Skin Barrier Protection x Mad Ritual

Maintaining a healthy skin barrier can keep you moving and feeling better. The upper layer of the epidermis, called the stratum corneum, acts as a skin barrier and is the body's first line of defense against irritants and infection. Internally, the skin barrier also helps maintain moisture levels and protect against excess water loss.

When the skin barrier is inflamed or damaged, pain and discomfort can cause changes in gait and form when working out. These changes can increase risk of injury or overuse of compensating muscle groups.

Chafing

Chafing occurs when your skin rubs together or against fabric creating resistance. The friction leads to redness, irritation and inflammation. Common causes include intense exercise, ill-fitting clothes and excess skin. Moisture from perspiration or hot, humid weather can exacerbate chafing. Excessively dry or cold conditions can also increase chafing irritation. 

Prevent (or soothe) Skin Chafing

Skin chafing is common but painful. Abraded skin should be addressed immediately as chafing will continue to get worse without intervention. Severe chafing symptoms include welts on all layers of the skin, muscle pain, swelling, cracked or broken skin, bleeding, blisters and sores and secondary skin infections.

Whether you are battling inner thigh chafing or blisters from new or loose, worn shoes; Mad Ritual Relief Rub can help. Our formula is rich in natural ceramides, creating an added layer of protection, hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier. Shea butter and hemp oil are good sources of ceramides. Coconut oil contains linoleic acid, which can help skin retain moisture.

Apply Relief Rub prior to activity to prevent chafing. Unscented, Grapefruit+Cypress or Lavender+Frankincense blends are recommended for use on areas already chafed and irritated.

Abrasions

Cuts and scrapes happen. The Mad Ritual relief rub formula has natural antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Moisturize affected areas and help things heal.

Bug Bites

Eucalyptus and grapefruit essential oils are known insect repellents. Apply Mad Ritual's Eucalyptus+Peppermint or Grapefruit+Cypress relief rub on exposed skin to keep bugs at bay. If you do have itchy bug bites, the CBD in any of our rub blends will address inflammation and relieve itching and swelling.

PRO TIP: Planning a trail run? Consider using a Grapefruit+Cypress bath bomb prior to hitting the trail. High levels of nootkatone in the grapefruit essential oil will help repel insects, while muscles will feel relaxed and ready to work.