Chemo, for all its live-saving powers, can wreak havoc on the skin. Of course, the discomfort of dry skin might seem a small thing to suffer in return for the benefits of the treatment, but fragile, itchy skin is also susceptible to infection, and that’s the last thing anyone wants during chemo.
Plus, comfort IS important: it’s not just feeling good about yourself, it’s about being able to rest and recuperate properly after a gruelling ordeal.
So whether you’re preparing a care package for a loved one or about to embark on treatment yourself, a good moisturiser matters.
What to look for in a moisturiser for chemo
Skin can get super dry, itchy, fragile and vulnerable to irritants during and after chemo, so whatever you put on it needs to be exceptionally gentle. Ideally, that means avoiding creams that contain fragrance/parfum/perfume, as well as synthetic additives such as parabens, sulfates, phenoxyethanol, polyethylene glycol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and retinol.
The easiest thing to do is to stick to natural, unscented products, and ditch the synthetics. And with skin this sensitive, we’d even recommend steering clear of many natural essential oils, as they too can cause irritation to delicate skin. Citrus, lemongrass, cinnamon and ylang-ylang would be ones to avoid, and even the essential oils we use in some of our very gentle products (lavender and chamomile) would need careful patch testing before widespread use on skin affected by chemo or radiotherapy.
Skin Salvation: a balm that fits the bill!
Obviously, we would say that - but hear us out! Skin Salvation is free from all the potential irritants listed above, and is also free from essential oils, and preservatives.
It’s an oil-based balm rather than a water-based cream, so is much less likely to sting on application. The oil and beeswax work to moisturise and protect damaged, fragile or super-sensitive skin from further irritation, providing a breathable but waterproof layer over the epidermis.
It’s also rich in the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and EFAs (Omegas 3, 6 & 9) that your skin needs to regenerate itself. Regular application of Skin Salvation works a bit like a vitamin supplement for your skin, feeding it with nutrients over a period of time.
How does Skin Salvation help during chemo?
- Moisturises dry patches anywhere on the body
- Hydrates chapped lips
- Nourishes skin depleted in nutrients
- Protects the fragile skin barrier from irritants
If you want something lighter than a balm for your hands or face, try one of our three shea butter-based creams, all of which work very well for skin affected by chemo:
