The skin being the largest organ in the body is vulnerable to damage as a result of cancer treatment like chemotherapy which rapidly destroys dividing cells; this is usually a hallmark of cancer cells. The fact that chemotherapy drugs kill dividing cells helps to explain why chemotherapy causes side effects.
Radiation therapy used in chemotherapy damages skin cells that are in the path of the radiation beam. Cancer treatments are associated with a variety of skin reactions which can range from mild to severe intensity
Some common cutaneous side effects of chemotherapy treatment include
-dry skin
-itchy skin
-hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin)
-photosensitivity (tendency to sunburn easily)
-radiation recall (rash caused by the use of some type of chemotherapy drugs with or after radiation) rash
During the course of chemotherapy, individuals should avoid the use of products containing dyes, perfumes or other known sensitizers. Additionally, good hydration, anti-inflammatory ingredients can bring relief to this severely stressed skin. Keeping inflammation in check regardless of the cause is helpful in controlling the incidence of hyperpigmentation
How to reclaim healthy and great looking skin:
Avoiding any skin treatments during chemotherapy is advisable, but once chemotherapy is completed the skin will be ready for a proper skin treatment immediately.
Here are a few ingredients you should consider when choosing an effective skin care product to use.
-Pomegranate: A rich source of an antioxidant called Polyphenol. This naturally derived antioxidant plays a major role in protecting cells from damage and lowering inflammations in the body. Studies have also found that pomegranate is a rich source of Vitamin C.
-Hibiscus Rosasinensis: have strong antioxidant, antimicrobial and antifungal properties which help in prevention of acne scars, premature aging, diminishing of acne marks and soothing of inflammations and have the ability to prevent the destruction of anti-oxidant and detoxification enzymes which eventually lead to skin cancer.
-Plantain Extract: Very similar to coconuts, with high antibacterial properties, rich in allantoin content which is an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
-Hyaluronic Acid: helps the skin to remain sufficiently hydrated at all times. Apart from being an anti-irritant and ant-inflammatory agent, hyaluronic acid is also found to possess high hydrating characteristics.
-Soap Bark Extract: A wonderful natural moisturizer, very skin friendly, helps get rid of acne and ideal for even the most sensitive skin.
Along with the presence of the right ingredients, it is also highly imperative to ensure the absence of any ingredient which could adversely react with the skin. The primary ingredients to avoid are fragrance, propylene glycol, lanolin and dye. These may stimulate the production of excessive melanin and contribute to Post Inflammatory Hyperpimentation in the long term.
Everyone should be using a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or greater every day on any exposed skin. UV-induced inflammation is one of the primary causes of hyperpigmentation; therefore, SPF is an important addition for suppressing it, while also protecting the general health of the skin.
With proper care, hyperpigmentation can be held at bay during treatment and successfully cleared post-treatment, resulting in glowing, even and healthy skin.
