Chafing on the inside of the thighs is an uncomfortable reality for many. We don't need thigh gaps or weight loss (embrace your curves).

Here are some of the best expert-approved tips to confidently overcome the most common chafing issues and ease the pain of chafing.

Excessive chafing for any reason, whether walking, working out, or wearing your favorite tight skinny jeans, can cause the inner thigh skin to become weak and worn, leading to painful thigh chafing.

To prevent this: according to Dr. Allison Hanlon, a dermatologist in Nashville, Tennessee, Body Glide (open in new tab) is a great solution. Many runners and bikers swear by it. The editorial team also loves Gold Bond's Friction Defense (opens in new tab), which protects chafing-prone skin.

"Anti-abrasion products form a protective film on the skin that can reduce friction where it touches the skin," explains Dr. Birnur Aral, senior chemist at the Good Housekeeping Institute. Alal suggests combining ingredients that create a film, such as wax or polyethylene, with powders that give a silky, non-sticky feel, such as silica or zinc oxide. One editor uses antiperspirants (opens in new tab) on the thighs.

Failure to wear proper exercise wear can be hard on the thighs. Also, no one wants to spend an hour kickboxing and come home with red, raw skin.

To prevent this: ditch the loose-fitting cotton pants. Says Hanlon, "They hold in moisture and irritate the skin even more." Instead, he recommends choosing moisture-wicking fabrics that stay close to the body. Another idea is to alternate days of upper- and lower-body workouts to give the thighs a rest.

Moisture can destroy the top layer of skin, leaving chafing, irritation, and pain.

To prevent this: talcum powder (open in new tab) protects against perspiration and helps keep skin dry. Apply a thin dusting before starting your day.

For more intense sweating, you may need to call your dermatologist. Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., founder of Mariwalla Dermatology, suggests, "If you are sweating heavily, ask your dermatologist to prescribe a new prescription product called QBrexa Wipes." 'QBrexa wipes are for people with excessive sweating. She explains, "Just one wipe at night will reduce sweating in a matter of days."

If you are already in pain (ugh), there are a few things you can do to ease the pain and speed the healing process.

1. use a mild cleanser and do not scrub. Using harsh soaps can aggravate chafed skin and make the situation even worse. Wash gently with lukewarm water and use a pH-neutral moisturizing bar such as Dove (open in new tab).

2. Change wardrobe. Wear soft, breathable cotton clothes during the day and breathable cotton pajamas at night instead of a nightgown, says Dr. Kavita Maliwala, a dermatologic surgeon at Stony Brook Hospital in New York. This way, the thighs are protected from further irritation.

3. Moisturize. Use old Vaseline (open with new tab) to soothe, protect, and heal raw skin. Avoid creams with fragrances or fancy ingredients and stick to standard Vaseline. Another option is Skin Fix Nourishing Cream, popular with dermatologists. Applied after a shower, it "prevents irritation, moisturizes, and protects.

4. invest in an anti-abrasion band. When you wear a dress on a hot, sweaty summer day, no matter how many anti-chafing products you stock up on, your thighs will inevitably chafe. Get a head start on chafing by wearing an anti-chafing band (opens in new tab). Nothing chafes like an anti-chafing cream or balm.

5. Consult a physician. If the abrasion does not get better, you may have an infection. If the skin is broken, yeast or bacteria can take up residence and medicated creams may have to be used.