The unmentionable and embarrassing bodily effects
of repetitious exercise - chafed thighs, armpit rash,
butt burn - traditionally have been managed with
greasy lubricants. Petroleum-based salves or
sport-specific rub-on products help eliminate the
painful skin-against-skin chafing and chapping common
in running, cycling, hiking and other outdoor sports.
Squeaky Cheeks' namesake product is a non-greasy
alternative lubricator. Made of corn starch, bentonite
clay, slippery elm bark and other natural ingredients,
the product fights chafing by keeping your skin dry.
The company recommends using Squeaky Cheeks under
sports bras, in biking shorts, under the arms, in your
shoes or any other place that may get clammy, sweaty
or chafed. Squeaky Cheeks is marketing the product to
everyone from marathoners to golfers to fly fishers.
Testing it out during a marathon and several
adventure races this summer, I've been happy with the
product's performance. The powder lasts pretty much
all day long, keeping me dry and chafe-free in tender
areas.
As a powder, Squeaky Cheeks is a little cumbersome
to apply, especially if you're already out on the race
course. Pouring white powder in my shorts definitely
got me a weird look or two.
Squeaky Cheeks comes in a 5.5-ounce plastic pouch
with a screw-on pour spout. For day trips, I put some
in a baggy and keep it in the top of my pack or in a
pocket. If and when things get rough, the magic powder
is there and ready to soothe, dry and get me on my way
again.