In Sports
In Care
Skin-on-skin friction
The heart of ilon Protect is larch balsam¹, which together with beeswax and pharmaceutical-grade vaseline² forms a special CareProtect formula. This ilon protective film reliably shields the skin from moisture, pressure, and friction without impairing skin respiration.
Essential oils from rosemary, thyme, and eucalyptus also promote skin microcirculation, improving nutrient supply to skin cells and supporting regenerative capacity. Pure olive and sunflower oil as well as antioxidant vitamin E provide intensive care benefits.
ilon Protect cares for sensitive skin areas and effectively protects the skin from moisture, pressure, and friction without impairing its natural breathability. It maintains balance so the skin can sustain its moisture regulation. This helps prevent skin irritation, chafing, and heat buildup – for a pleasant, protective effect without the feeling of sealed skin!
Testing has confirmed the water vapor permeability and thus the breathability of ilon Protect³. Additionally, the ointment protects against alkaline stress, which can occur from incontinence, for example, and helps preserve skin moisture4. Alkaline stress occurs when the skin is in prolonged contact with alkaline substances, such as those found in urine or other bodily fluids. This stress can damage the skin’s natural barrier and lead to dryness. ilon Protect supports the skin in retaining its moisture and protects it from alkaline influences.
For targeted application, apply a 2–3 cm strand of ointment to the affected skin areas. Then spread thinly so that a nourishing film forms on the skin that feels pleasant.
Some skin areas are particularly susceptible to friction – for example, the inner thighs in summer, skin folds in fuller body types, or areas under tight clothing and in shoes. ilon Protect forms a protective care film on the skin and can help noticeably reduce friction and chafing – for a soothed and comfortable skin feeling.
Limited mobility often involves prolonged sitting or lying down. This puts considerable strain on the skin through pressure and friction as well as moisture – such as sweat or incontinence. Especially from a certain age, a weak bladder or frequent urge to urinate is widespread and is often discreetly managed with special aids in daily life.
However, constant contact with moisture can challenge the skin and affect well-being. ilon Protect forms a nourishing protective film that helps reduce friction and moisture stress. Its special care formula supports the skin in remaining supple and resilient – for an all-around good feeling, even with special challenges in daily life.
Running, cycling, hiking, horseback riding, or swimming – in many sports, the skin is particularly stressed by movement, sweat, and tight-fitting clothing. Friction, pressure, and moisture can affect skin comfort, especially in sensitive areas such as the thighs, under the arms, or in contact with sportswear and equipment.
ilon Protect was developed specifically for such everyday and leisure challenges. It forms a breathable, nourishing protective film on the skin, helps reduce friction, and supports comfortable skin feeling – even during intensive movement. At the same time, it cares for stressed skin areas and helps reduce feelings of tightness.
This allows you to focus entirely on your performance and movement – with the confident feeling of doing something good for your skin during athletic stress.
Based on decades of experience in developing high-quality skincare products, an ointment has been formulated with dermatological expertise that provides gentle care and supportive skin protection even under special conditions. ilon Protect is suitable for regular use – even during intensive physical activity or prolonged stress in daily life.
Not only in the laboratory, but also in athletic daily life, the ointment has been tested: triathlete and multiple Ironman participant Alexander Taubert reports that he experienced a pleasant skin feeling and good wearing comfort during longer training rides – even with heavy sweating. The nourishing texture and the noticeable protective film on the skin particularly convinced him.
Application in the genital area is generally possible. Direct use on mucous membranes is not recommended due to the essential oils contained. Please consult your doctor or pharmacist in specific cases.
No, ilon Protect is free from preservatives. The ointment is available in an aluminium tube, which protects the contents from light, air and moisture, ensures shelf life, enables hygienic dispensing, and is environmentally friendly as well as robust.
ilon Protect combines natural larch resin, beeswax, and pharmaceutical-grade Vaseline to reliably protect the skin from moisture, pressure, and friction – without restricting skin breathability. Tests show that it maintains water vapor permeability and natural skin moisture, thus providing targeted protection and care.1nn1Institut Dr. Schrader, Holzminden, STUDY REPORT Cesra Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG / 454-HP-13-088-13-358, 2013.
ilon Protect is very economical. For optimal effect, it is sufficient to apply a thin layer of ointment to at-risk or affected skin areas. Applying too thick a layer does not promise better results, but is instead even counterproductive.
ilon Protect provides care and protection for stressed skin. A single application after cleansing the skin is usually sufficient. In cases of heavy strain or contact with moisture – for example due to sweat or urine – more frequent application may be necessary. Your individual skin feel is the deciding factor. In nursing care, with continuous use, two to three applications per day have proven particularly effective.
Chafing or pressure sores can occur in all three triathlon disciplines. When swimming, it is important that the wetsuit is the correct size and not too tight, so that the skin under the armpits, on the thighs, or on the neck does not chafe.nnWhen cycling, severe pressure sores can occur on the buttocks. To avoid this, the saddle must be correctly adjusted in terms of height and position. Vulnerable skin areas such as the buttocks and feet can be protected and cared for with a special ointment.nnWhen running, the skin often chafes against clothing or due to heavy sweating on the heels, inner thighs, armpits, and chest. In all cases, ointments like ilon Protect can help by forming a long-lasting protective film on the skin.
The area under the breast is particularly susceptible because skin-on-skin contact occurs there, which often remains moist (e.g., due to sweating). If you are prone to chafing under the breast, a protective ointment can provide support in addition to wearing a seamless cotton bra and, if necessary, padded cushioning. It is important that the ointment forms a breathable protective film – like ilon Protect – to effectively prevent chafing.
Furthermore, thorough hygiene should be maintained, as damaged skin is particularly susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections. Inflammation in this area, also known as intertrigo, can be uncomfortable and requires special treatment.
Chafing thighs in summer occur when skin rubs against skin—for example, when wearing dresses or skirts—and moisture and movement create friction. This can quickly lead to a sore, painful sensation on the skin. To prevent this, cycling shorts or so-called bandelettes can help by avoiding direct skin contact. Special skin protection ointments—such as the breathable ilon Protect—also provide care and can reduce friction. It is also important to wear well-fitting, preferably seamless clothing made of breathable materials. In general, keep the skin dry, care for it regularly, and act immediately at the first signs to avoid irritation.
Packaging such as jars or tins requires the extensive use of skin-irritating preservatives, as a larger surface area is left unprotected and exposed to the air upon opening and dispensing, thus becoming highly susceptible to bacteria and contamination. In our view and based on our current knowledge, an aluminum tube offers the best long-term protection for the valuable ingredients without the unnecessary use of preservatives.
Inline skaters often underestimate the importance of choosing the right shoe size, suitable socks, and reliable skin protection. Yet all three factors play a vital role in skin health. Feet only feel comfortable in a properly fitting shoe; therefore, you should always wear the sports socks you intend to skate in when trying on new inline skates.
ilon Protect provides care and protection for stressed feet.
Blisters when hiking are usually caused by friction and pressure. To prevent them, it is important to wear well-fitting shoes that are properly broken in, and to choose moisture-wicking socks made of merino wool or synthetic materials. In addition, ilon Protect-Salbe can be applied to areas exposed to increased pressure, such as heels and toes, to form a nourishing and protective barrier and reduce friction. For particularly susceptible areas, blister plasters or tape can help. Regular breaks to check your feet and change wet socks also help ensure that your feet stay dry and protected.
In a triathlon, it is important to protect the skin from moisture, pressure and friction to prevent injuries and skin irritation. To do so, you should choose well-fitting, moisture-wicking triathlon clothing with minimal seams to reduce chafing. Special triathlon suits or tight-fitting clothing prevent unnecessary pressure. A so-called “chamois cream”, applied to areas of skin that come into contact with the saddle, wetsuit or shoes (e.g., thighs, feet, genital area), helps protect against chafing and skin irritation. When swimming in a wetsuit, a thin layer of ointment helps protect the skin from friction. Sensitive areas such as the Achilles tendons or toes can be protected from friction and pressure with special blister plasters or tape. After swimming, you should change into dry clothing immediately to keep moisture away from the skin and prevent skin irritation.
When cycling, friction-related pressure and saddle discomfort often occur. Acute symptoms should be allowed to subside before you get back on your bike. To prevent skin problems in the future, it is advisable to apply an ointment such as ilon Protect before every bike ride, which both protects and cares for the skin.
On multi-day tours, frequent breaks should be planned to relieve pressure on the buttocks. If possible, do not sit during these breaks; instead, stand or walk so that the skin on the buttocks is sufficiently supplied with blood again.
First, inspect your footwear for rubbing or pressure points and eliminate these risk factors. Depending on the type of your sports activity, skin problems can also be attributed to unsuitable footwear. For example, due to different stresses on the feet, different shoes are needed for jogging than for hiking.nnIf possible, allow your feet to rest and let the discomfort subside. Home remedies such as baby powder in hiking and running shoes do not offer sufficient protection for more intense skin stress. Before the next intense strain, the application of a skin protection ointment like ilon Protect can be beneficial. The nourishing component is particularly good for the feet.
Chamois cream is a special skincare cream developed to prevent skin irritation and chafing caused by repeated friction. It is used especially in cycling, triathlon, and other endurance sports, as these activities are often associated with intense friction and pressure on the skin. The term “chamois” originally comes from the use of the cream on the leather of bicycle saddles, which were often made from goatskin (chamois leather) in the past. Today, the cream is applied directly to the skin to create a protective barrier. ilon Protect serves a similar function: as a medical skincare product, it can help prevent skin irritation and protect the skin from external stressors.
The skin and underlying tissue in the intimate area are particularly sensitive. In case of chafing, one should pause riding and allow the affected areas to heal completely.
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As soon as you resume riding, it is recommended to use an effective protective ointment, such as ilon Protect, with a nourishing component. The ointment should be applied to all body areas that come into contact with the saddle or horse.
Prolonged sitting in the same position impairs blood circulation in the tissue. In the worst case, this process can lead to tissue death. Pressure ulcers often occur where the bones lie directly beneath the skin. This creates very high pressure on these areas. The best way to relieve pressure for wheelchair users is through special wheelchair cushions. They ensure that there is no longer a direct pressure point and the affected area – usually the coccyx – is relieved.
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To reduce pressure points, wheelchair users require consistent skin protection with a nourishing component. Skin care ointments such as ilon Protect protect and nourish the skin sustainably. Despite being sweat and water resistant, ilon Protect is breathable, so that heat build-up can be reduced.
Pressure sores, also known as decubitus ulcers, are damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure or friction. Body areas where bones lie directly beneath the skin, such as heels, the tailbone, or hips, are particularly vulnerable. The pressure restricts blood circulation, meaning the skin is no longer adequately supplied with oxygen and nutrients. This can lead to skin redness, open wounds, and in the worst case, deep tissue damage. Decubitus ulcers frequently occur in people who lie or sit for long periods and have limited mobility. Good skin care, regular repositioning, and pressure-relieving measures help prevent pressure sores.
Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is an inflammatory skin condition caused by repeated contact of the skin with urine or stool. Moisture softens the skin, while irritating substances attack the natural acid mantle. This makes the skin more susceptible to redness, irritation, and inflammation. Affected skin areas, particularly in the buttocks, groin, and thigh region, may burn, itch, or be painful. Careful skin care with gentle cleansing, moisturizing, and protective barriers helps prevent IAD and relieve existing irritation.
With increasing age, the skin loses resilience and regenerates more slowly. It produces less sebum, dries out faster, and stores less moisture due to diminishing subcutaneous fatty tissue. This makes it more sensitive to pressure, friction, and moisture. Especially when a lack of mobility and sustained pressure are added factors, it is important to specifically care for and protect the skin. ilon Protect forms an almost invisible protective film that shields the skin from these stresses without restricting its breathability. At the same time, it helps to maintain the skin’s natural moisture.
Diabetics are particularly sensitive to pressure, friction, and moisture, as their skin is often drier and less resistant to mechanical stress. Nerve damage (neuropathy) can reduce pain perception, meaning that pressure points or skin irritations often go unnoticed for a long time. At the same time, restricted blood circulation causes small skin injuries to heal more slowly and become inflamed more easily.
Particularly on the feet and other stressed areas of the skin, prolonged pressure or friction can lead to sore spots, blisters, or even open wounds. If moisture from sweating or incontinence is also present, the skin becomes softened and even more susceptible to damage and infection.
Special skin protection that reduces pressure and friction and regulates moisture is therefore essential. Products such as protective ointments or barrier creams help to stabilize the skin and minimize the risk of skin damage.
With incontinence, the skin is exposed to significant additional stress. Despite incontinence pads, the skin in the genital area comes into contact with urine and/or stool. Digestive enzymes contained in stool attack skin proteins. If urine is alkaline, it destroys the skin’s acid mantle. Normally harmless bacteria or fungi in excretions can multiply rapidly in the moist skin environment under incontinence pads, especially on pre-damaged skin, and cause widespread infections. The skin can be protected from wetness and urine by gently cleaning it regularly, drying it carefully, and then caring for it with a breathable, water-repellent protective ointment.
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of the application and benefits of ilon Protect, based on careful research and customer feedback. For further questions, consultation with medical professionals is recommended.
¹ Larch balsam, also known as larch turpentine, is the purified resin of the European larch, which is harvested exclusively for ilon in consistent quality in Tyrol. It is listed under the INCI name TURPENTINE.
² The statement by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) from February 2018 states that highly refined mineral oils such as vaseline in cosmetics pose no health risks. The refining process reduces harmful hydrocarbons, and a study with 80,000 subjects showed that medical white oils have no sensitization potential (BfR Statement No. 008/2018).
³ Institut Dr. Schrader, Holzminden, STUDY REPORT Cesra Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG / 454-HP-13-088-13-358, 2013.
4 Institut Dr. Schrader, Holzminden, STUDY REPORT Cesra Arzneimittel GmbH & Co. KG / BE_HP-13-190, 2013