Oncology Skin Relief

Undergoing cancer treatment is an immense journey, and along with fighting the disease itself, managing side effects often becomes a daily challenge. One of the most common, yet often under-discussed, side effects involves our skin. 

Both radiation and chemotherapy aggressively target both cancerous and non-cancerous, fast-growing cells, unintentionally leaving the skin feeling incredibly sensitive, tight, and vulnerable. This can manifest as severe dryness, persistent itching, and in serious cases, painful burns or dermatitis. 

Finding comfort & relief throughout treatment can make a world of difference in your quality of life. To be even a small form of support in your journey, we've put together a list of specialized products that actively calm inflammation and accelerate healing.

Why Your Skin Reacts to Treatment 

Radiation and chemotherapy are both highly effective forms of cancer treatment; their strength lies in their aggressive targeting of rapidly dividing cells. However, because cancerous cells are often difficult to isolate even when the treatment is localized, both cancerous and non-cancerous fast-growing cells will be exposed to the treatment, often compromising the skin. 

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. When the healthy cells in the skin are exposed to the rays as well, this can lead to radiation dermatitis often characterized as redness (like a sunburn) or in more severe cases, blistering and peeling.

This happens because radiation damages the cells responsible for skin barrier function and regeneration. This breakdown weakens the skin's protective layer, making it acutely vulnerable to irritation, dryness, and inflammation. 

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are administered into the bloodstream, circulating throughout the entire body, allowing them to reach cancer cells regardless of where they are located. This is why the side effects can be widespread. 

The impact on the skin is a damaged structure and an impaired ability to retain moisture and repair itself, resulting in the systemic side effects listed below: 

• Extreme Dryness & Itchiness: The skin’s ability to retain moisture is impaired, leading to severe dryness, flakiness, and persistent itching.

• Inflammation & Sensitivity: The skin barrier is compromised, making the skin highly reactive to external factors and causing rashes or general inflammation.

• Hand-Foot Syndrome: Swelling, redness, pain, and sometimes blistering on the palms and soles.

• Increased Photosensitivity: Skin becomes highly susceptible to sun damage.

These side effects confirm that managing treatment-related skin damage requires more than standard moisturizing; it demands a targeted, professional approach built on healing and barrier support.

Essential Products for Soothing Relief 

Known for their gentle, effective support and tailored formulations, and perfect for soothing irritated, dry, or burned skin during and after treatment, these products should form the core of your daily relief and repair routine, applied after gentle cleansing:

1. SIV Biome Balancing Serum

• Why We Love It: This innovative serum works at the foundational level of skin health—the microbiome. Formulated to adapt to your unique skin biology, SIV helps calm, soothe, and re-establish a healthy ecosystem on the skin’s surface. This is key for building resilience, reducing inflammation, and preventing the overgrowth of bad bacteria that can compromise already sensitive skin. 

• Key Benefit: Builds Skin Resilience and Soothes Irritation at the Cellular Level

2. DMK Beta Gel^*

• Why We Love It: The DMK signature formula is essential for reactive, traumatized, or inflamed skin. Its key ingredient, Beta-Glucan, is a powerful stimulator of the skin’s immune and reparative functions. For burns, redness, and high sensitivity, Beta Gel helps to rapidly reduce swelling and inflammation, promoting healing. 

• Key Benefit: Rapid Anti-Inflammatory Action and Immune Support for Burns

_{*Available to existing clients only}

3. GlyMed Plus Cell Protection Balm

• Why We Love It: This rich balm acts as the essential final shield. Its occlusive formula, creates a nourishing barrier to seal in moisture and active ingredients. This protective layer is vital for preventing further moisture loss, relieving intense dryness and itching, and guarding the skin against external friction—perfect for radiation sites or areas experiencing Hand-Foot Syndrome. 

• Key Benefit: Intense Moisture Barrier, Protection, and Itch Relief

4. CO2 Pro Lift Treatment Mask

• Why We Love It: This mask is a deeply hydrating, restorative treatment for when your skin needs a serious moisture boost. Its unique, cooling jelly texture delivers instant, profound relief to hot, irritated skin, while the ‘lift’ component offers a powerful surge of moisture that plumps and restores skin depleted by aggressive therapy. The CO2 Pro Lift can be used weekly, or as directed, especially when your skin feels tight, fatigued, or severely dehydrated.

• Key Benefit: Intense, Calming Hydration and Skin Plumping

With these specialized products in your toolkit, you can actively manage this added discomfort and accelerate your skin’s healing process.

Your Journey to Comfort 

Your skin is a powerful tool in your healing journey. By treating it with specialized care, you are helping your body recover and supporting your overall well-being. Be gentle, be consistent, and find comfort every step of the way. 

Best, 

Maria