How to take care of our skin after a cancer diagnosis

The skin is the body's largest organ, and while we probably don't think about it all that often, it does a lot of work to look after us, every hour of the day. Exposed to the elements, as the Cleveland Clinic points out:

"skin protects against germs, regulates body temperature and enables touch (tactile) sensations."

What many of us are more aware of however, are the challenges that lots of us face when it comes to our skin, ranging from skin cancer to acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, eczema and rashes.

In many ways, the skin is something of a barometer of what's going on inside our bodies, reacting to things it likes or doesn't like, showing when we're tired or under the weather. That's never more true than in the context of cancer treatment, where therapies, especially chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can have a profound impact on how skin looks and feels. When skin is uncomfortable, it can be difficult to know how to treat it, worrying about what to put on it without wishing to antagonise it further.

Skincare specialist and Director of MJH Spa and Wellbeing, Marian Hook, has worked in the spa industry for nearly 40 years. She has developed and adapted massages and facials for spa guests living with cancer, worked with ESPA for 23 years and is also on the Advisory Board of the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC).

She kindly sat down with us to give some good general advice about taking care of our skin, as well as her insights into skincare following a cancer diagnosis.

Skincare and looking after your internal health

I find that our skin is a reflection of what's going on inside the body, so as a functional medicine health coach I'm a big fan of looking after our internal health as well as the skin's external wellbeing. Core lifestyle advice for the skin is similar, whether or not you're going through a cancer journey:

• Drink enough water to keep hydrated and try to make sure the quality of the water is good
• Have a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg (variety is important)
• Wash these thoroughly to help reduce toxins
• Eat organic and free range wherever you can
• Sufficient good quality sleep is vital to help the body regenerate and heal
• Daily fresh air, movement and relaxation are all equally important

Topical skincare advice

On an external basis, looking after your skin begins with the obvious: cleanse, tone and moisturise twice a day. Find your own routine and products that work for you, but the process is important to help remove the dirt and make-up from the day, and oil residue or dust that may have accumulated overnight. My personal recommendation would be to use products that are as natural and simple as possible, but everyone's skin is different so it’s key to find what suits you.

Cancer treatment and its impact on the skin

Lots of people don't really know about the impact cancer can have on the skin until they're faced with it, and that can be quite distressing. What that impact is depends on the individual, the cancer and the treatment that they're having.

For example, Macmillan Cancer Support writes: "Chemotherapy, targeted and immunotherapies, hormonal therapies or steroids can cause rashes, dry skin or spots that look like acne. If you are having immunotherapy treatment and you get a rash, tell your doctor straight away. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies can also make your skin itchy and more sensitive."

At a time when you're already feeling vulnerable, the discomfort that goes with those skin changes, as well as anxiety over the appearance of sore and sensitive skin is a challenge that no-one needs. We want people to feel as comfortable, cared for and nurtured as possible.

In particular, cancer treatments can make skin very sensitive, which impacts which products you use and whether you are more likely to have a reaction to them. That's why the products often vary in spa treatments for cancer patients, and that's something that you can discuss when you book your spa day or break.

When it comes to general, home skin care during cancer treatment, these guidelines should help:

• Choose products that are as natural as possible, avoiding alcohol and preservatives. If you don't recognise ingredients on the label always look them up - they might just be using the Latin name.
• Use simple products with the fewest ingredients possible.
• If you can use a skincare line that's designed for use during cancer treatment, that helps to keep choices easy.
• Websites like Skin Deep are really useful for understanding products and what's in them or finding products suitable for different diagnoses.
• You may wish to avoid essential oils in skincare products when you're having cancer treatment as they can be irritating. Basic but beautiful ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, calendula, jojoba oil and vitamin E are all really nourishing.
• Often oil based products are better than creams as creams contain a higher percentage of water to give them that emollient quality, and that requires preservatives, which can be irritating for sensitive skin.
• Protect your skin from the sun, and not just when it's sunny. Use an SPF of at least 30, if not 50, reapply it throughout the day, and if possible use a natural one where the active ingredient is zinc. Make sure you also wear a hat and sunglasses if you're in direct sunlight.
• Avoid exfoliants, scrubs or rubbing the skin (face or body) as this can irritate and sensitise it.
• If the skin is hot or itching, keeping products in the fridge so they are cool upon application can help, as can cool jade rollers or smooth rose quartz crystal tools. Take short lukewarm showers rather than hot baths, then pat skin dry and apply an oil. Add a lip balm into the skin routine, as when going through treatment the lips can get very dry and cracked.

Find out about Spabreaks.com's Safe Hands for Cancer spa experiences, whether therapists have the training and product options to give you and your skin the best, most nurturing support.