Hydrate your skin daily
WHEN FACING CANCER
Confronting your illness with courage and grace. Remaining confident and true to yourself.
Hydrate your skin daily
Some oncology treatments, including radiation therapy, chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, weaken your skin’s natural defences, so make sure you hydrate your skin every day. This is key, as proper hydration is what helps reinforce the skin barrier and keep your skin soft while preventing discomfort, itchiness and lesions on the hands and feet, all skin side effects that could occur after cancer treatments.
If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult your pharmacist, care team or dermatologist.
Expert advice
During your oncology treatments, you may have to soothe and alleviate certain skin afflictions; rest assured, however, as they should disappear after your cancer treatments are done.
How do you apply your prescribed gels and medicated ointments, as the case may be? Christelle Guillet, specialized educator at La Roche-Posay, proposes five golden rules to pamper your sensitive skin.
1-
After a bath or shower, which you should never take within the six hours following your radiation therapy session, apply your ointment, gel or hydrating balm on your slightly damp skin to preserve its natural moisture.
2-
Good to know: the cold soothes itching. Get in the habit of keeping your medicated and hydrating products in the refrigerator or another cold location.
3-
To soothe your weakened skin, opt for hypoallergenic, scent-free products that are suitable for sensitive skin.
4-
Apply your products in small circular motions starting at the forehead and working down the throat and nape all the way down to your toes. Don’t neglect the underside of your toes, the soles of your feet or, if you’ve lost your hair, your scalp.
5-
Moisturize your feet before going to bed so you don’t sweat it away as you would during the day.
6-
Once you’ve finished applying your products, wipe away any excess product with a towel instead of washing it off; this will better protect your epidermis.
7-
Leaving the house? Remember to put on anti-UVA/UVB sun protection with an SPF of over 50. Don’t forget to protect your scalp as well if needed.
Skin side effects can vary according to your type of cancer treatment. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist, care team or dermatologist if a product is right for you.
Your adapted care products
THERMAL SPRING WATER
FROM LA ROCHE-POSAY
Spray this mineral- and trace element-rich, natural-antioxidant water on the clean skin of your face. Let it absorb for two to three minutes, then gently dab your face with a soft towel.
TOLERIANE
ULTRA CRÈME
In the morning and evening, apply this intensely soothing and repairing cream onto your face and neck.
LIPIKAr
BAUME Ap+
In the morning and evening, apply this ultra-soothing body, face and hand balm, which prevents, slows and alleviates cutaneous side effects caused by chemotherapy. Gently massage the product into the skin until it absorbs completely.
CICAPLAST
BAUME B5
Apply this balm twice a day onto the affected areas of your face and body, including your lips. You can also use it as a nighttime poultice, or as a cream during or after self-massages, on very dry skin according to your care team’s recommendations.
