Discover how to care for skin irradiated by radiation therapy easily and simply.
Taking care of our sensitive skin when receiving or undergoing radiation therapy is very important . Cases of people who have to go through this are becoming more common: when one cannot find a natural alternative for their condition, radiation therapy may be a valid option to consider and utilize.
However, we must be very aware of the effects this action can have on our body, and in this case, especially on our skin. Because in radiation therapy, the skin is one of the organs that suffers the most .
What is radiation-irradiated skin?
Radiation-irradiated skin is skin that has been exposed to the radiation a cancer patient receives to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors . This radiation can, however, have an adverse effect: it can simultaneously destroy healthy cells and cause side effects such as tiredness, fatigue, or other more visible skin manifestations.
Therefore, it's very important to consider how we're going to prepare and care for our skin for radiation therapy . This way, we ensure, or at least try to keep it as healthy, cared for, and beautiful as possible.
During radiation therapy, your skin may develop different shades of color. Rosacea , bright red, or darker, may appear as treatment progresses. It may also feel dry , tight, flaky, itchy, and even inflamed. Blisters and rashes may appear in the irradiated area, etc.
Each body is a world in itself , each person reacts in a completely different way, depending on the part of the body being treated or the type and dose of radiation being received.
Treatment for radiodermatitis
Therefore, to prevent and treat radiation dermatitis , it is crucial to properly hydrate your skin before your first radiation therapy sessions. This is essential because the radiation treatment can cause dryness, flaking, and dehydration.
You also need to know how to use the right products, free from chemicals like alcohol or perfumes. In this case, we recommend using natural, certified organic, high-quality, and cruelty-free cosmetics .
During radiotherapy it is important to:
- Keep your skin clean with daily showers, very mild soaps, and natural cosmetics (such as our Organic Facial Soaps or Body Oils)…
- Wash the treated area very gently, avoiding exfoliating gloves (you can use muslin cloths ), and rinse the skin well so that no soap residue remains.
- Dry yourself carefully, patting gently with a soft, comforting towel…
- After showering or cleansing your face, moisturize your skin with a regenerating and repairing product , such as Calendula body oil (if used on the body) or Radiant Skin Serum (if used on the face).
Other recommendations for the treatment of radiodermatitis are:
- Wear loose clothing and natural fabrics in the treated area
- Do not wax or shave the treated area.
- Avoid exposing your skin to the sun
- Use a comfortable water temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.
Products to care for irradiated skin
One of the products you can use to deeply cleanse and nourish irradiated skin (on the face) with kindness is our Calendula Nourishing Soap , a solid, organic soap bar, indicated for deep cleansing in the morning and at night.
Its continued use improves the appearance of the skin, refines pores and provides luminosity.
Facial toner is another great tool to incorporate into your beauty routine: this provides greater freshness and hydration to the area affected by radiation, in addition to more effectively establishing all subsequent care .
Our aloe vera and rose hydrolate facial toner is suitable for all skin types and also:
- Leaves a refreshing and soothing sensation thanks to aloe vera and rose water
- Combination that regenerates, soothes, hydrates and balances the skin's pH (vital for treating radiodermatitis)
- It increases the absorption of the active ingredients we apply after…
Finally, you can finish with the Revitalizing Argan Serum , with its certified, unrefined, and non-deodorized cold-pressed oil, enriched with a blend of essential oils that provides an intense, fruity aroma.
If the affected area is your body, be sure to cleanse with an organic body wash and moisturize your skin with our natural, organic, cruelty-free , and botanical body creams or oils.
