Chemotherapy | how to care for your skin?

Chemotherapy can significantly impact skin health due to its effects on the body's cells and tissues.
Therefore, it's important to take care of it. Our team of experts offers some advice:

Perform a gentle cleanse

Choose gentle, non-irritating cleansers for your skin. Avoid products containing fragrances, dyes, or harsh ingredients. Wash your face and body with lukewarm water rather than hot water, as hot water can further dry out the skin.


Moisturize at the right time

Chemotherapy can dry out the skin. Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to help maintain skin hydration. Apply the cream after showering or bathing when the skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.

Sun Protection

Skin undergoing chemotherapy can be more sensitive to the sun. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 50) to protect your skin from UV rays. Also wear protective clothing and avoid sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day.


Avoid irritating products

When undergoing chemotherapy, it is recommended to avoid certain harsh and irritating ingredients in your cosmetic products, as your skin may be more sensitive and prone to adverse reactions. Here are some ingredients to avoid:

  • Fragrances and artificial perfumes: these can contain ingredients potentially irritating to the skin. Opt for fragrance-free products.

  • Artificial dyes: Synthetic dyes can also cause skin irritations. Prioritize dye-free products.

  • Alcohol: Products containing alcohol can dry out and irritate the skin, which can be problematic during chemotherapy.

  • Harsh exfoliating agents: Avoid products containing rough exfoliating particles, which can irritate already sensitive skin.

  • Strong exfoliating acids: Depending on their percentage, glycolic, salicylic, and other powerful exfoliating acids can be too harsh for the skin during chemotherapy. Refer to brand logos and messaging!

  • Products containing irritating ingredients: Some ingredients like retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and certain preservatives can irritate the skin during this time.

  • Products made with petroleum and petroleum derivatives: These ingredients can clog pores and cause skin problems. Therefore, choose products free from petrochemicals. Be careful! A natural and plant-based skincare product is not necessarily free from petrochemical ingredients, so always read the ingredient list carefully.

  • Harsh ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate: Avoid cleansers containing strong sulfates, as they can dry out the skin.

  • Potentially allergenic ingredients: If you have a history of skin allergies, avoid ingredients known to be common allergens.

 

Prioritize biocompatible ingredients

Biocompatible ingredients closely resemble the skin's natural components. This minimizes the risk of irritation or intolerance and can help alleviate some skin challenges associated with chemotherapy, such as dryness, itching, redness, and skin reactions.

Here are ten biocompatible cosmetic ingredients often chosen for their gentleness and skin compatibility:

  • Glycerin: A natural moisturizer that helps maintain skin hydration.
  • Hyaluronic acid: A powerful hydrating ingredient that helps keep skin supple and soft.
  • Ceramides: Essential lipids that strengthen the skin barrier and preserve hydration.
  • Aloe vera: Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties, it is suitable for sensitive skin.
  • Sweet almond oil: A gentle and nourishing oil that helps soften the skin.
  • Colloidal Oat Extract: Soothes itching and irritation.
  • Panthenol (provitamin B5): Soothes and hydrates the skin, promoting its regeneration.
  • Argan oil: An oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, ideal for nourishing the skin.
  • Chamomile extract: Has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

These ingredients are often used in skincare products specially formulated for sensitive or irritation-prone skin, making them suitable for people undergoing medical treatment like chemotherapy.


However, it's always important to check the product ingredient list and perform a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure there are no adverse reactions!

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