As an oncology patient, do I need to change my daily hygiene habits?

Oncology treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can make our skin more sensitive, dry, irritated, red or even flaky. That is why it is so important to use specific products with gentle ingredients that are kind to the skin and formulated to protect and repair fragile, sensitive skin.

In this post, we will explain which routine and habits you should follow when caring for your skin. And, as expected, the first step is "cleansing and hygiene".

The importance of using specific products for oncology patients

The most important thing to bear in mind is to choose products that do not alter the skin's natural pH. That is why we recommend choosing fragrance-free soaps with hypoallergenic formulas. Gentle cleansers that respect this skin barrier to help prevent dryness and tightness.

One of our favourites is the Tolerance gelled cleansing lotion by Avène. Its soap-free formula helps to remove dirt and impurities from the face without irritating, leaving the skin feeling soft and comfortable.

Another aspect to bear in mind is that skin undergoing oncology treatments may develop small wounds or flaking due to the extreme dryness caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

In these cases, it is important to use a cleanser that, in addition to being gentle, helps to heal, repair and protect, such as the Cicalfate disinfecting cleansing gel by Avène.

It cleanses without irritating while promoting the healing of damaged areas, protecting the skin and helping to prevent flaking. It also contains active ingredients that help prevent infection and speed up the skin regeneration process, which is especially important for the most delicate areas.

For cases of extreme dryness accompanied by itching, one of the cleansers we most recommend is the Xeracalm AD cleansing oil by Avène, as it helps to repair the barrier function and provides intense hydration and nourishment, thanks to its oily texture and relipidising, anti-itch action.

And as an extra step in our care routine, after cleansing we could incorporate Agua Thermal de Avène, known for its soothing properties and for providing instant comfort, as it is rich in minerals and trace elements.

Extreme skin dryness or irritation are some of the most common effects experienced by patients undergoing oncology treatments. That is why, as we mentioned at the beginning of the post, it is so important to use products that respect the barrier function and contain soothing and repairing active ingredients, always recommended by a healthcare professional.