A method of forming a membrane on a patch of skin using a gel, for the purpose of protecting the skin area or administering pharmacologically active substances to or through the skin area. The main ingredients of the gel are an alkyl acrylate crosspolymer such as Carbopol Ultrez 20 and a water soluble polymer such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The gel may also contain other ingredients such as water, ethanol, antioxidants, lubricants, and neutralizers. The gel has the properties of being colorless and clear, low skin and nose irritability, easy to administer, fast membrane forming time, and removable by washing with water.
