The Ultimate Guide to Oncology Skincare: Before, During, and After Treatment

Cancer treatments can deeply affect the skin, causing dryness, sensitivity, and irritation. Proper skincare during this challenging time is crucial for maintaining comfort and health. This guide breaks down oncology skincare into three essential phases: before, during, and after treatment, along with recommended products to help you manage each phase effectively.

Pre-Treatment Skincare: Strengthen and Protect Your Skin

Before starting treatment, it’s important to prepare your skin for the potential changes it will undergo. While each person’s experience varies, many cancer treatments can cause dry, sensitive, and irritated skin.

• Gentle Cleansing: Start your skincare routine with the Comfort & Youth Cleansing Milk. Its encapsulated oxygen formula boosts blood circulation, improving overall skin health. This cleanser is enriched with Essential Fatty Acids that effectively remove impurities without stripping your skin, making it ideal for sensitive, treatment-affected skin.

• Light Exfoliation: For those looking for a gentle exfoliation, incorporate a product like the 365 SOFT SCRUB Facial Exfoliating Cleansing Foam a few times a week. This mild scrub uses biodegradable beads to polish the skin gently, combined with lactic acid to lightly exfoliate and hydrate.
• Deep Hydration Duo: Timexpert Hydraluronic Serum & Plumping Moisturising Cream—Powered by HLG technology, delivering active ingredients 6X faster for intense hydration. After cleansing and exfoliating, apply Timexpert Hydraluronic 3D Force Serum. Follow with our Plumping Moisturising Cream (available in different textures from Soft, Rich, and Supreme depending on your skin type) to lock in all that hydration. This cream helps strengthen your skin’s barrier, making it better prepared for any drying effects that may come with treatment.
• Sun Protection: Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Daily Hi-Defense SPF 50 Oil-Free sunscreen offers solid protection without feeling heavy, ensuring your skin stays shielded from harmful UV rays.

Getting your skin ready with these steps means it will stay comfortable and hydrated as you begin treatment.

During Treatment: Soothe and Hydrate-A Two-Phase Approach 

During cancer treatment, your skin undergoes significant changes due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other therapies. These changes may include increased dryness, irritation, and sensitivity. Here’s how to manage your skincare routine during this time:

Phase 1: The First 3-6 Months

During the first few months, your skin may start to feel extremely dry and sensitive. Avoid harsh ingredients and focus on soothing, hydrating care.

• Gentle Cleansing: Keep your skin clean with Micellar Water Gel, a gentle, soap-free cleanser that removes makeup and impurities without stripping the skin’s moisture. 
• Hydrating Serum: Keep up with the Timexpert Hydraluronic 3D Force Serum to maintain moisture. This hydrating serum is perfect for soothing dry skin, as it provides a continuous boost of moisture that supports the skin barrier.
• Rich Moisturiser: Switch to richer moisturisers to add a protective layer that locks in moisture. This helps prevent the skin from becoming too dry or cracked, keeping it comfortable.
• Soothing Care: Apply SOS Intensive Care Facial Balm or Expert Lab Intensive Relief Dermo-Protective Gel to areas of the skin that are experiencing the most discomfort or irritation, providing immediate relief from dryness and itchiness. 
• Sun Protection: Regularly apply Daily Hi-Defense SPF 50 Oil-Free regularly to guard against sun sensitivity, which often increases during treatment.

Pro Tip: During treatment, stick to ultra-hydrating products and avoid exfoliation to prevent further irritation.

Phase 2: 6-9 Months

As treatments continue, your skin may experience more intense changes, including radiodermatitis, hyperpigmentation, and further dryness. 

• Rich Moisturising: For extreme dryness, use Perfect Forms Deep Nutrition Nourishing Body Comfort cream to restore the skin’s moisture barrier and keep it nourished. Don't forget other areas that need moisturisation:
• Advanced Hydration: Keep your skin plump and moisturised with Hyaluronic 3D Force Serum, which offers deep hydration to compensate for moisture loss. 
• Sun Protection: Continue using Expert Lab Daily Hi-Defense SPF50 Oil-Free Dermoprotective Fluid for protection against sun sensitivity, essential for skin exposed to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Pro Tip: Protect sensitive areas like hands, lips, and the scalp with thick balms or creams to prevent cracking and dryness.

After Treatment: Rejuvenate and Repair Your Skin

After your treatment ends, your skin will begin to heal, but it still requires extra care to restore its natural balance. The focus in this phase shifts towards repairing and rejuvenating your skin. In addition to the recommended products above, the following can be added:

• Restoring the Skin Barrier: Use Multi-Regenerating Rosehip Oil to heal and repair damaged skin tissue, reducing the appearance of scars and improving elasticity.
• Exfoliation & Brightening: Gently reintroduce exfoliation with 365 Soft Scrub Facial Exfoliating Cleansing Foam to remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter complexion. 
• Hydration & Filling: Maintain hydration and combat post-treatment dullness with Timexpert Hydraluronic 3D Force Serum for deep, long-lasting moisture.
• Continued Sun Protection: Continue protecting your skin with this high-SPF sunscreen, as post-treatment skin remains vulnerable to UV damage. Anti-Ageing Protective Fluid SPF50 (Tinted) and Anti-ageing Protective Cream SPF50 to protect against further damage while your skin restores its radiance and strength.

Pro Tip: After treatment, focus on skin repair and brightening to rejuvenate your skin’s natural glow. 

Oncology skincare is a journey that requires gentle, tailored care at every phase. By selecting the right products and focusing on hydration, protection, and recovery, you can support your skin through every stage of cancer treatment. These small acts of self-care can make a big difference in both how you look and how you feel.

Your skin deserves the very best, and with the right care, you can navigate this journey feeling confident, beautiful, and supported. Need more advice? Check out our website or book a free skin consultation today.