 
Developing sensitive skin during chemotherapy and
radiation is common — and may change your skin care routine.
Like the rest of your body, your skin needs to be treated kindly during
this time. Before adopting your own skin care regimen, see special
requirements for radiation and chemotherapy. Here’s
our gentle plan: First, cleanse using
warm (not hot) water and a mild soap or cleanser that easily rinses
off. Pat dry. Dab alcohol-free toner onto a cotton ball and sweep
over face without tugging to fully refresh. Next, protect skin from
sun with an SPF 15+ sunscreen (or a moisturizer with SPF 15+ included)
approved by your doctor. Wait a few minutes before applying other
products to let sunscreen set. To reduce dry, flaky skin, dot a
light moisturizer on forehead, cheeks, chin and nose and gently
blend. (Moisturizer creates a great, smooth base for make-up.) Finally,
reduce puffiness with under-eye cream, if needed. Additional treatment
gels, exfoliants, and highly fragranced products are not recommended
during treatment.
Special Requirements for Radiation
Ask your doctor before using any cream,
lotion, make-up, soap, sunscreen, perfume or deodorant on or near
treatment areas. If these areas are itchy or irritated, a light
sprinkling of cornstarch may be allowed by your physician to offset
discomfort; however, filmy skin products can hinder treatment. Generally,
you should use only warm water on treated areas and gently
pat dry. You should not scrub, scratch or shave treated skin. You
also must not attempt to remove any radiation markings. (These eventually
fade away.) Finally, do not apply heat/cold packs and be sure to
follow doctor’s orders on limiting sun exposure. After radiotherapy,
ask your physician before using make-up or other skin-care products.
Special Requirements for Chemotherapy
Don’t use hormone creams, such as those containing
hydrocortisone. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and use sunscreen with
SPF 15 or higher (unless otherwise directed by your doctor). Since
even oily skin may become dry or flaky during chemotherapy, consider
using moisturizer several times daily to lessen the impact.
Other Tips
Cancer treatment can increase vulnerability to
infection, so keep hygiene a high priority. Always wash your hands
before using products and close lids tightly. Keep fingers out of
containers, using clean cotton balls, swabs or disposable
sponge-tip applicators for dispensing. Never share products and
always replace them according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Welcome
| Skin
Care | Concealer
| Base/Powder
| Blush
| Brows
| Shadow/Liner
| Mascara
| Lipstick/Liner
| Nails
|
