If you’re having chemotherapy, chances are, you’re not feeling great anyway. Sickness, and fatigue are common side effects. The last thing you need is to worry about the skin and body care you’re using making you feel worse.
During chemo your skin can become highly reactive, which is why many men and women also look at the products they use on the outside.
This guide is our expert look at natural body care for chemotherapy, why it helps, what to look for and sources of more information.
How Does Chemotherapy Affect the Skin?
Chemotherapy can affect the skin from head-to-toe in several ways. Many people report experiencing itching, extremely heightened sensitivity, redness, and soreness.
Increased Allergies & Sun Sensitivity
Some people find their skin peels, cracks, and burns. Chemo also makes your skin much more sensitive to sunlight, so you need to use heightened sun protection, even in winter.
You may also become more allergy prone, so need to choose ingredients mindfully to avoid worsening symptoms.
Radiation Burns
If you’re also having radiation therapy, chemotherapy can trigger a skin reaction known as radiation recall, which leads to a sunburn-like rash developing on areas of the body that have been treated with radiation (source, healthline)
Symptoms can include:
- redness
- swelling
- pain or tenderness
- blisters or wet sores
- peeling skin
- Increased sensitivity to warming ingredients
Skin Dryness
Chemotherapy doesn’t just kill cancer cells, it targets all fast-growing cells, including healthy ones. As a result, skin turnover can slow and many people feel they look as though they’re ageing faster.
This isn’t imagined. According to Skininc.com, during chemotherapy, the epidermis stops being able to hold moisture, leading to fine lines.
In the dermis, the collagen and elastin breakdown, weakening the skin's building blocks. Additionally, fatty tissue starts to disappear, especially if you are lacking in certain nutrients.
This can lead to sagging, loss of elasticity and plumpness, across the body.
What Helps Your Skin During Chemotherapy?
Use Neutral pH Soaps & Shower Gels
Making sure all your skin and body care products have a neutral Ph of 5.5. This means your skincare will not disrupt the protective acid mantle of your skin and is less likely to further dry or irritate already challenged skin.
Embrace Aromatherapeutic Bodycare
Your sense of smell may become more acute and certain smells (often very artificial ones) can lead to nausea, which is particularly important to consider when choosing body care.
But aromatherapy - that uses pure essential oils, not fragrance oils - might be of help.
Cancer research UK highlights the benefits of some essential oils in reducing the side effects of chemotherapy. These include:
- Reducing pain
- Managing inflammation
- Easing nausea
- Lifting low mood
- Settling anxiety
Ginger, Lavender and Orange essential oils have clinically researched benefits. You can use these in oil burners if your skin is too sore for massage.
Many people find rose skincare helpful - rose is a calming and restorative essential oil.
So if you’re looking for products like soaps, body lotions and spritzes, you should check the ingredients list. True ‘aromatherapy’ products contain essential oils, not artificial fragrances or ‘parfum’.
Even then, it’s wise to speak with an aromatherapist for advice on the best choice of oils for your needs.
You may also wish to avoid perfumes, colognes and alcohol-based products, which are drying and may exacerbate your symptoms.
No Hot Baths & Plenty of Moisturiser
Showers and baths should be in lukewarm, not hold (or cold) water to keep the skin comfortable. Try to keep them short, to avoid drying and when out, pat, don’t rub dry.For additional moisture, use a very gentle, rich body balm.
Keep your gut healthy.
If you have areas of redness or soreness, our wonderful Calendula Balm is perfect for providing a gentle barrier.
For radiation burns, customers have reported that Repair Lotion (essential oil free), has been a comfort to their skin.
Avoid Hair Removal, or Do It Gently
It’s advised during chemo to try and avoid depilation (hair removal of all kinds) but if you must do it, use a very light touch and a rich cream. Shaving foams are often drying, so you might want to try an PH balanced hair conditioner as an alternative.
Look for one with no silicone and if possible, aloe vera, which is perfect for tackling redness.
Use Sun Protection at All Times
Even on grey days or in winter, once you’ve had chemotherapy, sun protection is not an option.
You need a natural, organic sunscreen with at least SPF30. Added ingredients like Shea Butter which are gentle and non-toxic will help protect your skin further.
Lip balms should also be worn and don’t go out without a hat.
Switch to Aluminium-Free Deodorant
Aluminium and minerals from traditional deodorants have been found in breast tumours, so it’s advised that anyone having chemo (or cancer treatments of any kind) switch to a natural, organic alternative.
Roll-on deodorants are often less irritating than sprays, especially for those who’ve had surgery to remove tumours or glands around the breast area.
Look for one with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial properties. These are effective but less interruptive then anti-perspirants.
Are the Effects of Chemotherapy on my Skin Permanent?
Most people find that once chemotherapy is finished, the side effects tend to become lesser and more manageable, often going completely.
Many people however choose to make a permanent switch to organic body care to avoid phthalates, silicones, harsh ingredients and skin damaging toxins.
Read here about the cancer charities Odylique works to support.