4 Body Care Products That Anyone Undergoing Radiation Treatment Should Have In Their Cosmetic Locker

Dr. Singhal’s, Surgical Oncologist, Recommendations on How To To Remedy Radiation Therapy Side-Effects

Radiation therapy plays an important role in treating cancer. Like medications, radiation therapy can also cause possible side effects. Some of these side effects happen on the skin, but the right skincare during radiation therapy can reduce side effects on your skin, help your skin feel more comfortable during treatment and allow your skin to heal more quickly after treatment.

Common Side-Effects Of Radiation Therapy 

Patients undergoing radiation treatment commonly suffer from a painful skin condition known as Radiation Burn (Radiation Dermatitis). This is a common side effect in which the skin of the treated area becomes inflamed and irritated. It occurs because radiation therapy not only kills cancer cells, but it can also kill some of the healthy cells within the body. In most cases, damage to the skin occurs within one to two weeks of treatment, but it usually resolves itself once treatment is finished.

Fight Post-Treatment Skin Irritation

One of the best ways to combat post-treatment skin irritation is to initiate a hydrating radiation skincare regimen using quality skincare products that have been clinically proven to help soothe the skin and ease the pain. Dr. Shyamali Singhal suggests trying  Dry Skin Relief Bar®  to soothe and improve dry skin concerns including psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. This cleansing bar is formulated with 3% salicylic acid and antioxidants. It’s a gentle cleansing bar that soothes and supports dry skin conditions, including psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, with salicylic acid, hydrating ingredients, and antioxidants.

It’s gentle enough to use daily. Uniquely packaged in a jar, this bar is easy to take to the gym or can be left in the shower for convenience. It controls and fights the recurrence of itching, redness, flaking, and irritation.

Possible Changes To The Skin

During radiation therapy, your skin may become pink or browned at the treatment place. As your treatment continues, your skin may become bright red, or very dark, and may become swollen. Your skin may also feel dry, feel tight, be itchy, and look flaky.

Some people develop a rash or blisters in the area where they are getting radiation therapy. These blisters may open and peel. If you develop skin reactions, these will most likely peak up to 2 weeks after your last treatment. It may take several weeks for your skin to improve after you finish your radiation therapy. Dr. Singhal recommends  Vital Lipid Lotion to treat large areas on the face and body for a bright, even skin tone with this lotion that contains lipid composition that is similar to naturally produced lipids, found in a healthy stratum corneum. This helps to supply moisture and protect against environmental toxins. While you’re receiving your treatments, you will be seen weekly by your radiation team. They will examine your skin and make recommendations for changes in your skincare, as needed.

When a cancer diagnosis is handed down, there are so many things to think about—and skin-care can seem like one of the least important to consider. However, it’s likely that your doctors will ask that you completely change up your usual routine. The same drugs that kill off the cancer cells also affect the growth of your skin cells. Most people know about the hair loss that comes with chemo, but treatment can also result in dull, graying skin that’s dry, sensitive, and irritated.

Moisturize Your Skin As Soon As The Treatment Starts

Start using a moisturizer when you begin treatment. This can help to minimize any skin reaction. When choosing a moisturizer pick one that does not have any fragrances or lanolin. There are a number of products that are good to use, and your nurse may suggest one of these to you. Use only one at a time unless your nurse tells you to use more. Dr. Singhal recommends Hydrating Toner Spray to give the skin an extra boost of hydration while offering antioxidant protection. This lightweight toner doubles as a setting spray for makeup, making it suitable for daily use on all skin types and conditions.

You may be prescribed medication either at the start or during, your radiation therapy to treat itchy skin. Don’t apply moisturizers to open areas on your skin.

These issues go beyond cosmetic concerns. Overall, there’s an increased risk of infection when your skin and immune system are compromised by chemo. “Because the skin is your largest organ and essential for protecting you from external risks such as infection, there is a risk that infection and irritant rashes will break open the skin’s now fragile protective barrier,” says Dr. Singhal. She adds that “the disruption of the skin around the fingernail could be a source of infection.” The best solution is to trim nails short so they don’t snag on anything. If you’re prone to picking as a nervous habit, try wearing gloves over your hands.

Rely On Simple, Moisturizing Products

The best thing to do is to change up your skin routine to rely on simple, moisturizing products for sensitive skin. All of the rules that apply to sensitive skin are true for those going through chemotherapy. Search for products that are gentle, hydrating, and hypoallergenic. Avoid common allergens like fragrance, alcohol, preservatives, and botanical essential oils, which can be irritating or, even worse, cause an allergic reaction. “You must avoid harsh ingredients that remove skin lipids and lead to irritation and a broken skin barrier,” Dr. Singhal says.

To get relief from very dry skin under most conditions, including while receiving chemo or radiation therapy for cancer treatment, Dr. Singhal suggests to use Emu Oil: Very Dry Sensitive Skin, obtained from emu that is organically fed and are free-range.