Yep, clean skin is pretty important for getting the full effect.Just wanted to throw out a suggestion as well. The shower described in the instructions should be utilized. I usually shower at night, and then wrap up my shin wound - so a shower in the morning is difficult... So I tried to just wash the stomach area with a hot towel this morning... Still had some heat and redness, but not nearly as much as after a nice long hot shower.
This wound shouldn't need a bandage in a couple more days - so until then, I may just apply post workout shower.
-Eric