Beauty and Skin Tips During Cancer Treatment

Living with cancer can be a challenging journey, but taking care of yourself, including your beauty and skin regimen, can make a significant difference in how you feel during cancer treatment. I'm just gonna be honest - You're gonna feel like a DRIED OUT SPONGE... Chemotherapy is super drying for both your insides and your outsides. From the tips of your fingers to the tips of your toes, your skin is going to feel really dry, you'll feel parched most of the time, and it's likely that you'll have quite a bit of dry mouth.

As I was thinking about my own journey, I wanted to put down some of my best tips to help you feel better, so here are some helpful beauty and skin tips to help you navigate this difficult time with confidence and grace:

1. Stay Hydrated, Inside and Out

Inside: Drinking plenty of water is essential to keep your skin hydrated from within. Shoot for at least 64oz of water a day, but your doctor may have you drink more depending on your treatment plan. If you have a big Stanley cup or other emotional support water bottle, keeping it close by is helpful in reminding you to drink water. I would also suggest adding flavoring to your water - it makes it easier to drink, especially if you get the lovely "dirty water" taste symptom.

Outside: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers to prevent dryness and soothe any irritations caused by treatments. There are lots of really good lotions out in the market. I personally prefer a heavy cream-like lotion, but I've also had some success with oil-based lotions. Some of my favorite brands are:

• Nivea - oil-based, does have some fragrance so aware of that. This brand has an in-shower lotion which is really lovely for intense hydration.

• Cetaphil - really hydrating, minimal scent

• CeraVe - An all-around amazing brand for cancer patients, typically what oncologists and nurses recommend

  
  

2. Sun Protection Is Non-Negotiable

Regardless of the type of chemo, it's going to make your skin prone to sunburn and irritation so protecting yourself from the sun is really important, especially for areas like your scalp.

• Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, especially on your face and head. I would recommend carrying around some sunscreen in your bag so you don't forget to reapply while you're out and about.

• You may notice the appearance of freckles that you didn't have before. I noticed a lot of new freckles on my arms and on my face.

• Hats and hair coverings will be part of your new normal. I would recommend a wide-brim hat that covers both your neck and your face.

3. Simplify and Soften Your Beauty Routine

You may notice more breakouts from products that didn't use to cause them. Opt for gentle skincare products with minimal ingredients to avoid further irritation. Less is often more when it comes to skincare during cancer treatment. CeraVe is my personal favorite brand for facial lotions as I find them to be the least irritating. You might need to try a few options to find what works best for you.

I would also recommend getting soft towels if you're going to use them on your face - microfiber towels work well. Since your skin is going to be sensitive, you might want a soft towel to wash and dry your face. Try not to rub too hard when washing!

4. Mind Your Makeup

Choose non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic makeup products to reduce the risk of clogging pores. There are a bunch of really good brands on the market so you'll need to do some research on what might work for what you want. I'm not a big makeup person so unfortunately, I'm not much help here.

One thing that I can say is that no amount of mascara is going to help with making it look less like is falling out. The mascara can make the lashes break and fall out sooner. I would recommend false lashes if needed.

5. Nourish Your Nails

I noticed that my nails were very brittle so I chose to have acrylic tips put on when I get my nails done. Depending on what your preference is, you can either get these done at the salon or use a kit on an as-needed basis. I also use cuticle oil on a pretty regular basis to keep my nails from forming hangnails.

6. Stay Picky About Products

Read labels carefully and look for products that have minimal chemicals or scents. You might also try using natural remedies - think like coconut oil to moisturize your skin, creating sugar scrubs, etc. There are tons of resources out there to help you find recipes.

Always consult with your healthcare team before making significant changes to your beauty and skincare routine. They can provide personalized advice and recommendations based on your treatment plan.

Talk again soon!

OLIVIA