Quality of life issues are so important for cancer patients and survivors. Studies have shown that the side effects of treatments for patients (including changes to physical appearance) can lead to depression and slow recovery. Treatments that result in skin damage can have serious negative effects on patients’ self-esteem. Our skin is a huge factor in the image we present to the world. And taking steps to restore healthy skin after cancer therapy can have important positive effects on self-image, recovery and overall health.
Skin Treatments that Help Current and Recovering Cancer Patients
Appropriate, carefully selected skin care treatments can help keep patients and survivors looking and feeling good and can help protect sensitive post-treatment skin. But patients and their loved ones should be careful in selecting service providers and products, with a focus on restoring skin health.
Skin care treatments at an Innovative Skincare Cancer Care certified spa are your best option for treating and healing post-treatment skin. Products specifically designed for cancer patients and survivors can help gently cleanse, restore, hydrate and protect the skin, bringing back skin health and improving appearance.
Why Cancer Skincare is Important
The skin is an organ—and a complex one. It protects your body from the outside environment—including germs, chemicals and the sun. The outer layer (the epidermis) is the barrier layer, while the inner layer (the dermis) is made up of connective tissue and provides the elasticity your skin needs. Both layers—not just the surface—need to be taken into consideration when addressing a skin condition, and both can be affected by cancer treatments. That’s why medically developed, clinically tested skin care products are so important. And that’s why choosing a spa that understands the science of skincare is essential.
Skin Damage from Cancer Treatments
Both chemotherapy and radiation have side effects that can damage the skin. Drugs used in chemotherapy often affect healthy cells in addition to cancer cells and can cause skin irritation, swelling, redness, changes in pigmentation, acne and other conditions. Chemotherapy drugs can also make skin particularly sensitive to light (according to experts, cancer survivors have a higher risk for skin cancer diagnoses). Radiation therapy can cause radiation dermatitis, irritation, pain and scarring. Dry skin is also a major issue for many cancer survivors, who frequently mention wrinkles and signs of premature aging brought on by their treatments. Hydration is absolutely key during and after treatment. Chemotherapy and radiation can affect your skin’s natural oils, and both types of treatment can also lead to dry, itchy skin. It’s important to find products that will re-hydrate dry skin.
Choose a Cancer Skincare Certified Provider
The Cancer Care spa certification was developed by iS (Innovative Skincare) in cooperation with respected medical institutions across the U.S. to help cancer patients look and feel better about their skin following treatment. Launched at Washington Hospital Center’s Washington Cancer Center a decade ago to help cancer patients and survivors care for their very sensitive skin post-treatment, the iS Cancer Care line is now available at top medical institutions around the country and at select medical spas.
iS Clinical’s Cancer Care line covers all of the most important skin care needs following treatment for cancer. Vitamin formulations promote cellular regeneration and increase microcirculation, and antioxidants treat scar tissue and hyper-pigmentation. Moisturizing products provide a protective seal to help restore the skin’s natural barrier and penetrate the skin to restore needed moisture and relieve dry, itchy skin. Sun protection is also absolutely crucial, and a gentle, non-irritating SPF product is a must.
If you or a loved one are looking into a medical spa for post treatment skin care, be sure to choose one like Radiance Medi-Spa that offers the iS Clinical Cancer Care line.
