On long rides I use A&D ointment. I apply it with a tissue directly onto skin (it's hard to wash off your hands and smells). Then I put Chamois Buttr directly in my shorts.

I used to just use Chamois Buttr, but started having some irritation issues, which I found (from this forum) that A&D helped with. It helps heal current irritation and protect from future irritation. But I also like using the Chamois Buttr in addition on long rides. I have added more Chamois Buttr in the middle of a long ride and have discovered that I do NOT want to do this anymore. Just makes things way too slippery down there! "Parts" move around and I find myself constantly trying to get comfortable on my seat.

Sometimes after a long ride when I'm feeling just a bit sore or chafed down there, I'll use just the A&D the next time I ride (which is typically a short and easy recovery ride). And/or I'll use it with regular clothes on if I'm trying to heal from something. For the most part, now that I've gotten my system down, I don't have to do that.

Everyone is different in what they use and what types of irritation they get, if any at all. Some people don't use anything at all. I started with Chamois Buttr because that's what my husband uses, then when I started having "issues", did research on this site, I discovered A&D and found I like the combination of both.