Cthere are sensitive and delicate skin and then there is the skin that has suffered damage from oncological therapies. Defeating cancer is in fact a battle that also involves the epidermis, with even superficial repercussions on our largest organ. Therefore, the healing path involves health, the mind, the psychological aspect but also the aesthetic one, which also involves the treatment of skin complications.
Skin and oncological therapies, changes and complications
Oncology treatments can leave their mark on the skin, causing discomfort and pain: «These problems cause considerable psychosocial sufferingsometimes even the alteration of the perception of one’s own image” explains the doctor Paola Martinoni, breast specialist and specialist in oncological surgery.
«The skin of a cancer patient is much more fragile and predisposed to react negatively to all external physical and chemical agents, as well as being subject to redness and burning. For this reason it is essential, already at a preventative level, to use skin-friendly products that they have a soothing and hydrating actionso as to alleviate all the discomfort that may arise during oncological and post-surgical treatments, reducing epidermal sensitivity and restoring the skin barrier” explains the expert.
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Skin and oncological therapies: the effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy
But how does the skin change during these treatments? In the case of chemotherapy, the damage is different and caused by the toxicity of monoclonal antibodies which inhibit the skin’s ability to regenerate and reproduce. «The consequences of this inhibition are the possible appearance of follicular rush, eczema, hand-foot syndrome which leads to the appearance of edema and redness on the extremities. Added to this are also xerosis, i.e dehydration, flaking resulting in itching and also hyperpigmentation caused by photosensitization” explains the expert who continues “As regards theimmunotherapy, this can instead lead to the appearance of dermatitis important.”
Why is the skin so affected by these treatments? «Oncology treatments put her to the test not only because they make her more fragile but also because they alter the regulation mechanisms of the sebaceous and sweat glands. This leads to looser and drier skinwhich is not able to react normally to all aggressions, internal and external.”
Chronic inflammation caused by radiotherapy
Consequences on the skin also occur with radiotherapy treatment. As the expert explains, severe redness, itching and discomfort are common even long after the treatment itself has ended: «It is as if the skin is in a state of continuous chronic inflammation which can only be alleviated with the use of highly specific creams, i.e. radiodermatitis creams».
The beauty routine for care-proven skin
So how does the skincare of these skins change on a daily basis? «Preparations based on glycolic or salicylic acid or with retinoids are often offered but these products are too aggressive for already very sensitized skin. It is therefore better play early by starting to use hydrating products, possibly based on urea or hydrocortisone, a highly recommended choice in milder cases. Furthermore, if possible, the therapy can be modulated so as to try to reduce side effects” explains the expert.
«The fundamental objective of cosmetics in these cases is to reduce epidermal dehydration and irritation. To do this it is necessary to restore surface hydration. It is therefore essential to choose products with soothing and emollient ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, olive and almond oil, vitamin E».
As the expert explains, before resetting your skincare routine, it is essential to take a careful preliminary medical history: Skin reactions are extremely personal and above all unpredictable. Furthermore, it is still essential that all formulations are not aggressive, that is, they respect the hydrolipidic mantle, already put to the test, and its sensitivity. In these cases it is better to avoid cosmetics that contain parabens, silicones, aluminum, talcum powder, perfumes, oxybenzone, triclosan, sulfates, and diazolidinyl urea.
Nourishing and hydrating ingredients, short showers and lots of sun protection
Among the precautions to follow, first of all the Facial cleanser must have a delicate formulation and not be foamingFurthermore, it must be free of aggressive surfactants, alcohol and perfumes that can irritate the skin. In addition to hydrating and soothing the skin with shea butter and similar ingredients, it is important nourish it with emollient oils and request repairs in case of flaking with products based on allantoin and urea.
«Then, some precautions are fundamental: take short baths and showers only with warm water, avoid the use of abrasive sponges and dry the skin by patting it with a soft towel. Following this type of skincare is essential because it allows you to improve the skin, allowing the patient to have psychological relief.”
«It is fundamental thatuse of sunscreens with SPF 50+ factor to protect the body and face, to be applied especially in case of scars, avoiding exposure in the hottest hours. Last, but not least, during oncology treatment and in the following two months, it is necessary to avoid chemical peels because they would put unnecessary additional stress on the stratum corneum. If you want to exfoliate your skin, better choose enzymatic exfoliantsmuch more delicate and less aggressive, more suitable for skin that is already so stressed” concludes the expert.
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