It may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of incontinence. However, skincare is an important part of incontinence maintenance.

If the skin surrounding your continence aid (i.e. stomach, groin, legs, buttocks) is in contact with urine and/or stool for too long, among other factors, it can compromise the skin barrier and cause irritations such as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD), and infections.

On top of that, the seasons can play quite a significant role in the quality of your skin. So with the cold months upon us, we wanted to share winter skincare for incontinence so you can stay warm, dry and comfortable. And, most importantly, skin irritation-free!

Avoid extra hot showers and baths

We get it, it’s cold out there, so the first thing you want to do in the morning or last thing of the night is take a hot bath or shower to warm you up! 

But before you go twisting that tap too close to scolding, think about how it may affect your skin.

Exposing your skin to super hot water after being out in cold temperatures can strip it of its natural oils, which can then lead to dryness and itchiness. This breakdown of the skin barrier leaves you vulnerable to bacteria from urinary or faecal incontinence.  

Instead of a piping hot shower or bath, opt for warm or tepid water and stay in the shower or bath for no more than 10 minutes to ensure your skin doesn’t lose too much moisture.

Follow a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free skincare regimen

When it’s time for a bath or shower, try using hypoallergenic and fragrance-free skincare products. Hypoallergenic basically means it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction, making these body washes and moisturizers much gentler on the skin. Fragrance-free products are also a great way to avoid any irritation and help keep the skin’s barrier and moisture intact.

Make sure to clean areas like the genitals, thighs, abdomen, and anal area using a soft, gentle cloth to ensure everything is properly cleaned without being harsh on the skin.

Once you’re done, gently pat the skin dry as soon as possible. Leaving the skin damp for too long can weaken it, especially if it’s exposed to urine or stool.

Before putting on a fresh continence aid, it’s a good idea to apply a barrier cream. This helps protect your skin from contact with urine or stool and reduces friction between your skin and the continence aid, making things more comfortable.

If a bath or shower isn’t an option, hypoallergenic wet wipes are a great alternative. For example, Dailee Microwavable Wet Wipes are perfect—yes, you can pop them in the microwave to warm them up, which is super comforting in colder months! Make sure to use wipes between continence aid changes to thoroughly clean and disinfect the skin, genitals, and buttocks.

Hydrate your skin from within

Drinking enough water can do amazing things for your skin! Here are just a few of the benefits:

Keeps your skin hydrated

Dehydration can lead to dry, itchy skin. Staying hydrated helps keep your skin soft, smooth, and supple.

Balances your skin's pH

Your skin’s pH level (which ranges from 0 for very acidic to 14 for very alkaline) plays a big role in skin health. If it’s too acidic, you might experience redness, inflammation, or roughness. Drinking water helps maintain that balance.

Prevents overheating and rashes

Staying hydrated helps your body regulate its temperature, reducing the chance of heat-related rashes.

Supports gut health

A healthy gut can work wonders for your skin! Drinking enough water helps with digestion, which can improve both your skin and symptoms related to incontinence.

So, grab that water bottle and sip your way to better skin and overall health!

Change your continence aid as soon as it's wet or soiled

It might seem like common sense, but when you’ve got a packed schedule or limited mobility, changing a continence aid right away when it’s wet or soiled can be easier said than done.

That said, staying on top of changes is really important for protecting your skin and preventing issues like incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) or infections. For instance, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common—especially in women—when bacteria from stool enters the urinary tract.

So, whenever possible, try to change pads, pull-ups, or slips as soon as they’re wet or soiled to keep your skin healthy and reduce the risk of infection. It’s one small habit that makes a big difference!

Wear breathable continence aids

Choosing continence aids that are gentle on your skin, breathable, and fit just right is key to keeping your skin healthy.

The Invizi range of pads, pants, and slips are ultra-soft, dermatologically tested, and made with latex-free, breathable materials to help prevent irritation and keep you comfortable.

Not sure about the right size or absorbency level? No worries! You can reach out to us, and our product specialists will happily recommend the best option based on your waist size and incontinence needs.

Getting the fit right is super important. If an aid is too big, it can lead to leaks, while one that’s too small can press into your skin and cause irritation, redness, or inflammation. Finding the perfect fit makes all the difference!