How do I care for my skin during cancer treatment?

Cancer patient

The skin is very often affected by the undesirable effects of cancer treatments: increased sensitivity, intense dryness, itching, inflammation, pimples... are among the effects frequently observed. There are simple solutions to soothe and care for the skin during these treatments.

Simple everyday gestures

  • Gentle hygiene

    Why?

    Undergoing anti-cancer treatment, the skin becomes particularly sensitive. Gentle, appropriate hygiene is essential to avoid accentuating the cutaneous side-effects of treatment.

    How?

    • Use soap-free dermatological gels, oils or lotions with a physiological pH.
    • Opt for a water temperature of between 32° C and 34° (water that's too hot will dry out the skin even more).
    • Wash with your hands rather than a washcloth.
    • Pat skin dry, especially on sensitive areas, to avoid irritation.
  • A lipid-replenishing moisturizer

    Why?

    Skin dryness is one of the frequent side effects of cancer treatments. It can be accompanied by sometimes intense itching. Regular moisturizing helps to soothe these signs and maintain skin comfort.

    How?

    Apply a fragrance-free lipid-replenishing balm or cream to face and body 1-2 times a day:

    • On the body, spread with the hands in small dabs and rub in with the entire surface of the hand.
    • On the face, apply the cream to the cheeks, forehead and neck, and spread with fingertips, smoothing from the center to the contours of the face.
  • Complete sun protection

    Why?

    Some treatments increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. This increases the risk of sunburn. Even moderate exposure to the sun can create unsightly, long-lasting dark spots.

    How?

    • Avoid exposing skin to the sun as much as possible, even in moderate sunlight.
    • Always wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
    • If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a sunscreen with a high UV protection factor (SPF50+), fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.

Make-up tips

Medical make-up can be used for a "healthy glow" effect, but also to conceal redness, scars (once the skin has closed), dark circles or even redraw eyebrows during cancer treatments.

It can be applied to the face as well as the body, and is not just for women:

  • A dewy powder can reduce signs of fatigue
  • A green-tinted corrector stick helps conceal pimples and redness, while a yellow-tinted stick is effective for blue or purplish dark circles.
  • A compact or fluid foundation conceals imperfections.

Related products

1.

I gently cleanse my sensitized skin

AV_XERACALM_A.D_OIL_400ml_front_3282770389883
XERACALM A.D
Lipid-replenishing cleansing oil

2.

I gently cleanse my sensitized skin

av_xeracalm_cleansing-bar_front_100g_3282770104684
XERACALM A.D
Ultra-rich cleansing Bar

3.

I intensely moisturize my sensitized skin

AV_XERACALM_A.D_BALM_400ml_front_3282770154566
XERACALM A.D
Lipid Replenishing balm

1.

Instantly soothes sensitized skin

AV_XERACALM_A.D_SOOTHING_CONCENTRATE_50ml_tube_3282770389890
XERACALM A.D
Soothing Concentrate

5.

Protecting sensitized skin

av_suncare_brand-website_intense-protect-50+ _packshot_product-page_600x725
SUN CARE
Intense Protect 50+
Ducray
A-DERMA

Discover our medical tip sheets to help you provide precise recommendations to your patients. These comprehensive resources provide clear, concise information on a variety of dermatological conditions to help your patients in their daily lives.