World Skin
Health Day

World Skin Health Day - 8 July 2026

Observed annually by the International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS), World Skin Health Day reminds us that skin health is whole-body health. This year's theme focuses on early detection and daily prevention; both of which matter enormously when managing incontinence.

Your skin is your body's largest organ and its first line of defence. When it functions well, it keeps moisture out and maintains a healthy protective barrier. But prolonged contact with urine or stool disrupts that balance; raising the skin's pH, softening the outer layers, and making it far more vulnerable to friction, bacteria and breakdown.

This is not a rare or extreme complication. Research shows that skin problems related to incontinence are among the most common, and most preventable, issues experienced by people who manage bladder or bowel leakage day to day. And yet they are rarely talked about openly, which means many people are dealing with discomfort that could be significantly reduced with a few targeted changes.

Incontinence-Associated Dermatitis; or IAD; is a form of moisture-associated skin damage that develops when skin is repeatedly or prolonged exposed to urine or stool. It is one of the most common skin conditions in people managing continence, and one of the most preventable.

IAD is not the same as a pressure injury, though the two can occur together and are sometimes confused. IAD is caused by chemical irritation from moisture and enzymes in stool or urine; not by pressure or friction alone. Understanding the difference matters because the prevention and treatment approaches are different.

The relationship between incontinence and skin damage has been studied extensively over the past two decades. Research led by Professor Dimitri Beeckman and published through the Global IAD Expert Panel has established clear clinical pathways for IAD prevention and management; bringing together evidence from wound care, continence nursing and dermatology.

Key findings from the research are consistent; the pH of urine and stool is significantly different from healthy skin's natural pH of around 4 to 5.5. Prolonged exposure raises skin pH, disrupting the acid mantle that protects against bacteria and friction. Stool is particularly damaging due to the presence of proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes that actively break down skin tissue. Frequency of exposure, consistency of stool, and the type of product worn all influence how quickly and severely IAD develops.

A 2015 systematic review published in the Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing found that a structured skin care regimen; cleanse, protect, restore; reduced IAD incidence by up to 60 percent in high-risk populations. This is not a marginal improvement. It demonstrates that what you do every day around product use has a direct, measurable effect on your skin health.

The good news is that preventing IAD does not require complicated routines or expensive products. It requires consistency and the right approach. Here is what the evidence supports.

• 1
  Cleanse gently  Use a pH-balanced, fragrance-free cleanser rather than soap or standard wet wipes, which can be too harsh. Pat the skin dry rather than rubbing; friction on already-compromised skin speeds up damage.
• 2
  Apply a barrier product after every change A skin barrier cream, ointment or film creates a protective layer between your skin and moisture. This is one of the single most effective steps in IAD prevention. Apply it after cleansing and before putting on a new product.
• 3
  Choose breathable, well-fitted products Products that allow air circulation reduce the moisture build-up that drives IAD. A poor fit; whether too tight or too loose; increases friction and reduces the product's ability to draw moisture away from the skin.
• 4
  Change promptly after a leak The longer skin stays in contact with moisture, the greater the risk of irritation. If cost is a concern with disposable products, washable options mean there is no financial barrier to changing as often as you need to.
• 5
  Check your skin regularly A quick visual check each time you change means early signs of IAD are caught before they become harder to manage. Catching redness or irritation early means you can adjust your routine before skin breaks down.
• 6
  Stay hydrated - & moisturise! Well-hydrated skin is more resilient. Moisturising the clean helps keep that hydration and moisture locked. Drinking adequate water regularly also helps dilute urine, reducing its chemical irritancy against the skin. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can both increase urinary output and concentration.

One of the most consistent findings in IAD research is that product breathability, fit, and the ability to change frequently all play a significant role in skin outcomes. This is where washable and reusable continence products have a genuine and often underappreciated advantage.

Unlike some disposable products that use plastic-backed materials, Night n Day's washable range is made from soft, breathable fabrics that allow air to circulate against the skin; reducing the warm, moist environment that IAD thrives in. And because there is no cost-per-use with washables, changing as often as needed becomes one less thing to think about.

Night n Day products for skin health

Breathable, well-fitted washable products designed to keep you comfortable and your skin protected.

Washable Underwear and Pants Soft, breathable fabrics with built-in absorbency. Designed to fit well, reduce friction, and allow air to circulate against the skin.

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Washable Pads Change pads independently to keep the skin dry between full changes. No cost per use means changing as often as needed.

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Waterproof Mattress Protectors Breathable waterproof bedding that keeps skin dry overnight without trapping heat; protecting both skin and sleep.

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Custom-Made Products A poor fit is a skin risk. If standard sizing does not work for your body, we make it to your exact measurements.

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Most mild IAD can be managed at home with the right routine and product adjustments. But there are clear signs that something more is going on; and waiting too long to get help can turn a manageable skin issue into a more serious wound that takes much longer to heal.