A Daily Cleansing–Moisturizing Routine for Maintaining Skin Integrity in Aged-Care Residents: A Case Report

Background and Objective: Age-related skin changes affect the skin’s structural and functional integrity and reduce the ability of the skin to perform its key barrier functions. Skin breakdown associated with dryness and itch becomes very common and older individuals are at an increasing risk. We aimed to evaluate a daily cleansing–moisturizing routine and conduct a skin assessment for the presence of five underlying skin integrity parameters among aged-care residents. Methods: This small, 6-week evaluation study included four participants over 80 years of age, all of whom were residents at OLC Care, Rocky Point Residence, Beverley Park, NSW, Australia. Skin assessment for the presence of five underlying clinical parameters including itchy skin, dry skin, bruising, skin tears and pressure injuries was conducted for all four participants at baseline and during the evaluation period. Clinical notes were also taken at baseline, during the evaluation and at the post-evaluation. Furthermore, clinical photographs were taken at baseline and after 2–3 weeks of the cleansing–moisturizing routine. Results: Of the four aged-care residents who participated in this evaluation study, all four showed overall improvement in the appearance of the skin with a reduction in severity of the five underlying skin integrity parameters, including itchy skin, dry skin, bruising, skin tears and pressure injuries, where present. Discussion and Conclusions: This case study has produced basic evidence to support a daily cleansing–moisturizing routine (comprising QV cleansers and moisturizers, and/or a protective barrier cream) as it provides moisturizing and protective benefits to the delicate and fragile skin of aged-care residents, where the aim is to reduce skin integrity associated issues.