The art of body lubrication, part I

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 chaffed. 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 year, 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.

Price: $6.
Contact: Squeaky Cheeks, 1-877-667-7832, http://www.squeakycheeks.com.