Absorbent article and method for maintaining or improving skin health

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for maintaining and/or improving skin health in the area of a wearer covered by an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet, an absorbent core located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent article also includes skin care compositions thereon for maintaining and/or improving skin health.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A disposable absorbent article which defines a front waist region, a rear waist region, and a crotch region which interconnects said front and rear waist regions, said absorbent article comprising: 
 a) a vapor permeable backsheet which defines a Water Vapor Transmission Rate of at least about 2300 grams per square meter per 24 hours, calculated according to a Water Vapor Transmission Test as set forth herein;    b) a liquid pervious topsheet which is positioned in facing relation with said backsheet;    c) an absorbent core located between said backsheet and said topsheet; and    d) a skin care composition on at least a portion of a wearer-contacting surface of said absorbent article which comprises from about 10 to about 95 weight percent of an emollient and from about 5 to about 90 weight percent of a wax.    
     
     
         2 . The absorbent article of  claim 1  wherein said composition further comprises a viscosity increasing agent selected from the group consisting of alkyl galactomannan, silica, talc, magnesium silicate, sorbitol, colloidal silicone dioxide, magnesium aluminum silicate, zinc stearate, sesquioleate, cetyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose and other modified celluloses, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The absorbent article of  claim 1  wherein said emollient is selected from the group consisting of sucrose ester fatty acids, fatty acid esters, alkyl ethoxylates, fatty acid ester ethoxylates, polysiloxanes, fatty alcohol ethers, polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof, propylene glycol and derivatives thereof, glycerine and derivatives thereof, propoxylated fatty alcohols, fatty esters of polyhydroxy alcohols, lanolin and its derivatives, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         4 . The absorbent article of  claim 1  wherein said emollient is a petroleum-based emollient selected from the group consisting of petrolatum, mineral oil, and mixtures thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The absorbent article of  claim 1  wherein said wax is selected from the group consisting of camauba, ozokerite, beeswax, candelilla, paraffin, ceresin, esparto, ouricuri, rezowax, isoparaffin, other mined and mineral waxes, and mixtures thereof.