4 tips for riders with a sensitive skin

We're not afraid of spending many hours in the saddle. However, not every cyclist has elephant skin. Many, including myself, have a much thinner outer layer. I's an annoying problem. The shower afterwards can be very unpleasant with abrasions. Just an angry look would burst open my skin, so to speak... What can you do about it? Prevention is better than cure. In this article I'll share my 4 top tips.

Photo: Sportful Dolomiti Race

1. An excellent bibshort

A proper bibshort is the most important thing: tight, without friction and with a first class chamois! A bibshort is of course personal, and giving advice on which brand is difficult. Trying is key. Don't throw away a bibshort that doesn't feel quite right . They are perfectly usuable for shorter rides or indoor use.

2. Chamois crème

A 'chamois cream' on the buttocks also helps. Sticky stuff, but by now we are used to washing our hands thoroughly and often. It doesn't have to be much either. As with bibshorts, it's an individual choice.

3. The right saddle

Also make sure you have a saddle that does not spoil your cycling. When doing a bike fit (where specialists ensure that you sit optimally) you can ask for special attention for this. For a saddle the same applies as for tip 1 and 2: try, try and try again. Many bike stores offer free loaner saddles. That saves you an investment.

4. Products for when it does go wrong

And after the painful shower? Of course, despite all the precautions taken, you may end with an open skin after too much rubbing and slaving or after an uncomfortable touch with Mother Earth. If you want to ride the next day again, these solutions might help:

• A zinc-based cream: apply thickly to the abrasion and you will be less bothered the next day. Your pharmacist can advise you, in the supermarket you can also find zinc ointment (meant for babies).  
• Skin repair gel, for example from Assos.
• Reskin: a self-adhesive silicone adhesive layer that you can apply to your skin; you can also use this product under the heading "prevention is better than cure"; however, it does not adhere to hair; the "bike patch" for the noble parts of the man, is rather small, so there you should go for the "bike patch extreme".
• Mepilex Ag from Mölnlycke Health Care for covering abrasions after a fall: you can even leave this on the wound for two to three days; the foamy product absorbs the wound fluid and ensures faster healing.

It works for me! Keep pedaling!!!