Or you are in the middle of a workout or constantly running around a big city in a temperature of 32 degrees (as I often do), to sand can put a real damper on your active routine. It's downright painful and uncomfortable, and to avoid it at all costsanti-chafe sticks have become a non-negotiable in my summer beauty routine.
It turns out I'm not alone, especially when it comes to those who are, albeit, more active than me. Olympic rugby player Ilona Maher felt this and more when developing her new line, Medalist Skinwith an anti-chafe stick that is aptly named No Fric Stick anti-chafing balm ($20). “The inspiration behind No Fric Stick comes directly from my training and competitive experiences as a rugby player and Olympian,” says Maher. Because rugby is a high-intensity sport, chafing is a constant factor in performance and comfort. “I wanted to help develop a product that would not only effectively prevent to sand, but also uses ingredients that are safe for the skin and the athlete,” she says.
But the great thing about No Fric Stick is that it's designed to help anyone who suffers from chafing, whether you go to the gym or dance or suffer from skin irritation during workouts or daily activities like I do. And if you're a triathlete, runner or cyclist, No Fric Stick is a product to keep in your gym bag regularly, says Maher. “This product is specifically designed to prevent chafing and discomfort from friction, so you can stay focused on training and competing,” she says. No friction = no distractions, whether you're preparing for an important game or just trying to catch a train.
The best part is that No Fric Stick goes above and beyond your typical anti-chafe stick by hydrating the skin barrier from the inside and out. It contains shea butter and aloe vera to soothe and protect skin on the outside, plus hyaluronic acid to help seal in moisture. It’s also suitable for all skin types and can be reapplied for continued protection. “It’s designed to be long-lasting and sweat-proof, and the dermatologist-tested, waterproof balm creates a protective barrier that helps prevent chafing while you’re active,” says Maher.
No friction = no distractions, whether you're preparing for an important match or just trying to catch the train.
I have a frustrating relationship with irritating myself (especially during the summer months), so I gave the No Fric Stick a spin during an active 90-degree day while running to various appointments around town. The formula is extremely balmy and fresh and has a cooling scent and feel upon application. I first applied this the morning before I left my apartment for downtown meetings and threw it in my bag in case I needed to reapply. The balm retained the humidity on the street (and in the subway) quite well. In fact, I didn't have to reapply it until later the night before my last event. “I love that the stick format allows for precise application without cluttering your hands, so you can use it on the go,” says Maher. And she's right: it was discreet to carry in my bag and quickly reapply in a public restroom.
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As for irritation, there was none: my skin felt calm and comfortable all day long. There was no sensation of heat or burning and it was not greasy or sticky. I've used it almost every day since that sweltering test and it has held up well since then. Maher says No Fric Stick embodies what Medalist Skin stands for: performance, reliability and care for the skin of a female athlete (or, in my case, a hectic city dweller).
The No Fric Stick is part of a three-part collection within Medalist Skin: The Locker Room Essentials. The line also includes the Clean Sweep Cooling and Cleaning Wipes ($24), which soften and cool the skin after a hard workout and can be used on the face, neck or décolleté and even the armpits to refresh the skin. It contains willow bark extract and cactus flower to nourish and gently exfoliate the skin. The Game Face Clear Skin + cooling moisturizing spray ($20) is the final product in the collection, which is meant to hydrate skin pre- or post-workout with hypochlorous acid plus niacinamide to disinfect and reduce redness. “We believe in merging the worlds of athletics and skincare to provide solutions that not only enhance performance by preventing discomfort, but also promote overall skin wellness and confidence,” Maher says.
And if you're curious whether Maher will take No Fric Stick to the Paris 2024 Olympics this year, the answer is a resounding yes, along with another unexpected beauty product. “In addition to my Locker Room Essentials collection, I bring my statement lipsticks,” she says. Maher has become known for playing rugby with lipstick, which is unique for the typically makeup-free sport. “It's feminine and fun in a space that people often associate with the ruggedness of rugby,” she says.
In her time off from the Games, she’ll be focusing on eating and sleeping well. “Eating and fueling my body properly is a huge part of my journey,” she says. And it’s no surprise that this aligns right with Medalist Skin: a brand that’s redefining beauty in the context of strength, resilience and, most importantly, self-care. “We’re here to support female athletes every step of the way, so they can perform at their best and feel good about the products they’re putting on their skin,” she says. Personally, my thighs are eternally grateful.
