By Robbie Broughton
If you’re after some cycling specific skincare you should head over to the Veloskin website for their range that is designed exclusively for cyclists by cyclists.
We tried out a selection of their products: chamois cream, shaving cream, post shave lotion and their soothing recovery gel.
Our Veloskin delivery was extremely well-timed as we were in the middle of lockdown in Spain where we were unable to leave the house to exercise. Digging out the turbo trainer from the shed after literally years of neglect I was reminded why I’d left it to gather cobwebs for so long. The whole process of grinding away on a stationary bike may help keep up the fitness levels but it bears as much resemblance to the real thing as an alcohol free lager to an ice-cold Estrella Galicia. It’s also boring, hot and, not to put too fine a point on it, extremely unforgiving on the nether regions.
There have been a couple of times when I’ve suffered the ignominy and discomfort of saddle sores, most notably on a borrowed touring bike along the south coast of England. The whole turbo trainer set up was bringing back some unpleasant memories of a final day’s ride to Exeter where I’d had to stand up in the pedals for the last 20 miles.
I found Veloskin’s chamois cream did the job of both soothing and preventing uncomfortable chafing. There are some helpful instructions on their website of how best to apply their ointment for anyone who’s been too squeamish to use the stuff before. Basically take a three fingered scoop from the tub and rub it into the pad of your shorts and, for extra protection, rub a bit into any nooks and crannies that may experience some rubbing in the saddle. Best not to share a tub with your mates, though.
The initial unpleasantly cold yet clammy sensation when you pull on your shorts is only short-lived and you’ll appreciate it after an hour on a static bike!
Veloskin’s products use a combination of orange blossom and bergamot, the result of which is a subtle scent – there’s almost something slightly medical about it, not really perfumed, but it’s clean and pleasant. All of their products come in the same black tin with a screw-top lid, a bit like those old tubs of Brylcream. I like this retro, pared-back styling of the packaging- it evokes images of black and white photos of Coppi or Anquetil on the post-ride massage table.
The soothing recovery gel has a slightly heightened scent compared to the chamois cream, probably from the added menthol. It’s also got a blend of oils, vitamins and minerals with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help healing including aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba oil, raspberry seed oil, argan oil, cucumber oil, wheat protein, kelimillet and shea butter. While this may all sound like a terrible concoction produced by contestants on The Apprentice for a task to invent a new and disgusting lollipop, these are all combining to do the job of moisturizing, repairing skin and soothing aching muscles.
I found the cooling sensation was initially a little alarming especially, ahem…down there. However, it has a clean and indeed soothing effect. Having had a bit of time off the bike I was suffering from a sore neck and shoulders and I found the gel really helped these areas post-ride.
Without wanting to get into the whole do you or don’t you shave your legs debate, I’m someone who has resisted this for many years, probably from a combination of my own laziness and consideration for my wife, who objects. Fortunately the Veloskin shaving cream is suitable for your face as well as your legs. I’d recommend using an old fashioned shaving brush to work up a good lather. I’m used to a rather more perfumed shaving gel, but I got used to and indeed grew to really like the Veloskin subtle smell. As for the post shaving lotion, it moisturized my face really well and has become a new morning ritual which I’m fairly convinced is doing my skin a whole lot of good.
I really liked the Veloskin range of products I tried: they’re packed with natural oils rather than chemicals, they smell good without being overpowering and they do what it says on the retro style tins. Added to this, these products are, as they say, “tested on cyclists, not bunnies.” Veloskin are committed to never testing on animals although, “we cannot promise that we will never test our products on our production director, though.” Hey – go easy on the menthol.