Today we are shining a light on the excellent Alina Sarah Hediger, an oncological cosmetician - or magical skincare therapist as we call her at Peruda - diving into a topic that's super close to all our hearts: caring for your skin before, during and after cancer treatment. Whether you're affected by cancer treatments yourself, or supporting someone who is, understanding how to nurture your skin during and after this time is so important.
We hand over the pen to Alina, of Mindful Beautystories, for her expert insights.
Real Talk About Treatment and Your Skin
Let's be honest – cancer treatment can be tough on your skin. Think of your skin as your body's superhero cape – it protects you every day, but during treatment, it needs some extra TLC. Here's what might be happening:
- Your skin might feel super sensitive ( even more than usual)
- Dryness could become your new, unwanted, BFF
- You might notice some redness or irritation
- You might feel at a loss because your usual skincare faves suddenly feel too harsh
But here's the thing – you're not alone in this! About 90% of people going through cancer treatment experience skin changes. It's totally normal, and more importantly, there are ways to help your skin feel better. 🌟
Why Your Skin Needs Special Care Now Picture this: your skin is like a protective best friend who's working overtime in the harshest conditions. It's dealing with a lot, and standard products (even the fancy ones!) can contain ingredients that your skin just can't cope with on top of everything else. It's a good idea to review your regular skincare routine. It could well use a glow-up to meet these new needs.
Your New Skincare BFFs Let's talk about ingredients that are like a warm hug for your skin:
✨ The Gentle Giants:
- Aloe vera (nature's chill pill for your skin)
- Chamomile (like a calming cup of tea, but for your face)
- Natural oils (think of them as your skin's cosy blanket)
- Hyaluronic acid (the ultimate hydration hero)
🚫 The Thanks-But-No-Thanks List:
- Harsh preservatives (not today!)
- Artificial fragrances (bye, Felicia!)
- Strong acids (save these for later)
- Alcohol (your skin needs hydration, not dehydration)
Your New Simple-But-Sweet Routine
Morning Vibes:
- Super gentle cleanse (think soft, gentle movements)
- Hydrating goodness while skin is still dewy
- Protective moisturiser (layer it on, friend!)
- Mineral sunscreen (your absolute must-have)
Evening Love:
- Another gentle cleanse
- Soothing and hydrating goodness
- Rich moisturiser (let your skin drink it up!)
Pro Tips That'll Change Your Game 🌟
- Always (and I mean always!) patch test new products
- Keep it simple – this isn't the time for a 12-step routine
- Listen to your skin – it'll tell you what it needs
- When in doubt, go for the gentler option
- Stay hydrated from the inside out (water is life!)
The Sunshine Rules ☀️ Your skin's relationship with the sun's rays may alter (and not in a good way) during treatment. Here's the deal:
- Mineral sunscreen is your new daily essential
- Reapply like it's your job
- Rock those fabulous hats and sunglasses (think Audrey Hepburn's iconic shades and brims)
- Embrace the shade – it's totally chic!
Remember, your skin's journey through treatment is just that – a journey. Some days might be harder than others, but with gentle care and patience, your skin can stay comfortable and protected. Think of this time as an opportunity to show yourself extra love and care.
Here's what I want you to take away from this:
- Be super gentle with your skin (and yourself!)
- Keep things simple and consistent
- Stay hydrated (inside and out)
- Remember that this is temporary
- You've got this, and your skin's got this too!
The most important thing? Listen to your body, trust your instincts, and never hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team with questions. You're doing amazing, and your skin will thank you for all this extra love and attention! ✨
Have you found any particular skincare products or techniques super helpful during treatment? Drop us a line at info@mindfulbeautystories.com – sharing experiences helps us all! And remember, you're beautiful inside and out, today and every day. 💖