Nov 8, 2024
Wetsuit rashes - and how limestone neoprene can be an option that might help
Some of us have experienced a wetsuit rash, or at least know someone else who has. And to be honest, it's not fun to have something as a rash disturb your session out on the water. They can be incredibly itchy, sore and even painful.
There can be a few reasons as to why rashes from wetsuits occur such as; high friction, tight areas, and chafing from movement. The mix with water, salt and sand is not making it any easier, and often these rashes tend to come when the wetsuit doesn't have the right fit.
Another important point is that for some people, you can get rashes from being sensitive to neoprene, and in some cases even allergy The reason for this is often not the neoprene itself, but the additives and chemicals added in the manufacturing process. You will find the most amount of those chemicals in petroleum based neoprene, which is commonly used in wetsuits.
Most traditional petroleum based neoprene is manufactured with chemicals like 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) and thiourea compounds, which can cause rashes, itching, and allergic reactions. These chemicals help make petroleum based neoprene flexible and waterproof over time, but they’re not friendly to your skin.
Isn't it a bit scary how lots of wetsuits, which are meant to be your second skin, are pumped with additives and chemicals? You wouldn't use any skincare products or other products close to your body if they weren't fair to your skin. Why should wetsuits be any different?
How limestone neoprene work better to prevent rashes
Limestone neoprene has less need for these allergenic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Since it is derived from limestone, it uses a cleaner process that minimizes irritating compounds, which helps prevent rashes and improves comfort. Limestone neoprene also has a closed-cell structure that makes it lighter, warmer, and more flexible, so you get extra insulation and mobility without the itchiness.
We can't promise that our limestone neoprene wetsuits are rash-free, but so far all the girls that had issues using petroleum-based neoprene, have not had any issues using our noora suits.