PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Chemotherapy and radiation are necessary cancer treatments, but handling the side effects can take some work.
Going through cancer treatment can leave you with dry flaky skin, looking like you’ve had a bad sunburn and feeling a bit crispy, according to Chrissy Dress, a cancer survivor and oncology aesthetician at CURE de Repos in Chestnut Hill.
She suggests using products with hyaluronic acid, because that hydrates the skin. But, steer clear of anything that might be drying or accelerate cell turnover, such as products containing retinols.
“Vitamin C is very brightening but it can be very aggressive as well. If your skin is already impeded going through these treatments, it might feel uncomfortable on the skin or quite stingy. We can worry about brightening the skin after treatment,” she explained.
She says rubbing the affected area with a moisturizing balm is soothing, but make sure it’s not too thick, because the damaged skin needs to breathe.