Skin care is essential, without this, skin can deteriorate; become dry, damaged and infected.

Skin care for cows is similar to skin care for humans and products should contain chemicals that function as Humectants, Emollients and possibly Occlusives.

Humectants are substances that bind with water molecules to increase the water content in the skin. Glycerine is a very cost effective way of delivering humectant properties to a teat dip. Aloe is a mixture of polysaccharides, carbohydrates and minerals; this is also an excellent moisturiser.
Emollients are used to soften and smooth dry, scaly skin. Derivatives of Lanolin are effective emollients. PEG Esters (Polyethylene glycol with fatty acid) are also effective emollients.
Occlusives work by forming a thin film on the surface of the skin to prevent loss of moisture; some PEG Esters are effective at forming films.

Some teat care products additionally contain Salicylic Acid or Acid Salicylates. Whereas Lactic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Salicylic Acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid. Materials in this group encourage exfoliation, that is the softening and sloughing of the top layer of skin cells. Salicylate also penetrates skin and reduces the blockage of pores, thereby reducing the opportunity for infections.

Teat Care Skin

Good skin care components combined with long contact through viscosity or film formation not only improve skin condition, it also ensures extended contact of biocides, thereby reducing infection and instances of mastitis.

It must be very effective at killing bacteria that can cause and spread mastitis in our herds, while also protecting and nourishing the skin on the teat. By using emollients by their very nature soothe, soften and moisturise the skin.
If we look at the science of hand hygiene it can be applied to the technology of teat dipping. It is that careful balance of disinfection with care, while maintaining healthy skin.