Recent scientific research has shown the remarkable potential of Amazonian oils and resins in supporting skin recovery during and after cancer treatment. These natural botanicals, when carefully extracted using cold press methods to retain their complex bioactive compounds, make them particularly valuable for cancer-related skin care.
Let’s explore some of their secrets.
Andiroba Oil has emerged as another powerful ally in cancer care. Scientific studies have demonstrated that its unique composition of limonoids and essential fatty acids effectively reduces inflammation and promotes wound healing. Traditional knowledge of Andiroba's healing properties has now been validated by modern research, particularly regarding its ability to soothe radiation-induced skin reactions.
Pracaxi Oil stands out for its extraordinary concentration of behenic acid - approximately six times higher than other natural oils. This distinctive fatty acid profile makes it particularly effective for skin moisturisation and regeneration, with research supporting its benefits for post-surgical recovery and the texture and appearance of scars.
Buriti Oil, derived from Mauritia Flexuosa the 35-metre high Buriti Palm, contains remarkably high levels of beta-carotene and vitamin E - up to 1,800 mg/kg of total carotenoids. These compounds play a crucial role in repairing damaged skin tissue and providing antioxidant protection during the healing process.
Copaiba Oil Resin flows naturally from Copaifera trees in the Amazon rainforest, and is unlike conventional plant oils. In the simplest terms, Copaiba Oil Resin is a cross between essential oil and resin compound, which contains a rich concentration of sesquiterpenes, particularly β-caryophyllene (BCP), a remarkable component with an almost unique molecular structure.
Research has shown that these complex compounds possess significant anti-inflammatory properties, making this botanical especially beneficial for managing skin inflammation and relief for discomfort associated with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Murumuru Butter, extracted from the seeds of Astrocaryum murumuru, offers equally potent benefits for compromised skin. Its exceptional composition includes lauric acid (around 47%) and myristic acid (around 27%), which provide remarkable moisturising and protective properties.
Research has shown that Murumuru's high concentration of saturated fatty acids creates a protective layer on the skin while allowing it to breathe naturally. This characteristic makes it especially beneficial for patients dealing with radiation dermatitis or chemotherapy-induced skin changes.
What’s So Hot about Cold Pressed Oil?
The effectiveness of these botanicals stems from the integrity of their natural composition, preserved through traditional extraction methods. Copaiba is collected through a simple tapping process, while oils like Buriti and Andiroba are cold pressed to maintain their beneficial compounds. This minimal processing ensures that all components remain intact and bioavailable, enabling their natural synergy to support skin healing.
Botanical Boosts
For cancer patients, whose skin often becomes increasingly sensitive during treatment, and who may only be offered paraffin-based skin emollients, these natural solutions offer a gentle yet effective and dynamic approach to recovery.
The bioactive compounds in Amazonian botanicals are readily recognised by the body, supporting natural healing processes without causing further irritation. This compatibility with sensitive skin makes them particularly valuable in oncological skin care.
As dedicated research into the mechanisms behind these natural compounds continues, the appreciation of traditional Amazonian wisdom by modern medicine is gaining pace. These botanical treasures, when properly harvested and processed, represent a promising bridge between ancient knowledge and complementary cancer care.
I’ve got cancer - why is skin care even important?
For a cancer patient bombarded by the drugs and chemicals necessary to secure a recovery, deterioration in one’s skin health and appearance can feel like the price to pay for staying alive and not an issue to bother your medical team with.
However, ‘feeling happy in your own skin’ isn’t just a metaphor. Drawing from research papers, it emerges that there is a significant connection between skin appearance, cancer treatment side-effects, and patients' psychological wellbeing.
Studies have shown that skin care during cancer treatment impacts much more than physical comfort - it has profound effects on patients' mood, self-perception, and quality of life. In one notable study comparing cancer patients who received cosmetic care versus those who did not, researchers found significant differences in two key areas: mood state and self-perception of the disease.
The positive impact of skin care was further demonstrated in research where patients who received aesthetic treatments for side-effects such as hand-foot syndrome, nail damage, edema, xerosis, rash, and radiodermatitis reported not only improved physical symptoms but also reduced psychological distress.
Even simple interventions such as camouflage makeup proved beneficial - one study found that successfully masking visible skin changes improved quality of life scores regardless of the patient's age, diagnosis, or location of skin changes.
Mind Matters
This research underscores how addressing visible skin changes during cancer treatment isn't just about physical healing - it's an important component of emotional recovery and maintaining a sense of normalcy and wellbeing during a challenging time.
The ability to look in the mirror and recognise oneself, despite medical treatment, appears to be a powerful factor in maintaining positive mental health throughout the cancer journey.
For those seeking natural support during cancer recovery, these Amazonian botanicals offer hope through nature's gifts. Their growing scientific validation, combined with centuries of traditional use, suggests they will continue to play an increasingly important role in supportive cancer care.
Have you incorporated any of these natural solutions into your healing journey? Share your experiences in the comments below.
Further reading:
*https://doi.org/10.3390/app13020850*
*https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics4030025*
*https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27092733*
http://dx.doi.org/10.20435/inter.v21i3.2926
DOI:10.37532/dpl.2024.16.07