A barrier cream is applied to the skin to protect it from prolonged exposure to moisture, body fluids (sweat, poo and pee) or friction. A barrier film works similarly but forms a thin, transparent, breathable layer on the skin surface that dries quickly. Barrier films can also be in a wipe or spray format.
All types are commonly used in stoma care, incontinence management and wound care to help prevent skin irritation and breakdown. A barrier product provides protection against moisture-associated skin damage (MASD) and medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI).
A barrier product is useful for people who live with a stoma, have incontinence, have wounds, or have fragile, sensitive skin. This is due to the added protection and gentleness on the skin.
| Product | Overview |
|---|---|
| Barrier cream | A barrier cream is richer and thicker than a barrier film, meaning only a small amount is needed. Designed for dry or vulnerable skin, it moisturises while providing a protective coating to safeguard intact skin from wee and poo. Using a barrier cream as part of a daily skincare routine shields against bodily fluids, helping to prevent Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis (IAD) and lower the risk of skin breakdown. |
| Barrier film | A barrier film is a thinner, quick-drying, liquid formula that adds a waterproof protective layer to the skin. A barrier film is non-greasy and can help shield the skin from moisture, friction and medical adhesives. Using a barrier film creates a dry, smooth surface on your skin which can help to keep your stoma bag or urinary sheath secure and in place. A barrier film can also help protect the skin from bodily fluids to prevent and manage incontinence-associated dermatitis, a common form of moisture-associated skin damage (MASD). At CliniMed, our barrier film range, CliniShield Advance, is available in wipe or spray so you can find a format that works best for you. |
Around the stoma: You can use a barrier film product (spray or wipe) to protect the peristomal skin from output.
For people with incontinence: A barrier cream or film can be used to protect skin from prolonged moisture exposure and body fluids.
For fragile or elderly skin: A barrier cream is useful for added hydration where skin is thinner and more vulnerable to breakdown.
When medical adhesives are used regularly: Such as in urinary sheath or stoma bag users, to protect from adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI).*
Wound care: A barrier cream or film can shield healthy skin around a wound, keeping it dry and preventing irritation.
*A barrier cream can interfere with the adhesive in your product. Instead of a cream, opt for a barrier film spray or wipe.
When choosing a barrier cream or film, you may want to consider:
What you need will depend on whether your skin is dry, sensitive or fragile.
Such as a urinary sheath, or stoma bag. For example, a cream skin protectant can interfere with how sticky your product is.
Whether you would prefer a cream, wipe or spray format. Consider which may be most compatible with your skin and adhesive medical device.
Most barrier products are alcohol free, but it’s important to check ingredients of your chosen product
Request a free sample so you can test and compare to find what works for you.
Clean your skin and dry completely. You can use a skin cleanser to cleanse your skin prior to application.
Apply a pea-sized, even layer to the skin.*
Reapply every 24 hours, depending on how often you need to clean the skin.**
If you apply your barrier cream to an area with skin folds, make sure that skin-contact areas are separated to allow them to dry before returning to normal position.
*Depending on how much of size of the area to cover. For larger skin surfaces, use a larger amount of barrier cream.
**For more extreme cases of diarrhoea, you may want to reapply your barrier cream after each episode.
Clean your skin and dry completely. You can use a skin cleanser to cleanse your skin prior to application.
If using a wipe, tear along the top to open the sachet and remove the wipe from the sachet.
If using a wipe, gently apply a coating to the skin. If using a spray, spray an even coating onto the skin.
Allow the barrier film to dry completely before applying anything to the skin, e.g. your stoma bag or urinary sheath.
Reapply every 12–48 hours depending on how often you clean the skin. Alternatively, every time you change your adhesive medical device.
If you apply your barrier film to an area with skin folds, make sure that skin-contact areas are separated to allow them to dry before returning to normal position.
Shop the CliniShield Protective Barrier range to find a product that works best for you.
Barrier products add an extra layer to the skin to protect it from moisture, adhesives or output
Barrier creams and films are used in stoma care, incontinence management and wound care
Barrier creams and films both provide protection, but creams provide added hydration to the skin
Barrier creams can interfere with the adhesives in your adhesive medical device, so they are not recommended under your stoma bag or sheath
When choosing a barrier product, consider the condition of the skin, formats and ingredients
CliniMed offer CliniShield Advance Protective Barrier Cream, and CliniShield Advance Barrier Film range (spray and wipes) to protect the skin
A barrier cream is used in incontinence care where the skin can become sore from prolonged contact with bodily fluids. It can also be used in wound care, and for elderly people who have thinner skin that is more prone to breakdown.
A barrier cream protects and moisturises the skin, while a barrier film adds a thin protective layer. Both products help to protect against moisture and irritation, but barrier films are often preferred in stoma care. As barrier films dry quickly and do not leave a greasy residue, they don’t interfere with how well a stoma bag sticks to the skin.
Using a barrier cream under your stoma bag generally isn’t recommended. This is because barrier creams have a heavier, greasier formula which can cause your pouch to not stick as well to your skin. If you are looking for skin protection, a barrier film is a better option in stoma care. A film adds a protective layer to the skin but dries quickly and has a thinner consistency.
Most barrier creams are alcohol free but it is best to check the ingredients of your chosen product to be sure. At CliniMed, our CliniShield Advance Protective Barrier Cream is alcohol, fragrance, parabens, and phthalates free.
Generally, you should re-apply your barrier cream every 24 hours. For a barrier film, we recommend reapplying 12–48 hours. However, reapplication for both products can vary depending on how often you cleanse the skin, and how often you change your adhesive product. It is recommended to re-apply your barrier product after each incontinence episode.
A barrier cream and a barrier film are very similar products. The main difference is that a barrier cream has a heavier consistency and provides added hydration to the skin. A film however is thinner on the skin and dries quickly. Both products protect the skin from moisture and adhesives.
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