How to Care for Your Skin During Cancer Treatment

Caring for your body during oncology treatments

At Farmaciasdirect we want to address possible taboos that may exist around cosmetics or cosmetic treatments for oncology patients and how they can improve quality of life. During aggressive oncology treatments, both patients and the people close to them go through very difficult times, but to make them a little easier and help them look better there are some cosmetic aids, such as make-up to increase self-esteem and the desire to keep fighting. We are going to cover a series of recommendations and today we will focus on body skin.

The skin

During chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments, the skin suffers a lot, becomes dry and hypersensitive. We always talk about the importance of suitable hygiene, more qualitatively than quantitatively. For hygiene, we recommend gentle products, known as syndets (soap-free), which are also very hydrating and non-aggressive, free from surfactants that cause dehydration, free from parabens and, above all, that respect the skin’s acidic pH of 5.5. La Roche-Posay has a range of body products highly recommended for this type of patient, such as Lipikar Syndet for hygiene or Lipikar Huile Lavante. Short showers with lukewarm water are better, and avoid prolonged baths with very hot water, as this attacks the skin. After showering, it is important to dry the body carefully, without rubbing. Hydration should be a basic step in the daily routine. In terms of texture, choose according to needs: milk if you need something more fluid, cream or balm if you need extra hydration. As for the formula, choose one containing elements similar to the skin’s natural lipids (ceramides) and only what is strictly necessary. Hypoallergenic formulas, without parabens, without perfume, etc. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AP+ is a highly recommended product at this step of the routine. As for clothing, detergents and fabric softeners can also attack the skin, so these products should be hypoallergenic, without perfumes or additives.

The sun

As for sun exposure, we know that in some cases it is beneficial for improving mood and vitamin D absorption, but for patients with damaged skin it is quite harmful. We strongly recommend avoiding sun exposure without protection and using photoprotection with a high protection index against UVA (the cheapest and/or supermarket products only protect against UVB). The Anthelios range from La Roche-Posay contains products with a high level of UVA protection and also respects the skin, as they are dermatologically tested.

Nails

Regarding nail care, it is important to apply a strengthening polish and avoid manicure processes that are too aggressive for the nail. Also avoid cutting too much and processes with very hot water. For patients receiving radiotherapy, we are going to indicate some basic tips:

• Before the session, it is best for the skin to be clean and dry, so it is advisable not to use creams or oils on the area to be irradiated before the sessions.
• After the session, it is advisable to provide your skin with active ingredients that repair the damage it has suffered, such as soothing creams like Cicaplast Baume B5.
• To soothe irritation and/or redness, we recommend La Roche-Posay Thermal Water, which soothes, fortifies and softens the area immediately.
• Throughout the treatment process, the skin in particular will suffer dehydration, so it is not advisable to use products that accentuate this dehydration, such as products containing perfumes, alcohol or essential oils.
• Of course, a very important aspect throughout treatment is a varied and balanced diet, rich in antioxidants, proteins and calcium, found in vegetables, fruit and the occasional treat such as chocolate.

In upcoming posts we will continue with advice for oncology patients; we will cover the hair and face area, among others. At Farmaciasdirect we work every day to offer you the best advice, so do not hesitate to ask us any questions.