Chemotherapy | how to take care of your skin?

Chemotherapy can have a significant impact on skin health, due to its effects on the body's cells and tissues.
So it's important to take good care of it. Our team of experts has some advice for you:

Gently clean

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

Moisturize at the right time

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

Sun protection

Skin undergoing chemotherapy may 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. Wear protective clothing and avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

Avoid irritating products

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

• Perfumes and artificial fragrances: these may contain ingredients that are potentially irritating to the skin. Opt for fragrance-free products.

• Artificial dyes: Synthetic dyes can also cause skin irritation. Choose dye-free products.

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

• Aggressive exfoliants: Avoid products containing rough exfoliating particles, which irritate already sensitive skin.

• Strong exfoliating acids: Depending on their percentage, glycolic, salicylic and other strong exfoliating acids may be too aggressive for the skin during chemotherapy. Check brand logos and statements!

• Products containing irritating ingredients: Certain ingredients such as retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and certain preservatives can be irritating to the skin during this period.

• Products containing petroleum and petroleum derivatives: these ingredients can clog pores and cause skin problems. So opt for petrochemical-free products. But be careful! A natural, plant-based skincare product is not necessarily petrochemical-free, so read the ingredients list carefully.

• Aggressive ingredients such as sodium laurel 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.

 

Choose biocompatible ingredients

Biocompatible ingredients bear a strong resemblance to natural skin components. This minimizes the risk of irritation or intolerance, and can help alleviate some of the skin challenges associated with chemotherapy, such as dryness, itching, redness and skin reactions.

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

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

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

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