Summer is just around the corner, and with it come plenty of little pleasures… and a few little annoyances. The one that bothers you most: thighs that touch when you walk and end up chafing. Why are you built this way? Can you tone your inner thighs? And above all, how can you limit friction and look after your skin when it’s irritated? Causes, everyday habits and anti-chafing solutions: read on!
Why do my thighs touch?
To this question, there are several answers:
- it can be a morphological characteristic, purely genetic, which has nothing to do with weight;
- water retention can explain it, especially in summer. In hot weather, the thighs can swell and end up rubbing together;
- pregnancy can be the cause. Pregnant women put on weight but also tend to retain water, so their body shape changes;
- excess weight can also play a part, since women’s fat cells tend to settle mainly around the thighs, bottom and hips;
- finally, muscle can also be the reason. If you do a sport that works your thighs hard (cycling, weight training), they will naturally gain volume and may end up touching.
In any case, having thighs that touch is nothing rare or shameful. Don’t believe that all girls have a well-defined “thigh gap” because it’s far from being the norm. Few women have this body shape – it requires very slim thighs and a fairly wide pelvis, or being very thin. Given that 40% of French women wear a French size 44 or above, and the most common sizes are 40 (19.5%) and 42 (18.50%), it’s clear that thighs that touch are the norm for most women.
My thighs touch: can I change that?
It all depends on the cause. If the tops of your thighs touch because of your body shape, particularly the shape of your pelvis, no routine will change this genetic trait. Thighs that have become muscular through cycling or weight training may also keep brushing together, and that’s perfectly normal.
A balanced diet and regular exercise are still good habits for looking after yourself (see the next section). For any questions about pregnancy or water retention, ask your GP for advice. Either way, a few simple habits can help limit friction day to day.
How to look after your inner thighs?
If you’re self-conscious about your thighs touching, know that certain solutions exist. You can pamper and look after this area. To look after your thighs, our tips include:
- adopting a varied, balanced diet;
- exercising regularly and choosing an activity that works the inner thighs. Think of certain fitness moves (clamshells, side squats, fire hydrants…) or sports such as roller skating;
- using clever cosmetics, such as our duo of Cryo Slimming Gel Thighs (day) and Night Slimming Cream Thighs, designed for the thigh area – 95% of people who tried this routine recommend it;
- massage, for example with our Slimming Device, whose 3 massage heads let you vary the type of massage and can be used on the inner thighs;
- smart textiles, with actives woven into the fabric, covering the tummy, bottom, hips and thighs. We’re thinking, of course, of our Slimming Shorts. Very comfortable and invisible under clothes, they’re made from a shaping fabric.
Thighs touching: how to limit chafing?
Thigh rubbing isn’t usually a problem in winter, or as long as you’re wearing fairly thick trousers. But when the warm weather arrives, it’s a different story: the heat and the sweat that comes with it lead to inner thigh irritation. And it’s made worse by wearing short shorts or dresses, since the skin rubs as you walk. The upshot: redness and spots, stinging, itching and real discomfort.
The body cream that hydrates and helps firm the skin
- Kigeline & Fenugreek, two plant-based actives at the heart of the formula
- Hydrates the skin and helps strengthen its firmness on targeted areas
- Melting texture: it absorbs quickly, with no residue or greasy film
Fortunately, there are some handy anti-chafing solutions. After all, prevention is still your best weapon! Ways to avoid irritation include:
- wearing suitable clothing – loose, lightweight and ideally made from natural fabrics (linen, cotton), put on over clean, moisturised skin;
- wearing thin microfibre shorts with a “second skin” feel, or anti-chafing thigh bands (they come in different colours and have a light silicone coating to stop them from slipping embarrassingly);
- using a barrier cream or anti-chafing balm, which lubricates and softens the skin on the inner thighs;
- along the same lines, applying a natural plant oil, such as coconut oil, which nourishes the skin while lubricating it. Some people suggest petroleum jelly, but it’s derived from mineral oils, so it’s less advisable;
- applying talc, ideally unscented, as it has the advantage of absorbing moisture;
- And if, despite your efforts, the rubbing has still caused irritation, you can opt for an emollient cream, applied to perfectly clean skin. Certain natural ingredients are also used, such as St John’s wort or calendula infused oils, aloe vera gel or floral waters (lavender, mint). If the irritation persists, ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my thighs touch?
There are several possible reasons: an inherited body shape that has nothing to do with weight, water retention in hot weather, pregnancy, excess weight or thighs that have become muscular through sport. Having thighs that touch is neither rare nor anything to be ashamed of: it’s the case for most women.
Is it normal for your thighs to touch?
Yes, completely. The famous “thigh gap” is far from the norm: it requires very slim thighs and a fairly wide pelvis, a body shape few women have. Most women’s thighs brush together when they walk.
How can I stop my thighs from chafing?
Prevention comes down to simple habits: suitable clothing, a fabric barrier between the thighs or a product that lubricates the skin. All these options are covered in detail in the section on chafing.
To go further, explore the Cellublue shop: our body care products.
The cooling gel that leaves thigh skin firmer
- Immediate cooling effect: menthol kicks in as soon as it is applied, then skin is firmer under your fingers (keep the gel in the fridge for even more intensity)
- Caffeine & Lipothetic®, a patented active ingredient, at the heart of a formula designed for thighs and buttocks
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the feeling of freshness last longer
-26%The cordless massager: 2 900 rotations per minute to stimulate your skin
- A deep mechanical massage: rotations and vibrations, up to 2 900 turns per minute, knead the skin on your thighs, stomach, arms and bottom
- 2 complementary heads: the ball head kneads deep down, then the wave head smooths and tones the surface
- 5 intensity levels on a touchscreen, a blue light, cordless and quiet
The evening slimming treatment for thighs and buttocks
- Targeted night treatment for thighs & buttocks, to massage in every evening before bed
- A formula with Ginger and Remoduline® (a patented active) to apply every evening
- Helps smooth and firm the skin
