Managing ageing skin and maintaining skin integrity

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Managing ageing skin and maintaining skin integrity

Jacqui Fletcher, Leanne Atkin, Luxmi Dhoonmoon, Christina Harris, Heather Hodgson, Samantha Holloway, Dinah Kheder, Susy Pramod
4 November 2025

Changes in the skin associated with ageing, underlying conditions or other factors can compromise skin integrity, making it fragile and more prone to damage. While this is often dismissed as a minor or purely cosmetic concern, it needs to be acknowledged as a significant clinical issue.

When an individual is identified as being at risk, the focus should shift to risk reduction and prevention of skin damage. This should include a structured prevention programme and a consistent skincare regimen that uses emollients to maintain and protect skin health.

Moisturising remains underappreciated in clinical settings and is often viewed as a low-priority intervention. This misconception undermines efforts to implement effective, preventative skincare and must be challenged. Despite strong evidence, many patients do not receive appropriate emollient care. 

An emollient-based skincare regimen can improve patient outcomes and quality of life while preventing damage and complications that are both distressing for patients and challenging for clinicians to manage.

Patients and clinicians need to be educated on the importance of monitoring the skin for changes, knowing the signs to look out for, and taking action to prevent damage that includes good skincare. Emollient application should be regarded as a standard component of routine skincare for all patients, particularly older adults and those with compromised skin. All clinicians, regardless of specialty, have a role to play in embedding this practice.

This document aims to raise awareness and provide practical strategies to protect skin integrity. It includes:

  • A glossary of key terms to reduce confusion
  • Best Practice Statements
  • Practical tips and patient expectations
  • Reflection prompts to encourage deeper understanding.

Jacqui Fletcher, Chair

Download the PDF below to access the full Best Practice Statement

Disclaimer: This document has been developed by Wounds UK and is supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Alliance Pharma.
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