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Skin care products

When using skin care products, it's important to only use products that are included in the care plan for the person you support. Do not use other people's skin care products. Make sure you follow the instructions on the care plan carefully (if available). Always read the labels of products and look at manufacturer's websites for more information about what's in the product and how to use it.

If you don't understand how to use a product, ask your supervisor, the person's general practitioner (GP), a continence nurse advisor or another health care professional. If you notice the person's skin appears red or broken, stop using the product and get advice from your supervisor. For more information about rashes go to Skin has a rash.

Skin care products:

• are designed to keep the skin healthy and clean
• protect the skin from moisture and other things that can irritate the skin
• reduce skin irritation and breakdown
• should be applied gently
• should be applied to clean skin.

Types of skin care products:

• Cleansers: can be used instead of soap and water and are designed to keep the normal moisture level of the skin. They are available in pump sprays, foams and pre-moistened wipes. Some products need to be rinsed off, but others can stay on the skin. They need to be applied gently to clean skin. Using soft disposable wipes to apply the cleanser is better than using towelling face washers. Pat the skin dry after cleaning. Do not rub the skin as it can be easily damaged. For more information, go to Cleaning after going to the toilet.
• Moisturisers: help stop the skin drying out by sealing in or adding more moisture. If used to protect the skin of the perineum, they should be perfume and alcohol free and made for sensitve skin.
• Barrier creams: protective creams or films made to seal the skin off from contact with sweat, urine or faeces. They also help protect the skin from rubbing on bed linen or continence products. Barrier creams can sooth irritated and sensitve skin and can help to kill germs. Some barrier creams can stop continence products from absorbing urine properly. They can also mix with faeces and make cleaning the skin after passing a bowel motion more difficult. If using a barrier cream, make sure it is recommended for use with continence products.

Further help

A continence nurse advisor can help by conducting a continence assessment for the person you support if they don't have a continence care plan. They will develop a continence care plan which will include information about continence products, skin care products and other aids suitable for the person's incontinence and their living situation.

Need more help? Call the National Continence Helpline in 18OO 33 OO 66 and talk to a continence nurse advisor.

Extra Resources

• Skin care and incontinence