We know your wedding day will be full of precious memories, so irritating chafing shouldn't be one of them, so stocking up on anti-chafing sticks or creams is a really good idea. At some point in their lives, most women will experience thigh rub and it is a normal part of life when temperatures are higher. While it happens to the best of us, for some it feels constantly uncomfortable, and if the chafing is part of your everyday life it can lead to irritated skin and raw patches. But it needn't be that way, especially on your big day. There are lots of fantastic anti-chafing sticks and creams that work to heal, soothe and protect your skin. But before we look at the best shopping solutions, let's look a little deeper into the causes of chafing.

What Is Thigh Chafing?

Thigh chafing is a result of the skin between your thighs rubbing repeatedly which causes friction. When it's warmer, or we're overheating, this friction can lead to irritation. In the absence of anti-chafing sticks or creams, this can lead to discomfort, rashes or painful broken skin. The situation isn't helped if you are prone to sweating, so this chafing can affect the armpits and underboobs where moisture has no chance of escaping. To tackle all of this effectively, we need to rethink our approach to skincare products and how we use them. For your wedding day, we have a checklist of how you can keep cool when nerves and excitement can cause excessive sweating.

Chafing And Sweating

If searching for anti-chafing sticks, creams, powders or balms, you will get many options, but what you're looking for is something that creates a barrier for your skin. Better again are products that have a healing factor to repair the damaged skin barrier and restore health. For the additional stress of underarm or underboob chafing, there is an extra step you can take to stop irritation caused by sweating. Antiperspirants plug the sweat glands and they are best used at night when these glands are empty and inactive. Make sure the skin is dry and not still damp from showering to get the best from the antiperspirant, and in the morning apply again to have the maximum protection from sweating under your arms or breasts. For all of the above, these are our choice of the best anti-chafing sticks and creams available.

Best cult favourite anti-chafing stick: Megababe Thigh Rescue Stick

Multi-award-winning Megababe Thigh Rescue has cult status, and deservedly so. The anti-chafing stick is filled with soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera and pomegranate seed extract. It can be used on the thighs, arms, toes, and wherever you need some chafing protection.

Why we like it: It's fast-drying and reduces inflammation rapidly, a must-have in your bridal handbag.

Best cooling gel for hot weather: Mama Mio Lucky Legs

Designed for heavy or swollen legs in summer, Mama Mio's Lucky Legs is instantly cooling and healing. Vegan, it's packed full of plant extracts and has a natural fragrance derived from peppermint and menthol. Use on the thighs, calves and feet for cool and revived legs on your wedding day.

Why we love it: Lucky Legs is also great after a long wedding day before you put your feet up. Natural and soothing, it's great the morning after a night dancing at your hen party too!

Best cream to powder stick: Body Glide For Her Moisturising Anti-Chafe Balm Stick

Body Glide's Balm Stick is an easy-to-apply cream that turns into a fresh and soothing barrier on the skin. Enriched with coconut and almond oils plus skin-repairing vitamins, it's suitable for chapped and irritated skin. Apply before dressing, the stick is non-transferable and won't stain fabrics like your wedding dress.

Why we like it: Does what it says on the tin and smells delicious.

Best multipurpose anti-chafe stick: Frank Body Glide 'n' Go: Body Oil Stick

For those who prefer a multipurpose buy, this Frank Body stick is a deeply hydrating and nourishing anti-chafing oil. It will smooth and soften the affected skin, plus it works on dry or rough skin elsewhere on the body. As a final benefit, it can be used as a highlighter along the collarbones, arms and legs.

Why we like it: Great for taking abroad for all that it does, it's ideal for honeymoon packing.

Best for sensitive skin: First Aid Beauty Anti-Chafe Stick with Shea Butter + Oatmeal

Even sensitive skin needs anti-chafing sticks on occasion, and First Aid Beauty's formula was designed with that delicate skin type in mind. Colloidal oatmeal is hugely effective for restoring skin health and strength. Here it is blended with nourishing Shea Butter to provide a healing effect while still being massively sweat-resistant for chafing on the inner thighs or anywhere else you need protection.

Why we like it: Simple and efficient, it can be used on underarms and underboobs if necessary.

Best repairing cream for chafed thighs: Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Cream

For very irritated skin there needs to be a time for healing. After using anti-chafing sticks or creams it's important to let the skin breathe and to repair itself. That time is nighttime, and after bathing a layer of Avène's Cicalfate+ will restore the skin's natural barrier and soothe away redness and sore patches. Suitable for the whole family, this SOS cream is a beauty staple.

Why we love it: Cicalfate is a multipurpose skin saver, there is little it can't do for dry or irritated skin.

Best multipurpose repairing cream: WooWoo Saddle Sore! Chafing Balm

Another multipurpose repairing beauty buy, this time in balm form. Rich in natural oils and extracts, WooWoo's Chafing Balm works on shaved or waxed skin as well as areas of chafing. Chamomile, rosehip oil and Aloe Vera get to work immediately to soothe affected areas.

Why we like it: The balm is also great for preventing razor bumps on legs and bikini lines, it soothes fast and the skin looks and feels better instantly.

From fast fixes for self-tan mistakes to the essentials you need in your wedding day bag, One Fab Day has got you covered.