Belén Castro's tips: skin care during cancer treatments

Skin changes are part of the side effects that appear early during breast cancer treatment. Extreme dryness, hypersensitivity, itching or peeling are some of the most common side effects of chemotherapy, although skin changes vary depending on the therapy you receive.
To help you better cope with these skin changes, I will explain why they occur and what you can do to prevent or reduce the discomfort.
Ideally, you should start new skin care routines before beginning any treatment so that your skin is in better condition to deal with any damage.
• Effect: Dry, flaky and itchy skin
Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy cause cellular changes and excessive fluid loss, leading to sensitivity, extreme dryness, flaking and itching.
1. Treatment with moisturizing, emollient, soothing and hydrolipidic barrier restoring creams, such as Licotriz from Olivolea , and at least twice a day. It is important to maintain the elasticity of the skin to prevent the appearance of small cracks and even eczema.
2. Apply extra hydration to your hands and feet, as they tend to be drier.
3. Showers with warm water and sulphate-free, oil-based soaps with a pH of 5.5. You will also love Olivolea Bath Gel for its calming effect on the skin, as it contains not only Olivolein but also pure Aloe Vera and Chamomile.
4. In addition to hydrating your skin, you must maintain optimal internal hydration, so drinking plenty of water will help you have healthy, well-cared-for skin.

• Effect: Irritation, burning and redness
The treatments affect the skin barrier, which is responsible for protecting our skin. If you have also received radiation, the area will appear red, as if it were a sunburn.
1. Avoid using products containing alcohol, salicylic, glycolic and retinoid acids, dyes, synthetic perfumes and irritating cleansing agents such as detergents…
2. Your option is highly nutritious, regenerative and restorative creams for the damaged area and the use of mild oily soaps with a pH of 5.5.
There are specific products to care for skin affected by cancer treatments, such as Licotriz by Olivolea, which has been clinically studied for the treatment of cancer scars. The Olivolea range is especially indicated for damaged, extremely sensitive skin and skin undergoing cancer treatments.
3. After your daily shower, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel, without rubbing.
4. Use clothing and bedding made of cotton or linen.

• Effect: Photosensitization and skin spots
Some treatments can cause skin spots and sensitivity to sunlight.
1. Use high sun protection daily (SPF 50-UVB / UVA)
2. If you have received radiotherapy, do not expose the irradiated area to sunlight.

TIPS
1. Effect: Dry, flaky and itchy skin
Treatment: Moisturizing, emollient, soothing and hydrolipidic barrier restoring creams
2. Effect: Irritation, burning and redness
Treatment: Highly nourishing, regenerating and restoring creams for the skin barrier and use of mild oily soaps with pH 5.5.
Avoid using products containing alcohol, salicylic acids, glycolic acids, retinoids, dyes, synthetic perfumes, and irritating cleansing agents such as detergents…

• Effect: Photosensitization and skin spots
Treatment: Use high sun protection daily (SPF 50-UVB/UVA) and do not expose the irradiated area to sunlight.