If you’ve ever noticed darker skin on your inner thighs, underarms, or anywhere your skin rubs together, you’re definitely not alone.
A lot of people assume dark marks mean something is “wrong” with their skin, but in many cases it’s simply the result of friction and repeated chafing.
Let’s break down why it happens, and how you can help prevent it.
What actually causes dark marks from chafing?
When skin rubs against skin, clothing, or even seams in activewear, it creates friction.
Over time, that repeated rubbing can lead to:
- irritation
- low-grade inflammation
- tiny amounts of skin trauma you might not even notice
Your skin responds by producing extra melanin (pigment) as a protective mechanism. This is called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and it’s your body’s natural way of trying to protect itself.
The result? Areas that look darker, uneven, or slightly discoloured.
Where chafing pigmentation commonly appears
You’ll usually notice these marks in areas where friction happens most:
- inner thighs
- underarms
- under the bust
- groin area
- between skin folds
- anywhere clothing rubs repeatedly
And yes, this happens to people of all sizes. Chafing is about movement, not body type.
Is it permanent?
Good news: in most cases, no.
Dark marks caused by friction often fade over time once the irritation stops. But if the rubbing continues every day, the pigmentation can stick around longer or become more noticeable.
That’s why prevention is the real game-changer.
How to help prevent chafing marks
The goal is simple: reduce friction before it starts.
Here are some easy ways to help protect your skin:
- Create a protective barrier before movement (aka Glydelle Anti Chafe Stick)
- Wear smooth, breathable fabrics
- Keep skin dry in sweaty areas (aka Glydelle Body Comfort Powder)
- Reapply protection when needed during long days or workouts
When skin can glide instead of rub, you reduce irritation and help prevent those dark marks from developing.
Why prevention matters more than correction
Many people spend money trying to fade pigmentation after it appears.
But the truth is, if friction keeps happening, it’s much harder for skin to recover.
Protecting your skin daily helps:
- reduce irritation
- minimise inflammation
- support more even skin tone over time
Think of it like skincare for movement.
A comfort-first approach to skin
At Glydelle, we believe real bodies move, walk, run, travel, and live full lives.
Chafing is normal. Thighs touching is normal. And wanting comfortable skin that feels good every day is normal too.
That’s why products like the Glydelle Anti Chafe Stick and Body Comfort Powder are designed to create a smooth protective barrier so your skin can move freely, without constant friction.
The bottom line
Dark marks from chafing are incredibly common, and they’re usually just your skin reacting to repeated friction.
The good news is that with the right protection and consistent care, you can help prevent new marks and support healthier, happier skin.
Because comfort shouldn’t come with friction.
