After my first triathlon years ago, I discovered that I have huge issues with skin chafing. For most areas, I found good solutions, but nothing really worked with nipples. After getting completely discouraged, I decided to create something new that worked for me. I am hoping the result can also be helpful to many other triathletes.
sknArmor is a new product that fully prevents skin chafing for endurance athletes. It’s applied to nipples and any other very small skin areas, dries very quickly, and forms a waterproof protection barrier. It stays attached for the duration of a training or racing event, after which it can be peeled off. We are looking for volunteers to try out the product at no cost and provide feedback.
Please complete this survey and signup for a free trial, if interested.
It’s hard to compare it to band-aids because sknArmor a viscous liquid that hardens after application. Think of clear nail polish for the skin. Our current formulation is designed to protect for the ironman distance, 20+ hours. It will not come off on its own, but at some point the edges will start to detach from skin, which can be grabbed and peeled. We are planning to have another variation for shorter timeframe to cover sprint/olympic events and training.
Same here. I think if you found what works for you, stick with it. It’s a very personal thing, which greatly depends on skin type, sweat rate, body hair, etc. For me, band-aids were too unreliable during a triathlon.
I cut the Pro KT Tape into small circles and they last for days
^ This! I throw KT tape over them for any long run and haven’t had an issue since. I used to have problems > 50-60 minutes. Now I’ve been able to do 2 1/2 hour runs without an issue.
yeah, I use liquid band aid or liquid skin on anything over 10k. I’ll even put busy glide on for shorter runs just in case since once it starts, it takes a while to heal when running regularly. I’d be interested how this new product is different from what already exists.
3M Transpore tape. I bought this 12 pack off Amazon 2 years ago for about $1 a roll & I have a roll everywhere. One in all my bags, in my car, at my desk at work, in my nightstand, and I still have 6 untouched rolls. I have yet to go through an entire roll in two years. The tape stays on, is breathable, and only comes off when I want it to come off. Admittedly, there is a little discomfort when I pull it off (especially if I haven’t shaved my chest recently), but that’s part of it being sticky enough to not come off mid-run. I cannot run comfortably without it.
No offense to your idea Mike. I think there’s always more than one way to skin a cat. Just saying that there are cheaper and more effective solutions already out there.
For long runs, I found something called “Mr. Nipple” on Amazon. It’s a Japanese product (explains the name), basically the sticky part of a band-aid, in circles the size of a quarter. Stays on for a marathon at least, and peels off easily in the shower. There are maybe 100 of them per pack, so the box I have will last for years.
On shorter runs, Gold Bond “Five Hour Anti-Chafe Stick” is a much better product than Body Glide. Mr. Nipple would work, too, but the stick is quicker to apply.
Though similar to liquid skin in concept, sknARMOR has been specifically designed for endurance athletes, and not for wound treatment. sknARMOR dries much quicker and forms a thicker protective layer after only a single application It is also more adhesive and therefore able to provide better and longer protection during the athletic events when rubbed continuously. But while we are certain sknARMOR fully protects against nipple chafing, we realize athletes might be more comfortable using products they already know work for them.
Full disclosure: I received a free sample of this product to try and I have no affiliation with the company.
Ran a marathon this morning using the sample of sknARMOR. I have to say that this worked out really well for me. I applied 3 “coats” early this morning before leaving for the race. I’ve used Body Glide and Vaseline in the past with a negative and bloody end result. Band-aids do work for me but I’m always paranoid that they will not stick the whole time, and then the blood ensues :>)
Each coat dried very quickly and built up a significant thickness, probably only needed two coats but this was my 1st time using this stuff. This product worked great for me. No discomfort at all. I’m just waiting for the sknARMOR to peel off…
I would definitely use this again if the price is right!