CANCER TREATMENT EFFECTS ON THE SKIN 

It's unfortunate to say that most of our lives have been affected by cancer at least once. Perhaps a friend or family member may have been diagnosed, or you may know firsthand what it’s like living with cancer. Even while battling cancer is difficult enough, there can be some negative side effects on the skin caused by cancer treatments. 

At GlyMed, we are aware of these hardships and hope to offer some valuable knowledge when caring for the skin during this stressful time.  

How Oncology Treatments Affect the Skin  

Regardless of the cancer treatment plan, patients often experience changes in how their skin behaves. Patients with skin that was once considered oily or combination may find that their skin becomes dryer. The skin can also become itchy, patchy in texture, or present sores and rashes, with many reports of skin hyperpigmentation and photosensitivity.

While not every oncology patient will experience all the above side effects, and few may not experience any of them, using restorative, hydrating, and ultra-gentle skincare can give skin its best chance of staying healthy throughout this process and after treatments have concluded.

GENTLE SKIN CARE FOR SENSITIZED SKIN  

Being gentle with the skin is the key to keeping the skin as healthy as possible during cancer treatment. Using skincare products that are hydrating, moisturizing, protective, and non-drying will supply soothing effects to the skin.  

Here are a few best practices for treating sensitized skin from oncology treatment:  

• Avoid heavy fragrances and alcohol-based products  
• When washing the body or face, use lukewarm water  
• Gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing  
• Apply moisturizer right after showering while the skin is still moist 
• Avoid using physical exfoliation such as scrubs and exfoliating tools 
• If the skin is sore or irritated, consider shaving body hair less often  
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing  
• Protect the skin by wearing SPF daily and reapplying it throughout the day  
• Wear clothing that protects the skin from the sun, including a wide-brim hat for added protection  

GLYMED PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS  

GlyMed strives to create the highest-quality professional skincare for people from all walks of life, including patients undergoing cancer treatments. We are proud to produce dozens of oncology-safe products, all of which are restorative and gentle on the skin. The following is just a fraction of our line of skincare products for cancer patients:  

• Mega Cream Cleanser  
• Peptide Firming Cleanser
• Restoring Fulvic Elixir  
• Comfort Cream with Aloe Vera
• Cell Protection Balm 
• Protective Skin Serum 
• Daily Repair Cream 
• Hydrating Lip Balm 
• Skin Recovery Mist 
• Eye Calm  
• Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 30 

ONCOLOGY-SAFE SKIN TREATMENTS AND PROTOCOLS  

For our professionals, we have a few protocols available to you that you may use in your treatment room, as well as suggested regimens for your clientele. If you’re interested in learning more about oncology-focused aesthetics, please refer to our Oncology eBook, which includes more in-depth information on the topic.  

MARIE'S GIFT FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS 

GlyMed is proud to have created Marie’s Gift, a program that seeks to empower cancer patients and survivors whose skin may be affected by oncology treatments. This charitable program was created in honor of Christine Heathman's aunt, Marie Smith Chakirian, who battled cancer before passing away in September 1996. 

Marie's Gift donates oncology-safe skincare products to those who have recently undergone or are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or other cancer treatment. Our goal is to rehabilitate the skin from the harsh side effects of oncology while uplifting these patients to realize their true beauty as brave cancer fighters.  

If you or someone you know is affected by cancer, you can learn more about the program and submit their information for Marie's Gift by contacting your GlyMed account manager or clicking here. The recipient will be gifted with the following products:   

• Mega Cream Cleanse 
• Eye Calm 
• Daily Repair Cream 
• Hydrating Lip Balm 
• Moisturizing Protection Cream with SPF 30  

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you need help creating a client’s regimen, picking out oncology-safe products, or developing an oncology-safe service for your treatment room, please reach out to your account manager for further education and assistance. 

If you are not a skincare professional but want more information on our oncology-safe products, we invite you to contact the GlyMed customer service line or refer to your GlyMed skincare provider.