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Chemotherapy Patients Benefit from Skin
Care
| Our skin plays a
vital role in our overall health. Physically, it shields and protects us.
And, because it is the most visible part of us, our skin has a powerful
psychological effect on us and our neighbors. Scientific studies are proving
that when people feel better about the way they look, it boosts their immune
system for up to three hours. People around us react more positively, as
well.
All of us at Eastbay Acne & Skin Care Clinic
are committed to our clients overall well being and recovery process. Our
cleansing, hydrating and oxygen treatments are designed to soothe the skin
and the soul. |
Hydrophilic
moisturizers will help combat skin dehydration and will make the skin's
surface softer, more pliable and less itchy. It's also best to avoid long,
hot showers, perfumes or cologne. Cosmedix' Moisture Mist is an
excellent hydrophilic moisturizer with the advantage of antiviral and
antifungal properties. We highly recommend it.
Sun protection is especially important for
cancer patients. Chemotherapy can photosensitize the skin, so it's best to
stay out of the sun altogether, if possible. Otherwise, we recommend
products with zinc oxide which provide a physical block to the sun's rays.
Mineral powders, |
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"The
immune system is compromised by chemotherapy,
which in turn, impairs the skin's function." |
| Cancer patients get
a double-negative effect from their illness and its accompanying treatment.
The immune system is compromised by chemotherapy, which in turn, impairs the
skin's function. One common side effect is hair loss. Although temporary,
hair loss is usually cited as the most devastating side effect. It's the
first sign to outsiders that something is wrong, and to the patient it's a
constant reminder of the disease. We recommend to our clients who are about
to undergo chemotherapy to start looking for a wig before the treatments
begin. They will have more energy for the search and will have their wig
before they begin to loose their hair. A stylish hat or a beautiful head
scarf is another accessory that they can add to their wardrobe.
Incidentally, not everyone loses hair during chemotherapy. |
such as Jane
Iredale's, really answer that problem. They not only provide physical sun
protection but the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide may also help with skin
irritation and itching, Look for products such as Jane Iredale's that don't
contain sensitizing ingredients that will worsen already sensitive skin.
Makeup really boosts self-esteem, and can
help our cancer patients feel "normal" again. This feeling of "being normal"
is very important during the recovery period. The gray pallor to the skin
often associated with chemotherapy can be erased with the use of high
quality mineral powders and blushers, such as Jane Iredale. These will give
a healthy, natural glow to the skin. |
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"The overall objective is
to replace the skin's natural oils..." |
| In addition to
possible hair loss, chemotherapy may make the skin drier because the drugs
interfere with the normal function of the oil and sweat glands. Possible
side effects include redness, itching, peeling and dryness. Cracking and
chapping can lead to infection in the cancer patient whose immune system is
suppressed - a potentially dangerous combination. Skin should be kept as
moist as possible during treatment. Cancer patients are advised not to share
their skin and body care products with anyone because of the danger of
infection. All skin treatments should be soothing and hydrating, with
absolutely no extraction's, abrasives, or peeling agents. In an immuno-suppressed
client, an extraction could turn into an infection.
We advise our clients to moisturize day and
night to slow down the skin's trans-epidermal water loss. |
Also, remember that
the skin absorbs about 60% of what's put on it. Typically, toxins are stored
in our fatty tissues and tend to remain there. It's always wise to read
ingredient labels; this is especially important when healing. Chemotherapy
is a poison to the system, so we recommend products that are Chirally
corrected or with simple ingredients that you can trust, and that do not add
to the body's workload.
The overall objective is to replace the
skin's natural oils which are in short supply in chemotherapy patients. This
will help heal the "micro-cracks" in dry, irritated skin. When the skin is
moist, supple and healthy, it can perform its primary protective function
much better, and keep infection out of the body. Also, when
you look better, you'll feel better, and that's a key component to a healthy
immune system and a full recovery. |
Skin Care Tips for Chemotherapy Patients |
| The key
is to be gentle with the skin. Keep your skin as moist as possible during
your chemotherapy treatment, and avoid raw and broken skin. Obviously, if
you find a particular product or ingredient to be irritating to your skin,
discontinue its use.
When you look good, you'll feel better!
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- gentle facial or sensitive-skin cleansers
- sun block, if you're going out in the sun
- Mineral makeups to block UV rays and
improve your appearance
- Chirally correct products to minimize skin
irritation
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- acidic or alkaline cleansing products
- abrasive cleansers, fabrics, loofa
sponges, etc.
- alcohols
- perfumes and colognes
- alpha hydroxy acids
- glycolic acid products
- fabric softeners
- products containing sodium lauryl sulfate
- Retin-A and Retinol-based products
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