The Effects
Cancer treatments can make skin sensitive, dry, dull, flaky or itchy and skin tone may appear gray or even yellow. During chemotherapy and radiation treatments, skin will become more sensitive to allergens or irritants. Cancer patients are advised not to share their personal care products and not to use products that have changed in appearance, odor or texture. The damage cancer treatments do to skin is neither irreversible nor untreatable. In fact, during treatments patients will likely have many of the same concerns as women whose skin is dry and sensitive throughout the year.
 Chemotherapy will make skin drier because it will interfere with the production levels of oil and sweat glands. Radiation treatments can make skin reddened, irritated and chapped-similar to a sunburn. Keeping skin moisturized during treatment is important to prevent cracking and chapping, which can lead to infection in the cancer patient, whose immune system is suppressed. Keep in mind that looking ill isn't inevitable during or after cancer treatment. Undergoing treatment is hard enough, so we've done some of the homework to recommend products to help everyone look her best.
"I think the most helpful factor in my time with breast cancer and chemo was that i was determined not to see it as a battle, that I understood relating to it peacefully would bring more healing. I called the chemo, "medicine," not a toxin, and invited it in to do what it could to clear my body of harmful cells. and it did!"
- Susan, Sacramento, CA - 8 Year Survivor |
Cleanse and Moisturize
One should avoid harsh soaps. Soap-free and fragrance-free facial cleansers that gently cleanse makeup and oil without drying the skin are preferable. Baby cleansers might also be an option as they tend to be mild and perfume-free. Using a moisturizer more frequently or using a heavier moisturizer can help to keep skin hydration levels up. Boscia Soothing Cleansing Cream and L'Occitane Shea Cotton Ultra Comforting Cleansing Milk both do a wonderful job of this. When cleansing the face warm water should be used, never hot. After cleansing and rinsing, pat the face dry with a towel. Apply a moisturizer, such as Boscia Recharging Night Moisture or La Roche Posay Toleriane Facial Fluid immediately after washing, when the skin is still damp, for maximum absorption.
"Besides saving my life, one of the side effects of chemo was my face skin felt softer and smoother than before. I used this opportunity to use high quality day and night creams to keep this feeling. 12 years later - I'm feeling great!"
- Robyn, Age 56, California - 12 Year Survivor |
Sun Protection
Skin that has received radiation treatment has been shown to have an increased risk of developing skin cancer in the future. Cancer patients are advised to use products containing sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. As skin may be more sensitive to harmful ultraviolet rays make sure that the SPF product offers both UVA and UVB protection (broad/full spectrum sunscreens). An easy to use sunscreen that we like is the bareMinerals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen Medium or the Colorescience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Shaker Jar Perfectly Clear. A lip balm with an SPF, such as Juice Beauty SPF 8 Lip Moisturizer is also essential.
Nails
Fingernails may become darkened, brittle, or cracked, or they may develop vertical lines or bands. Protect your nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes, gardening or performing other work around the house. Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream strengthens nails and helps to keep them from splitting. If the area around the nail bed becomes dry, cuticles may fray. Moisturize the cuticles with an oil like Kerstin Florian Aromatherapy Myrrh Nail Oil or a balm such as L'Occitane 100% Pure Shea Butter for brittle and splitting nails. Don't rip or peel off a loose cuticle. Cut it carefully with a clean pair of nail scissors. To help prevent nail splits and peels, try to keep them short.
Avoid
Things to avoid include: abrasive cleansers, fabric softeners, loofah sponges, alcohols, perfumes, colorants, preservatives, Alpha Hydroxy Acids, products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Retin-A and Retinol-based products, Propylene Glycol, Lanolin, Benzoyl Peroxide, Menthol, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, P-Phenylenediamine (PPD), and Camphor.
Treat Yourself With Extra Kindness
After successfully undergoing cancer treatment, a patient may worry about dealing with the physical changes that occurred during treatment. Hair loss may be a possible side effect that causes concern.
"I kept my sense of humor throughout treatment, especially when a blast of heat from my oven hit my wig while removing a pan of chicken parmesan. It melted the ends of my wig, so the style went from Tina Turner to Medusa! New wig immediately purchased. Beauty is in your smile AND laughter. "
- Diane, Age 57, Carmichael, CA - 14 Year Survivor |
Hair Loss
Both men and women report hair loss as one of the side effects they fear most after being diagnosed with cancer.
The hair on the head grows the fastest and is the first to fall out during chemotherapy. Fortunately, most of the time hair loss from chemotherapy is temporary. Hair loss varies amongst patients and may include loss of eyebrows and lashes. This happens because during chemotherapy, drugs reach various parts and organs of the body to destroy cancer cells, and some of these drugs cause damage to hair follicles.
Hair re-growth often begins even before therapy is completed. Some products containing minoxidil, like Rogaine Regular Strength for Women Triple Pack, might help speed up the hair re-growth. Other treatments that customers have had success with are the Korres Magnesium and Amino Acids Anti Hair Loss Toning Lotion or Rene Furterer RF 80 Concentrated Hair Strengthening Formula. For eyebrows or eyelashes try RevitaLash or TALIKA Eyelash Conditioning Cream.
When the hair does grow back, frequently there is a change in the color or texture. Re-growth usually occurs in six to eight weeks after completion of therapy. Take a minute to think about this: the average person's hair grows approximately 1/2 inch a month, so you can imagine how long it would take to get back to normal length.
The reality is that so much medical intervention when battling cancer will have a huge impact on the skin. But with a little TLC and the right skin care regimen, you can reclaim your sense of self by gaining some control over the ravages of cancer and the side effects of treatment.
Please consult your physician prior to using any of the recommended products.
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