chafing, which is completely beyond our control (because of crazy patriarchal beauty standards) and even though it's totally natural and normal and okay, just having a solution for something that may be stopping you from wearing shorts altogether, might be a small bridge to a more body-positive future 🤞
"
Jules 11:36 AM
So true!!!!!!
Gwen 11:36 AM
^^^^THAT PART
So true!!!!!!
Gwen 11:36 AM
^^^^THAT PART
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