Supporting Skin Through Cancer and Treatment
This space is dedicated to sharing gentle skincare tips and care advice for those going through cancer and treatment. At DermPhase we focus on practical guidance that supports skin when it feels most vulnerable. We hope the information here feels supportive, easy to follow and a small source of comfort along the way.
What is "oncology safe"?
"Oncology safe" or "oncology friendly" products are those specifically formulated to be gentle and non-irritating for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, like chemotherapy or radiation. These products prioritize safety and sensitivity, avoiding harsh chemicals, fragrances, and common allergens that could further irritate or compromise the skin's barrier function.
What it means:
✔ Gentle and Non-Irritating: Oncology safe products are designed to be soothing and calming for sensitive, compromised skin, avoiding ingredients that could cause further irritation or inflammation.
✔ Clinically Tested and Certified as non irritant and microbiologically robust
✔ Focus on Skin Barrier Repair to strengthening the skin's natural barrier function, which can be weakened by cancer treatment
Why it matters?
Cancer treatments can make skin extremely sensitive, dry, and prone to irritation.
Treatments can weaken the skin's natural protective barrier, making it more susceptible to damage and infection.
Oncology safe products can help soothe, repair, and protect the skin during and after treatment, promoting healing and recovery.
Ingredient Awareness: Be aware of common irritants and allergens and carefully read product labels. Skin sensitivity varies, so it's important to find products that work best for your specific needs and reactions.
Skin Changes During Cancer Treatment
Life saving cancer therapies including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and targeted drug treatments play a critical role in combating disease but can also place significant stress on the body, and more specifically the skin. These interventions often produce dermatological side effects that range from mild discomfort to severe and, in some cases, disfiguring conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. Understanding these effects can help patients and caregivers better prepare and support skin health throughout treatment.
Radiation therapy: delivers high-energy particles or waves to a specific area of the body, targeting cancer cells while sparing surrounding tissue as much as possible. The skin in the treated area can become red, swollen, and blistered, closely resembling a severe sunburn. Prolonged treatment may lead to radiation dermatitis, a condition characterized by dryness, flaking, pruritus (itch), and peeling. These symptoms can cause considerable discomfort and, in some cases, persist for years after treatment.
Chemotherapy: is a systemic treatment that circulates throughout the entire body to target rapidly dividing cancer cells. Unfortunately, it can also affect healthy cells, including those in the skin as skin is one of the fastest renewing organs in the body. Common cutaneous side effects include redness, pruritic (itchy) rashes that may appear in scattered patches or progress to more severe, inflamed eruptions and ulcerations. Chemotherapy often reduces sebaceous gland activity, leading to a decrease in natural oil production. This results in xerosis (dry skin), which compromises the skin barrier, impairs moisture retention, and slows the healing process.
Cancer surgery: surgical interventions, whether diagnostic, preventive, or therapeutic, introduce physical trauma to the skin and underlying tissues. Postoperative healing may take weeks, during which patients may experience tenderness, swelling, and scar formation. Scarring can sometimes limit movement or cause ongoing discomfort. Gentle, scientifically formulated topical support may help maintain skin integrity before and after surgery, optimizing healing conditions.
The Importance of Skin Care During Cancer Treatment
Skin care during cancer treatment is not frivolous or superficial. It is an essential part of looking after oneself and avoiding further discomfort. When the body is undergoing the stress of treatment, even the smallest physical irritations can add to the overall burden, making skin health a vital part of overall wellbeing.
Cancer therapies often produce some
side effects that range from mild discomfort to severe and in some cases disfiguring conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. These changes can be physically painful, emotionally distressing and can impact confidence, self image and daily comfort. The effects on a patient are more than physical as they can influence mood, energy and the ability to engage fully in daily life.
Protecting and strengthening the skin barrier is an essential part of supportive cancer care. By providing the skin with targeted nutrients, gentle protection and maintaining optimal hydration, patients may improve resilience, promote faster healing and reduce the severity of treatment related side effects. The right care can help restore balance to skin that has become sensitive, dry or irritated, making it more comfortable to wear clothing, rest or simply go about the day.
Supporting skin health is not only about physical comfort. It is also about preserving dignity, creating moments of normalcy and offering a sense of control in a time when so much feels out of one’s hands. By making space for skin care during treatment, patients can focus more fully on their recovery and find small yet meaningful moments of relief along the way.