When the skin is sensitised by oncological treatments, when it becomes more reactive, what’s the best way of taking care of it every day? How can I look after it? What is the right skincare routine to adopt? Dry skin, skin irritation or damage to the skin: how do you reduce and relieve the side effects of cancer treatments on the skin?
Advice from Dr Ariadna Ortiz-Brugués, Dermatologist and Medical Director of the Eau Thermale Avène brand and from Joëlle Nonni, Head of the Skin Health Education Workshops at the Avène Hydrotherapy Centre.
Cancer treatment sensitises the skin. It often causes simple skin dryness: the skin becomes rough to the touch, with skin flakes that fall off like dandruff. When this “ xerosis ” is more pronounced, the skin on the legs takes on a crackled appearance and fingers and heels become cracked or chapped. These symptoms may also be accompanied by discomfort, itching and tightness.
Opt for products for dry skin that are able to restore the skin's barrier function. Ideally, an emollient should be applied at least once or twice a day to the face and body. On the face, spread the emollient with your fingertips, smoothing from the centre of the face towards the edges of the face. Apply to the body with a light massage using the entire surface of your hand. An emollient works best applied in a thin layer to slightly damp skin. Apply it when you get out of the shower or bath, for example.
Opt for soap-free dermatological bars or adapted cleansing oils or gels that nourish the skin and respect its pH. Do not use flannels, sponges, or shower puffs, which can irritate sensitive skin. To dry yourself, avoid rubbing, it is better to dab gently.
Water that is too hot increases skin dryness and reactivates skin irritation. Instead, take a 5-minute shower every day at a temperature between 32 and 34°C.
Medical makeup can give the skin a " healthy glow ” and radiance. It can also be used to hide redness, scars, dark circles or to redraw eyebrows. The Avène Hydrotherapy Centre also organises makeup workshops that provide lots of advice.
Daily protection, regardless of the planned activity, is essential. Avoid exposing your skin as much as possible, even to moderate sunlight, as some treatments increase the skin's photosensitivity. This increases the risk of sunburn or even burns and even short exposure can create lasting dark spots. Always carry protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Use a cream with a high UV SPF (50+), formulated to minimise the risk of allergic reactions, without fragrance, resistant to water and perspiration, and reapply every 2 hours.