Yikes, we feel your pain … and even if your nipples aren’t chafing, it’s always great to know preventative measures and remedies for if they ever do. Chafing can occur from extreme weather conditions, dry air, hot showers, and moist environments. Add a workout with those weather conditions and you’ve got yourself a bit of a nippy problem (or maybe just a situation to nip before it occurs).
To protect your nipples from becoming damaged from friction, it’s important to apply balm and wear the correct attire. Below we’re sharing five remedies for the uncomfortable feeling—everything from a DIY chafing balm recipe to buttery-soft bra options. Scroll on to learn how to protect your nips!
One way to heal and prevent chafing of your nipples is to use hydrating moisturizers packed with healing properties like chamomile and jojoba seed oil.
Soothe with a calming DIY
Ingredients:
1 cup unscented cocoa butter
1 1/3 cup organic beeswax
1 cup organic coconut oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
20 drops tea tree essential oil
20 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions:
1. Combine all the ingredients except for the oil in a glass measuring cup.
2. Place measuring cup in a saucepan with an inch of boiling water. Stir until melted (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Remove the cup from the water and let sit (about 3 minutes).
4. Add the essential oils and stir.
5. Pour into a silicone nonstick mold. (Note: If you don’t have a mold, you can use a soap mold, silicon cupcake pan, and even empty applesauce containers.)
6. Let your balm mixture harden (about three hours).
7. Gently remove from the mold and store in a tin, glass jar with a lid, or parchment paper.
8. Massage the DIY connection onto nipples before bed.
Make sure your bra fits well and is comfortable
Loose-fitting bras can cause your nipples to rub against the material in the wrong way and ultimately lead to an irritating situation. Shop some of our favorite nipple-friendly bras.
We swear this is the most comfortable everyday bra you will ever wear. Plus, the fabric is to die for.
Supportive and cute? What more could we ask for.
Choose moisture-wicking workout attire
Wearing clothing that doesn’t retain sweat or moisture is vital because it will reduce and prevent chafing. Additionally, it will keep the bacteria away. Cotton shirts are known for causing irritation when they are worn for workouts. When it comes to workout attire, we recommend choosing options that will keep your skin dry and reduce the amount of sweat that is seeping into your skin.
This simple and sophisticated fabric will elevate your comfort level while working out.
This bra is made with “sweat-wicking SuperForm fabric.” Thank you, Outdoor Voices.
Avoid doing what caused your irritation
Take a break from whatever activity has been causing you the pain. Chafed nipples can heal within a couple of days if the problem that caused the irritation is stopped immediately. So give it some thought—when did the chafing start and what were you doing differently? Figuring out the root of the problem is key. We like to sleep in loose, oversized shirts to ensure our nipples are exposed to fresh air, or even better, topless! But everyone’s body is different, so figure out what works for you.
Use warm water and mild soap to clean the area in order to prevent any buildup on the open wound. It’s especially important to clean your nipples if they start to bleed.
The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Poosh, LLC (“Poosh”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. You understand and agree that Poosh shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article.
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