Skin Care Products for Skilled Nursing, DME, and Home Care Providers
Geriatric Medical supplies skin care products in wholesale volumes to skilled nursing facilities, long-term care and assisted living communities, DME/HME providers, and home care agencies nationwide. Our catalog includes perineal cleansers, barrier creams and ointments, skin prep and barrier films, antifungal and antibacterial skin protection, moisturizing creams, lotions, and powders, body wash, shampoos, and soaps, sunscreen, and dispensers, so your team can build a consistent skin care program from one distributor.
Whether you're standardizing an incontinence skin care regimen, protecting fragile skin in residents at risk of breakdown, or supplying patients at home, our team can help you match skin care products to your protocols and order volume.
Skin Care Questions from Providers
What skin care products does Geriatric Medical carry?
We carry perineal skin cleansers, barrier creams and ointments, skin prep and barrier films, antibacterial and antifungal skin protection, creams, lotions, and powders, body wash, shampoos, and soaps, sunscreen, and skin care dispensers. For pressure injury prevention, we also carry cushions and protectors in our pressure relief category.
What is incontinence-associated dermatitis, and how is it prevented?
Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) is skin inflammation caused by repeated or prolonged contact with urine or stool, and it's one of the most common forms of moisture-associated skin damage in long-term care. It shows up as redness, irritation, and sometimes open or weeping skin in the perineal area, buttocks, and skin folds. Prevention generally follows a structured routine: cleanse gently after each episode, protect the skin with a barrier product, and change incontinence products promptly.
Why use a perineal cleanser instead of soap and water?
Traditional bar soap is alkaline and can dry out and irritate fragile skin, especially with the frequent cleansing that incontinence care requires. Perineal cleansers are pH-balanced for skin, and many are no-rinse formulas that can be applied, gently wiped, and left to dry without a wash basin. That makes them gentler on skin and faster for staff to use. Pre-moistened perineal cleansing wipes and cloths are also available for convenience at the bedside.
What's the difference between barrier creams, ointments, and barrier films?
Barrier products create a protective layer between the skin and moisture from urine, stool, or wound drainage. Barrier creams are typically lighter and easier to spread, while ointments, often based on petrolatum or zinc oxide, create a thicker, longer-lasting barrier for skin with frequent exposure. Dimethicone-based products offer protection with a lighter, less greasy feel. Barrier films are liquid products applied by wipe, wand, or spray that dry into a thin, transparent protective layer. The right choice depends on the resident's skin condition and your facility's skin care protocol.
What is skin prep used for?
Skin prep, also called a barrier film or skin protectant, is applied to the skin before tapes, dressings, ostomy barriers, or other adhesives to protect fragile skin from damage when those products are removed. It also protects skin from friction and moisture. No-sting, alcohol-free formulas are gentler for residents with irritated or broken skin. Skin prep should be allowed to dry fully before a dressing or adhesive product is applied.
When are antifungal skin products used?
Antifungal creams, ointments, and powders are used to treat fungal skin infections, such as yeast rashes in skin folds, under the breasts, and in the groin and perineal area, which are common in residents with moisture exposure or limited mobility. Some barrier products also contain antifungal ingredients. Antifungal treatment should follow a prescriber's order and your facility's skin care protocol, and skin folds should be kept clean and dry.
How should we care for dry, fragile skin in older adults?
Aging skin is thinner, produces less oil, and is more prone to dryness and skin tears. Applying a moisturizing cream or lotion daily, especially right after bathing while skin is still slightly damp, helps keep skin hydrated and more resilient. Fragrance-free products are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Gentle, pH-balanced body wash and patting rather than rubbing skin dry also help protect fragile skin.
Should powders be used on residents' skin?
Powders can help absorb moisture and reduce friction in skin folds, but they should be used sparingly. Too much powder can cake in skin folds and trap moisture, and powders generally shouldn't be layered with creams or barrier ointments. Medicated antifungal powders are used when prescribed. Follow your facility's skin care protocol for when and where powders should be used.
What body wash and shampoo products work best in senior care?
Gentle, pH-balanced, and tear-free formulas are the best fit for older skin and for residents who may not tolerate soap in their eyes. Combination shampoo and body wash products save time during bathing and reduce the number of products staff need to carry. No-rinse options are also available for bed baths and residents who can't shower. Many facilities choose mild, lightly scented or fragrance-free formulas for residents with sensitive skin.
Do older adults need sunscreen?
Yes. Older adults are more vulnerable to sun damage because aging skin is thinner, and some medications increase sensitivity to sunlight. For residents who spend time outdoors on patios, walks, or outings, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher applied to exposed skin helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage. Reapply according to the product label, especially after sweating.
Why use wall-mounted skin care dispensers with sealed refills?
Wall-mounted dispensers for lotion, soap, and body wash keep products at the point of use and off counters where containers can become contaminated. Dispensers that use sealed refill cartridges or bags are preferred in healthcare settings, since the CDC advises against "topping off" or refilling partially empty soap dispensers, which can lead to bacterial contamination. Refills should be matched to the installed dispenser system.
Can we order skin care products through EDI or a punchout catalog?
Yes. Geriatric Medical supports EDI ordering and punchout catalog integration for accounts that manage purchasing through their own procurement, EHR, or ERP systems, so skin care products can be ordered the same way as the rest of your catalog without manual re-entry.