You cannot wear moisturizer before surgery. Hospitals and surgical centers have strict pre-operative instructions that universally prohibit the use of all lotions, creams, and oils starting the night before or the morning of a procedure. This rule is a standardized patient safety protocol designed to prevent complications during and after your operation. Following these rules is important for a successful surgical outcome.
The General Rule: Why Moisturizer Is Prohibited
Moisturizers, lotions, and oils create a thin, occlusive layer on the skin’s surface, which severely interferes with necessary antiseptic treatments. Surgical site infections are a major concern, and the surgical team relies on antiseptic scrubs, such as those containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) or iodine, to significantly reduce the bacterial count on the skin. The oily residue forms a barrier that prevents these germ-killing agents from penetrating the skin effectively, compromising the necessary sterile field.
The presence of these products also directly impacts the proper function of monitoring equipment used during anesthesia and surgery. Anesthesiologists and nurses must place monitoring dots and electrodes on your skin to track vital signs. Lotions decrease the skin’s adhesion, preventing surgical tape, grounding pads, and electrode sensors from sticking securely. If these devices detach during the procedure, it can lead to inaccurate readings or delay the surgery.
Specific Restrictions on Other Personal Products
The ban on moisturizers extends to other personal care products that share similar risks related to sterility and monitoring interference.
Makeup, particularly foundation, is prohibited because it can conceal changes in skin color, which is an important indicator of healthy circulation and oxygenation. Eye makeup particles also pose a risk if the anesthesiologist needs to gently tape the eyelids closed to prevent corneal damage.
Nail polish, acrylics, and gel manicures must be removed from at least one finger on each hand. This is because the pulse oximeter, a device that clips onto a fingertip, uses light to measure the oxygen saturation in your blood. Opaque pigments and the thickness of nail coverings interfere with the light transmission, causing inaccurate readings.
Deodorants, perfumes, and body powders are also prohibited. Like lotions, these items leave residues that interfere with antiseptic washes and make it difficult to place monitoring sensors or surgical drapes.
Preparing Skin for Surgery: Approved Cleansing Protocols
Instead of using personal care products, you will be instructed to perform a specific pre-operative cleansing regimen to reduce the number of germs on your skin. This process typically involves showering with an antiseptic soap, such as Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG), the evening before and the morning of your surgery. CHG is a powerful antimicrobial agent that bonds to the skin, continuing to kill germs for hours after rinsing.
When using CHG, patients are instructed to wash their hair and face with regular soap first. Then, apply the antiseptic wash to the entire body from the jawline down, avoiding sensitive areas like the eyes and genitals. After rinsing thoroughly and patting the skin dry with a clean towel, it is prohibited to apply any lotions, deodorants, or powders. Strict adherence to the surgeon’s exact timing and product instructions is essential before arriving at the hospital.