Cancer treatment is becoming increasingly effective. But it can also make your skin much more sensitive. To protect it and not worsen the side effects of the treatments, adopt a gentle and adapted skincare routine every day.
Taking care of your skin early will delay the onset and intensity of treatment-related side effects. Start with skin dryness. Gently! This is what your skin needs. For daily cleansing, forget about soaps that are too often irritating. Whether for your body or your face, opt for gels, cleansing oils or dermatological (soap-free) bars. They have multiple benefits: they will respect the Ph of your skin and their strong superfatting power will limit the cutaneous dryness. For the face, finish by spraying a fine mist of thermal spring water to soothe your skin, then gently pat dry.
How do I take care of my hair during treatment?
Depending on the nature of the treatment, hair may start to fall out. You will need to take care of it during and after your chemotherapy. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and use a little shampoo, choosing a product with a high-tolerance neutral pH. Rinse gently (avoid rubbing). Then gently pat dry with a soft towel. Avoid movements that could damage your already weakened hair. Finally, once a week, moisturise your hair with a suitable mask or conditioner.
As my skin is more sensitive, I have definitely stopped using a flannel, I always wash with my hands and moisturise after showering.
Marc
Take your hygiene “ in hand ”
For your daily hygiene, forget shower puffs and flannels. There is no substitute for your hands.
Shower puffs and flannel: enemies of your skin
Shower puffs, sponges and flannels are often used because they produce a lot of foam. However, they are not our skin's allies. They are often irritating and a real nest for germs.
Use your hands instead
In the shower, washing with your hands is gentler and cleaner. It is the easiest, most economical and, above all, the healthiest way to clean your body.
FRIENDLY (AND EXPERT) ADVICE
There are a few rules to follow... even in the shower!
When you wash, the temperature of the water is important. It should be between 32°C and 34°C. Water that is too hot increases the dryness of the skin and reactivates the inflammation of the skin. Once you get out of the shower, do not rub yourself dry with a towel. Here again, the key word is “ gentleness ”. Gently pat yourself dry. This step is particularly important on already irritated areas.
What about deodorants?
The last thing to do after showering is to apply deodorant. Staying fresh all day helps you feel good! Rest assured, deodorants are not contraindicated during treatments. There is no reason to give up this habit. Simply favour products designed for sensitive skin and avoid those containing alcohol and aluminium salts to limit irritation.
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All our tips for taking care of your skin day to day.
