Chemotherapy can have a significant impact on skin health due to its effects on the body's cells and tissues.
It is therefore important to take care of it. Our team of experts will give you some advice:
Carry out a gentle cleaning
Opt for cleansers that are gentle and non-irritating to 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 dry out the skin more.
Hydrate 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 skin is still slightly damp to help lock in moisture.
Sunscreen
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. Also wear protective clothing and avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day.
Avoid irritating products
When you are 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:
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Fragrances and artificial fragrances : These may contain ingredients that are potentially irritating to the skin. Opt for fragrance-free products.
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Artificial Colors : Synthetic colors can also cause skin irritation. Choose products without dyes.
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Alcohol : Products containing alcohol can dry and irritate the skin, which can be problematic during chemotherapy.
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Harsh exfoliating agents : Avoid products with harsh exfoliating particles, which irritate already sensitive skin.
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Strong exfoliating acids : Depending on their percentage, glycolic, salicylic and other strong exfoliating acids may be too harsh on the skin during chemotherapy. Refer to the logos and brand speech!
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Products with irritating ingredients : Certain ingredients such as retinol, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and some preservatives may be irritating to the skin during this time.
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Petroleum and petroleum derivative products : These ingredients can clog pores and cause skin problems. So choose petrochemical-free. Attention ! A natural and plant-based treatment is not necessarily without petrochemical ingredients, so read the list of ingredients carefully.
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Harsh ingredients like sodium laurel sulfate : Avoid cleansers with strong sulfates, as they can dry out the skin.
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Potentially Allergenic Ingredients : If you have a history of skin allergies, avoid ingredients known to be common allergens.
Choose biocompatible ingredients
Biocompatible ingredients have a strong resemblance to the natural components of the skin. 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 compatibility with the skin:
- Glycerin : A natural moisturizer that helps maintain skin moisture.
- Hyaluronic Acid: A powerful hydrating ingredient that helps maintain skin's suppleness and softness.
- Ceramides : Essential lipids to 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, nourishing oil that helps soften skin.
- Colloidal Oatmeal 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 skin care products specially formulated for sensitive or irritation-prone skin, making them suitable for people undergoing medical treatment such as chemotherapy.
However, it is important to always check the ingredient list of products and test on a small patch of skin to ensure there are no adverse reactions!