Caring for your skin during cancer treatments

Written in collaboration with Laboratoires dermatologiques Avène and Ducray

Whether it's radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy, cancer treatments can cause certain side effects on the skin and scalp, such as erythema (redness), dryness, itching, and hair loss.

These symptoms can cause considerable discomfort, which is why Laboratoires Dermatologiques Avène and Ducray have developed dermo-cosmetic solutions to address these concerns and help patients throughout their treatments.

Adapting your daily routine

During cancer treatments, it’s important to follow a body care routine that is both safe and tailored to your needs. A few basic principles should guide your choice of products and habits, including:

• Cleansing the skin with soap-free dermatological bars or gentle cleansing oils that soothe and respect the skin’s pH
• Choosing products formulated for sensitive skin and avoiding those with alcohol or aluminum salts to reduce irritation
• Refraining from using washcloths, sponges, or loofahs, as these can be harsh on the skin
• Washing hair gently with a soothing shampoo to calm itching or with a fortifying anti-hair loss shampoo to help limit shedding
• Supporting hair regrowth after treatments with a stimulating anti-hair loss lotion, combined with a dietary supplement, if needed
• Drying skin and hair without excessive rubbing and avoiding accessories such as hair dryers, straighteners, curling irons, or hair dyes
• Keeping bath or shower water between 32°C and 34°C, since water that is too hot can increase dryness and trigger skin inflammation

The essentials

To minimize the side effects of cancer treatments, it is recommended that you adapt your daily skin care routine as well as your scalp care routine.

Shop Avène Thermal Spring Water

Did you know that the ever-popular Avène Thermal Spring Water can be used during cancer treatments? It soothes sensitive skin and reduces redness and itching. In just 5 minutes, its soothing properties help reduce discomfort while strengthening the skin barrier.

Shop Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil is soap-free and has a physiological pH level. It reduces itching caused by dry skin from the first use and leaves skin soft, nourished, and soothed. It gently cleanses and provides 24-hour hydration³.

Shop Avène XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Balm

Avène's XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Balm, free from preservatives and fragrance, rebalances the microbiome and helps eliminate feelings of itching within a few days of use. It also minimizes skin dryness.

Shop Avène SPF 50+ Very High Protection Mineral Fluid

As the skin is fragile, it is recommended to limit exposure to the sun. Avène's, a mineral fluid with SPF 50+, is 100% mineral and fragrance-free, offering safe protection against the sun's UVB and UVA rays. Its formula protects skin sensitized by cancer treatments while promoting hydration. Highly water-resistant, it is also recommended for use on the scalp.

Shop Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

 Avène Cicalfate+'s protective restorative cream soothes the skin on the face and body from the very first use. This cream restores the skin in just 48 hours, even the most complex wounds⁹. It creates a "bandage" effect that protects the skin and creates a rich and nourishing skin barrier.

Adapting your hair care routine

As the scalp is sensitive, it is recommended to use a gentle, fragrance-free hair care routine that helps reduce the itching that can be caused by cancer treatments.

Shop Ducray Sensinol itching sensitive scalp shampoo

This Ducray shampoo for sensitive scalps is alcohol- and fragrance-free. Its hypoallergenic formula helps to soothe itching caused by dry scalp, which can be a side effect of cancer treatments. 

Shop Ducray Creastim Reactiv lotion for thin-looking hair

Ducray's Anaphase Creastim Strengthening Lotion is suitable for use within one month of oncology treatments. It helps stimulate hair growth, strengthens the hair fibre, and thickens the hair.

For more information, please consult a cosmetician or your healthcare professional.

References

1 - Meta-analysis of the use of Avène Thermal Spring Water across 5 studies, 5 countries, 1,840 subjects, clinical rating of redness, dryness, itching, and discomfort.

2 - Dermatological study conducted on 6,368 subjects with sensitive skin. Sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic, or irritated skin following a superficial dermatological procedure. Evaluation over 7 days, with twice-daily application. Application of Thermal Spring Water Spray alone or in combination with medication and/or other cosmetic products. 

3 - Average time taken for pruritus to disappear.

4 - Phase IV study on 1,711 patients—France, French overseas departments and territories, and Italy—75% of patients used XeraCalm A.D. alone once or twice a day for 7 days for the treatment of pruritic xerosis.

5 - Tolerance and efficacy study on 55 subjects (adults, children, infants) under dermatological and pediatric supervision. 1 to 2 applications/day for 3 weeks. Evaluation of pruritus score after 3 weeks. Percentage of satisfaction after first use and after 1 week.

6 - IH kinetics, 22 subjects with dehydrated skin, single application.

7 - Test conducted on a sample of 50 people for 10 days, under normal conditions of use. % satisfaction with the feel of facial skin.

8 - Tolerance and efficacy study under dermatological, pediatric, and gynecological supervision, on 248 subjects with superficial skin irritations, 2 applications per day for 21 days.

9 - Study of re-epithelialization following a lesion.