You're about to swap the 4/3 wettie for the 3/2 or dare I say it even the spring suit and boardies aren't too far away!
Congratulations - you're about to enter PEAK CHAFE SEASON.
You're skin has been hibernating in witness protection all winter, months spent under the 4mm of neoprene has left it dry and unexposed. Add in a new wetsuit, new seams, new friction zones - and you're skin is about to be in for a nasty surprise.
So what can you do to prevent chafing - here's a few quick/easy steps to take
🏖️ Exfoliate before you dive back in - I know what you're thinking guys, but hear me out. This could be a gentle scrub 2-3 days before your first spring suit/boardies, thinner wetsuit sesh. This will give you a clean skin surface to work from.
🏖️Mositurise daily, and not just on your surf days, yes guys you are going to develop a (mini) skincare routine here - it will be worth it in the long run, perhaps borrow some of your wife/partners nice moisturiser. Dry skin catches more on seams, neoprene, moisturising will help prevent this.
🏖️ Check your suit for new/different seams/ exposed skin surfaces - these will be the high risk areas. Expect more friction the first few outings and keen an eye on any new areas.
🏖️ Break in a new suit gently (if possible) - alternate between your old suit and the new one if possible to break it in.
🏖️ Balm up with your SURFAH Balm to prevent chafing, and reapply to any irritated areas post surf/activity.
🏖️ Salt + sand + warm water = the perfect chafe matrix! don't forget to wash off when you are home to help your skin recover quicker. You can reapply your SURFAH balm to any irritated areas as needed.
Make sure you are ready to enjoy those waves.