Skin Cleansers & Foams

Older adults may require special gentler care for their skin, which may have become more fragile and much thinner than it once was. Preserving its natural barrier and preventing dryness along with adequate hygiene involves using skin cleansers and non-alkaline cleansing agents. Gentle and protective skin cleansers are often liquid solutions or emulsions or cleansing foams formulated to remove bacteria and skin irritants such as perspiration, wound secretions and urine. Popular skin cleansers contain water and a surface active agent (called a surfactant) to help loosen dirt or soil from the skin without causing damage to it. The gentle, loosening action of skin cleansers makes vigorous rubbing with washcloths unnecessary, minimizing the chances of mechanical damage to the skin. Skin cleansers often come with antimicrobials, to help eliminate bacteria and prevent odor. Dyes or fragrances are sometimes on the ingredient list, but note that these substances have the potential to cause adverse reactions. Skin cleansers are formulated as “rinse” or “no-rinse” preparations. Cleansing foam products are usually no-rinse formulations. The no-rinse skin cleansers offer certain advantages including a shorter period needed for the bathing/cleansing activity, the absence of residues which can contain potential irritants and eliminating the need for water (water can cause skin dryness as it washes away some skin lipids). Regardless of which skin cleansers are chosen, it is important to make sure the cleanser pH is compatible with skin’s pH and that it leaves minimal amounts of residue. Special cleansers are also available for perineal skin, for face and hair, for wounds, and for general use.