Skin Care Products: Skin Cleansers / Skin Protectant

Skin Integrity: Maintaining Good Skin Hygiene

Care for your skin properly with skin protectants designed to clean, protect, and restore skin to optimal health. Whether you need barrier creams, sanitizers, rinse-free cleansers, perineal skin care, or something else, we have the items you need. Our full line of skin health products includes ointments and cleansers from Remedy, TriDerma, ReliaMed, and other top-of-the-line skincare brands.

Skin integrity refers to the overall health and condition of the skin, including its ability to protect the body from external factors, maintain moisture balance, and prevent damage or infection. It encompasses the skin's strength, elasticity, and general appearance.

Since so many medical skin care products are available for non-cosmetic skin cleansing, protection, and repair, we've put together the following guide on maintaining skin integrity and choosing the right products.

1. General Skin Care: Tips for Maintaining Healthy Skin

Having healthy skin is essential for maintaining one's overall well-being, as it helps protect the body from external irritants and environmental damage. So how do you maintain good skin hygiene? The following are some of the best ways to uphold and enhance skin health.

Skin Health Best Practices

Maintain healthy skin with the following general skin care recommendations:

• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps to keep the skin hydrated and promotes a healthy complexion.
• Nourish: A balanced and nutritious diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, provides the necessary vitamins and minerals for optimal skin health. For individuals with dry and itchy skin, applying a moisturizer at night can provide much-needed hydration and relief.
• Protect: To minimize the spread of germs, avoid touching your face unless necessary. Change pillowcases regularly to reduce bacteria and oil buildup on the skin. Protect your skin from the sun to prevent premature aging and reduce the risk of skin cancer. Avoid using abrasive brushes on the skin as they can cause irritation and damage.
• Cleanse: Shower regularly, use personal cleansers, and limit prolonged exposure to bacteria, dirt, and sweat, which can lead to skin irritation and/or infections. Hand hygiene is essential as well, so washing hands with mild soap regularly is recommended. In situations where handwashing is not possible, using hand sanitizer is an effective alternative.

Now let's examine some of these and other skincare practices in greater depth.

Showering

Showering and other personal cleansing practices are essential for skin hygiene. Proper cleansing removes dirt, sweat, and bacteria from the skin's surface and helps maintain the skin's natural moisture balance. The following are some of the most important things to know about showering with the skin's best interests in mind.

Shower Frequency

While every person must decide how frequently they need to shower, the general range is between 3 to 7 showers per week. As a rule of thumb, showers should be taken as needed to maintain soft hair and clean, odorless skin. While it is best to keep showers at a minimum per week, never skip a shower you really need, such as:

• After being in public places
• Immediately after workouts or heavy lifting
• In hot and humid weather

Shower Length

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends limiting showers or baths to five to ten minutes a day, as bathing too long can strip away the oil which helps protect sensitive skin. To avoid the potential damage over-showering can inflict on the skin, consider setting a timer for up to 10 minutes.

Shower Water Temperature

The ideal temperature for shower water is warm, rather than hot. Hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and cause dryness and irritation. It is recommended to set the water temperature to a comfortable level that is not too hot or too cold. This will help to maintain the natural moisture balance of the skin and promote overall skin health.

Shower Cleansing Products

• Use non-irritating soap
• Avoid exfoliating scrubs and other products with harsh chemicals
• Consider using no-rinse showering products for touch-up cleansing

Showering Habits

• Wash private parts and groin area well
• Clean overlooked areas: neck, armpits, and between fingers and toes

Showering Tips for Eczema

For those suffering from eczema, these practices are especially important. Taking short, warm showers and baths is recommended as hot water dries by quick evaporation, and over-washing with soap may dry skin.

Drying

It is important to properly dry the skin after cleansing to prevent overhydration or maceration. Towel drying with a soft towel using gentle patting or rubbing action is the most effective way to achieve this, as it prevents any direct mechanical damage to the stratum corneum, the outer protective layer of skin. It is also important to avoid sharing towels and to regularly switch them out, preferably every two days, to maintain cleanliness and freshness.

When using bed bath wipes, there is no need to dry the skin as the cleansing solution will evaporate on its own. Though evaporation takes more time and leaves the skin exposed to moisture for longer, it reduces the risk of potential mechanical damage during towel drying.

Sweat Management

Sweat can contribute to pores becoming clogged which leads to breakouts, irritation, and even infections. Showering is one of the best ways to reduce this risk. When showering, give special attention to high-moisture areas, such as skin folds, underarms, chest, feet, and groin.

The following are ways to avoid irritation and infections caused by sweat exposure:

• Wear loose and comfortable clothes
• Change into fresh clothes after work
• Shower regularly
• Take extra showers as needed
• Use antifungal skin-fold products and/or skin-fold sheets to absorb sweat in skin folds, especially if obese or bedridden

Upkeep

Keep moisture in the skin

Keeping moisture in the skin is essential to maintaining its health and natural beauty. Skin moisturizers are part of a daily skincare routine that can seal in moisture as well as keep the top layer of cells hydrated. They contain humectants, which act as magnets that attract water molecules to the skin, occlusive agents that help maintain this moisture, and emollients that fill the spaces between cells.

Limiting bath time is a good way to prevent skin water loss. Additionally, mild cleansers should be used on the face, body, and intimate areas to help prevent irritation. When traveling outdoors, a quality lip balm with sunscreen is important in defending against sunburns and cold weather, which can cause dryness, redness, and itchiness. It is wise to wear gloves when one’s hands are exposed to water for a long time (such as when washing dishes or a car), especially for those with eczema.

By following these simple steps, it is possible to maintain moisture and avoid these issues.

Strengthen the skin barrier

When the skin barrier is compromised, it can lead to itchy, flaky, and dry skin. To keep the skin barrier healthy and strong, ceramides can be used since they are naturally occurring substances that help to keep moisture in and bacteria out while maintaining the integrity of the barrier. Harsh ingredients and too much exfoliation can strip away the natural ceramide levels, so using a quality moisturizer or face cream formulated with ceramides is essential for replenishing what has been lost and strengthening the skin barrier.

Limit Sun Exposure

Sun exposure can damage the skin and cause tissue degeneration. Melanoma, a potentially deadly form of skin cancer, is mainly caused by UV rays from direct sunlight. Prolonged sun exposure can also lead to premature aging, wrinkling, and skin discoloration. To reduce the risk, it is important to take preventative measures such as wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sunlight when possible. Daily routines should include wearing protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and clothes with SPF ratings. If exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, sunscreen should be applied regularly, particularly between midday and mid-afternoon when UV rays are strongest. Special treatments can also be used to enhance protection and reduce exposure levels before going out in the sun.

Best Products

Are natural health skin care products actually better for your skin? They can be.

Incorporating natural ingredients and products into a skincare routine is one of the best ways to promote skin health. Natural skin care avoids harsh chemicals which can disrupt the moisture barrier and cause dryness and irritation. Additionally, natural organic ingredients are filled with antioxidant-rich components and other vitamins and minerals that, when used topically, can benefit the skin over time. Later in this guide, we will discuss specific ways to ensure that you are getting the best products possible.

One great line to consider is Remedy Phytoplex and Remedy Olivamine, which includes unique skin protectants, wound cleansers, skin repair creams, and more, each with propriety ingredient blends that help deliver key nutrients to the skin. These ingredient blends utilize natural ingredients like olive extract, soy, clove, blue-green algae, and green tea to help provide amino acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and proteins. Along with the nutritional benefits of the products in the Remedy Olivamine and Remedy Phytoplex products, both lines also use gentle cleansing agents, natural oils to moisturize, and silicones to protect the skin.

Diet

• Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) throughout the day
• Eat a healthy diet with less processed foods and unhealthy fats
• Stay away from fried and sugary foods
• Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables is an effective way to boost the skin’s health due to its beneficial vitamins and antioxidants. Vitamins are key in allowing all chemical processes in our body, particularly vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. Antioxidants found in fresh produce also balance out free radicals - unstable molecules that can cause skin damage, inflammation, and signs of premature aging.

Moreover, studies suggest that certain vitamins are more powerful in protecting the skin from irritation and damage. For example, B vitamins such as those found in proteins, fruits, and dark leafy greens were seen to increase skin rash risk. Similarly, a deficiency of Vitamin C was linked to fragile skin with difficulty healing wounds. Therefore, having enough of these vitamins can greatly benefit our health and help ward against issues involving the skin’s well-being.

Lifestyle

• Exercise regularly
• Ventilate your home and get fresh air outdoors
• Reduce stress levels as much as possible by taking breaks during the day or doing pleasurable activities (mindful meditation works great!).

Repair

For those with compromised skin barriers, there are products that can provide fast relief and/or promote a quick and effective healing process.

Restoring Moisture Balance

The outer layer of the skin helps retain moisture in the body which is important for normal functioning and appearance. Regular cleansing and moisturizing are key to making sure the skin gets adequate moisture, which in turn prevents dryness and irritation. Look for skin protectants that can help restore the skin's natural oils and moisture balance to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Common ingredients to look out for include petroleum, A&D, zinc oxide, and calmoseptine, among others.

2. Incontinence Skin Care

For those with incontinence, skin care is even more important. Because of the prolonged exposure to moisture, the skin in the diaper area is highly prone to irritation. Barrier ointment protects the skin from this risk and is an important line of defense for incontinent individuals who wear briefs or protective underwear.

The following infographic details other ways to avoid incontinence-associated dermatitis, otherwise known as adult diaper rash.

Incontinence & Skin Health

Everything you need to know (almost) about preventing rashes and skin irritation.

1. ABSORPTION:

Draw the Liquid Away From the Skin

If you're buying incontinence products, check the absorbency levels. The better the absorbency, the better the chance that your skin won't get exposed to harmful substances. If needed, use booster pads and/or bed pads to augment the protection of whatever you're using now.

2. DRY TECHNOLOGY:

Keep the Liquid Away From the Skin

Many diapers, pads, and pull-ups are designed with dry technology, which quickly wicks away moisture from the top layer so that the skin doesn't suffer from overexposure. If you're prone to rashes, only buy diapers and pads that are designed this way.

3. BEST PRACTICES:

Use and Change Incontinence Products Safely

• To prevent sweat build-up, change incontinence products at least 3-5 times daily
• Replace incontinence products immediately upon soiling
• Clean and wipe skin thoroughly but gently
• Pat dry and apply barrier cream or powder
• Don't close the diaper too tight - it should be snug but not squeezing the skin

4. WORST PRACTICES:

Don't Use These Products

• Products intended for periods or other uses
• Diapers without dry technology
• Non-hypoallergenic wipes
• Irritating detergents for washable products

5. OTHER GREAT IDEAS:

Say Goodbye to Rashes with These Products

Experiment with different incontinence products and barrier creams to find your skin's favorite. If rashes do occur, use a zinc oxide cream such as Desitin, Butt Paste, or Pinxav (no, they're not just for babies) to quickly heal your skin.

3. How to choose the best skin care products

When selecting a product to protect or cleanse your skin it is important to consider what type of skin you have.

a. Skin Type

Oily or dry skin will need different types of products than normal or combination skin. For example, oily or combination skins may benefit from using an oil-free moisturizer with SPH broad spectrum protection, whereas dry skins would benefit from an oil-based moisturizer.

b. Ingredients to look out for

c. Ingredients to avoid

The wrong skin cleaning products can cause problems like clogged pores, breakouts, or dryness. Look for products that are gentle on the skin barrier but tough on germs. For example, there are mild cleansers for sensitive skin with natural ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera extract, or lavender oil and less harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Harsh detergents may remove germs, but skin-friendly alternatives that are known to be effective are preferable.

Keep in mind that synthetic products usually have a longer shelf-life thanks to the preservatives that prevent bacteria from growing in the product and ruining it.

4. Where to Buy Medical Skin Hygiene Products

AvaCare Medical's full line of skin protection and cleanser products includes items such as:

• Skin barrier creams: Protect skin that is at risk of breakdown due to incontinence, wound drainage, or post-op conditions with a barrier formula designed to prevent moisture from contacting the skin. For example, A D ointment is a petroleum-based ointment that uses vitamins A and D to help protect the skin from wetness and relieve rashes, burns, and other minor skin irritations. Another affordable, scent-free skin protectant is basic white petrolatum.
• Hand sanitizers: Instant foam hand sanitizers leave your skin feeling soft and healthy, with a drip-free dispenser that’s convenient and easy to use. Other hand sanitizer options include standard, gels, wipes, and more.
• Rinse-free cleansing products: No-rinse cleansing foam, lotion, and body cleansers allow you to clean quickly, easily, and efficiently with special formulas that offer effectiveness combined with the ultimate convenience.
• Saline wound wash: Clean minor wounds sting-free with saline wound spray (or other high-quality wound washes) to prevent skin infection and bacterial contamination in minor burns, scrapes, and cuts.
• Antibacterial hand soap: Kill harmful germs with a soap that’s gentle enough for daily use, and consider purchasing a soap dispenser, which makes hand hygiene less expensive and more convenient.
• Baby skin care: Babies require specialized skincare, so be sure to look into products that are specially formulated to care for the underdeveloped skin barrier of children under the age of 2.

Whether you’re at home or in a professional facility, stock up on the right products so you always have what you need to care for your skin. When placing your order, remember that most orders get delivered within 1-2 days from the day the order is placed – and if your order is $50 or more, shipping is absolutely free! Call us now at 1-877-813-7799 with any questions or to place your order with one of our helpful customer care representatives.

DISCLAIMER: The information and product categorization on this page is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. We have made every effort to create an accurate and user-friendly category, however, it is the user's responsibility to review each product and determine its suitability for their intended use.