Skin care in the older person: a focus on the use of emollients

This article gives an overview of pathophysiological changes in the older person's skin, with particular focus on dry skin and the important use of emollient therapy. This includes guidance on emollient choice, function and application. Education is emphasized as an important factor in patient/carer concordance, with additional advice also recommended to extend education to other health care professionals in terms of correct usage and prescription amounts. Best practice of the use of emollient therapy is the main objective of this article, promoting the health professional to place skin care assessment high on the patient need agenda, and to recognize this therapy as the first-line treatment in all dry skin management.