Skin Barrier Creams / Ointments and Films: Defending Against Moisture Damage

The Clinical Need for Skin Barrier Solutions

Protecting the skin from prolonged exposure to moisture is a critical element of care in both clinical and long-term care settings. Skin barrier products, including creams/ointments and films, are essential tools for healthcare providers and medical device developers aiming to minimize moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) and enhance patient comfort. These products are especially valuable in high-risk environments such as intensive care units, wound care clinics, and elder care facilities.

Moisture-associated skin damage can result from incontinence, perspiration, wound exudate, or prolonged occlusion. Over time, this leads to maceration, increased susceptibility to infection, and pain. Effective skin barrier solutions help mitigate these risks by forming a protective interface that preserves the epidermal layer and supports natural skin recovery.

Skin Barrier Creams: Breathable Protection for Vulnerable Skin

Skin barrier creams are formulated to create a breathable, protective layer on the skin surface. This layer prevents irritants, bodily fluids, and excessive moisture from penetrating the epidermis, while still allowing for normal transpiration. These creams are commonly used in areas prone to incontinence-associated dermatitis, pressure injuries, and periwound maceration. Their non-occlusive nature means they can be reapplied frequently without disrupting the skin’s natural healing processes. For patients with compromised skin, a skin barrier repair cream can provide additional support by restoring moisture balance and reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier function.

Manufacturers developing these products for integration into advanced wound dressings or wearable devices must ensure the cream’s compatibility with adhesives and dressing materials. The formulation’s viscosity, drying time, and film-forming capability are critical to achieving performance consistency and user satisfaction.

Barrier Films: Flexible Shields for High-Risk Areas

Barrier films provide a transparent, fast-drying protective coating that adheres directly to the skin. These are often used under adhesive dressings, ostomy appliances, or in any area where medical adhesives may cause trauma or stripping. Barrier films form a continuous, flexible shield that prevents friction, minimizes shear, and reduces contact with moisture or contaminants. They are designed to stay intact during dressing changes, which helps protect skin integrity over time.

Effective barrier films must offer a balance between flexibility, durability, and comfort. Film formulations may be customized for various use cases, such as pediatric, geriatric, or high-mobility patient populations. As demand grows for more skin-friendly medical adhesives, the compatibility of barrier films with different adhesive technologies becomes a crucial design consideration.

Creams: Intensive Protection for Severely Compromised Skin

Ointments, on the other hand, are typically anhydrous formulations that offer a thicker, more occlusive barrier. These are well-suited for severely compromised skin where maximum protection is needed, particularly in the case of stage 1 and 2 pressure ulcers or skin exposed to prolonged moisture. Their emollient-rich bases help restore lipids, maintain hydration, and promote skin resilience.

In long-term care settings, where patient immobility and skin fragility are common, barrier creams play a vital role. They provide a cushioning effect and help retain moisture in the stratum corneum, improving skin elasticity and resistance to mechanical damage.

Customizing Barrier Formulations for Clinical and Product Integration

Each type of skin barrier product serves a specific purpose within a broader care protocol. Choosing the right formulation depends on patient needs, the area of application, and the duration of protection required. Medical device manufacturers can leverage these materials in combination with dressings, tapes, and wearable devices to improve outcomes and reduce adverse skin reactions.

Avery Dennison Medical offers a portfolio of barrier creams/ointments and films that are developed to meet the highest standards of skin compatibility and protection. These products are customizable for viscosity, application method, and film-forming properties to support tailored integration into various clinical workflows. All formulations are tested for biocompatibility, ensuring they are safe for daily use across a range of patient populations.

Customization options could include color, odor masking, and skin conditioning agents. These allow for differentiation in consumer and clinical markets, while maintaining the safety and performance attributes required for medical use.

Improving Outcomes Through Strategic Skin Barrier Use

In the face of increasing emphasis on patient safety and quality of care, incorporating effective skin barrier solutions is no longer optional. These products play a fundamental role in preventing complications, improving patient experience, and reducing care costs associated with moisture-related skin breakdown.

For developers and clinicians alike, barrier creams, films, and ointments provide the foundational support necessary to maintain healthy skin in challenging care environments. Their strategic application enhances device performance, protects vulnerable skin, and ultimately helps improve overall care outcomes.

Learn how Avery Dennison Medical’s skin barrier solutions can be integrated into your clinical care or product development strategies. Visit medical.averydennison.com to get started.

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