Summer Wellness Tips for Cancer Sufferers
There are countless beauty guides written for fun in and out of the summer sun, but where are the tips and products for women battling cancer? Is there even such a thing? With a tremendous amount of love and research, we’re happy to say ‘yes.’ We reached out to four top experts to get the best feel-good makeup, skin care, and body care tips to help you feel more like yourself during an incredibly rough time. “When a woman gets a cancer diagnosis, it’s usually bigger than just losing her hair or part of a breast,” says Mary Aframe, founder and owner of the Women’s Image Center in Massachusetts. “They’re concerned about their families and losing their lives. I’m amazed every day at how women pull up their boots and keep moving with life.” This guide wants to help you do exactly that while looking and feeling your best. We hope this helps you capture your inner glow this summer and for years to come.
(Photo: Drunk Elephant)
Factor in sun protection
“The biggest and most important factor with chemotherapy is sun sensitivity; anyone on chemo will be more sensitive than usual to sun exposure.” says Kathryn Edmiston, MD, medical oncologist and Associate Professor at University of Massachusetts Medical in Worcester. “Even during winter, we recommend they use a very high SPF sunscreen and UV protection.”
Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, board-certified dermatologist, co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, and two-time survivor of melanoma and basal cell is in agreement. “In general, you want to seek out physical sunscreens that are chemical-free and contain zinc or titanium since the skin may be more sensitive from chemotherapy.” A good choice is Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30 ($38.)
SPF may not be enough
“I personally would not just rely on sunscreen to protect myself from the sun if I were undergoing chemotherapy,” says Tanzi. “Some agents from treatment can make people very sun sensitive and can blister the skin — even with sunscreen. I advocate for hats, umbrellas, and sun protective clothing, which is SPF 50+, light and cooling. It just makes life so much easier.”
(Photo: Aveeno)
Itches and rashes
Don’t discount a rash as a summer annoyance; some may be due to cancer treatment. “Chemotherapy is particularly tough on the body, and the skin is not excluded,” says Tanzi. “If you develop a rash, the first call you should make is to your oncologist; some rashes related to chemotherapy are very serious.” Once you’re in the clear, she recommends applying a good thick barrier cream like Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisture Repair Cream ($13).
Put your best face forward
Celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenberg has worked tirelessly with her own mother during her bout with ovarian cancer as well as with many friends suffering from the disease. She advises using gentle skin care and makeup formulas and checking product labels. “I advise avoiding anything that has crazy chemicals in it,” she says. “Avoid really harsh ingredients like retinols and ingredients like glycolic acid, which can really make sensitive skin even worse.” Greenberg is a fan of iS Clinical Skincare products, especially their Poly-Vitamin Serum ($98).
(Photo: Neutrogena)
Go gentle with your face
Tanzi agrees with a gentle skin care regimen if you’re undergoing chemotherapy, recommending Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser ($10). “It’s always a good choice.”
Go easy on your body
The powerful drugs in chemotherapy can cause dry, irritated skin that is super sensitive, particularly in the summer. Both doctors agree that fragrance-free body products are the way to go during chemotherapy. “Some of the drugs can cause inflammation, so avoid fragrances that can cause a reaction,” says Edmiston. She says patients usually avoid scent due to nausea during treatment. Tanzi recommends thick-but-simple moisturizers, like Cetaphil Fragrance-Free Moisturizing Cream ($12).
(Photo: Anastasia Beverly Hills)
Brows can help you feel beautiful
With chemotherapy comes hair loss, and that means brows can go, too. Both Greenberg and Aframe agree that brows can really change your look, and there are plenty of ways to get them, like using Anastasia Beverly Hills Stencils ($20) and filling them in with Bobbi Brown Brow Kit ($48). “Sometimes, women will ask about eyebrows, and we can do a lot: Templates, brow kits, stencils,” says Aframe. “There are plenty of things that can help.”
(Photo: Bobbi Brown)
(Disclaimer: Bobbi Brown is the EIC of Yahoo Beauty.)
(Photo: Thrive Causemetics)
Lavish yourself in lashes
When it comes to losing your lashes, a strip lash can seem daunting at first, but the right lash can make all the difference. Greenberg favors Thrive Causemetics lash products like the Jackie Lash Set ($38). “[They] create eyelashes that are easy to apply, and all the products in the kit — including the lashes — are all-natural. Also, for every product you buy, they donate one to a woman in need.”
Mascara or no mascara?
If you have lashes this summer, why not play them up? “I used to fill in my mother’s top lash line,” Greenberg remembers fondly. “Even though she wasn’t into lashes and putting them on, if you fill in the lash line it makes you look more awake.” Dr. Hauschka Skincare Volume Mascara in Black ($34) is a great organic formula with staying power.
(Photo: tarte)
Build a beautiful foundation
“Makeup really makes a difference, and when you’re watching the person you are being taken away from you from cancer, that little application of makeup can make such a difference,” says Greenberg. She recommends using a foundation with more natural ingredients and great performance, like tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation ($39).
Brush up on your makeup tools
When it comes to playing with beauty products, nothing can make you feel better than a new set of makeup brushes. Greenberg favors brushes like the Antonym Cosmetics Kabuki Brush with Pouch ($24), an organic brand adored by industry pros.
Hydrate those lips
Greenberg says that dry lips from treatment can make traditional lip products a bit tricky. “You want to moisturize them as much as you can,” she says. “If you want to stay natural, go for products like By Terry Baume de Rose ($60) or Aquaphor Lip Repair ($4).” Once lips are hydrated, feel free to play with lip color as you wish.
Related: Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy
Skip the sparkle
Even though a little shimmer sounds glamorous any time of year, Greenberg advises against it. “Makeup with a ton of shimmer or mica can be irritating,” says Greenberg, who advises using mica-free formulas like Laura Mercier Eye Glace ($28). “But if you do use a cream shadow, stay with solid colors and go for a wash of color.”
Give creamy formulas a try
Since chemotherapy tends to be drying any time of year, Greenberg advises thinking “wet” when it comes to makeup, particularly when it comes to cheeks and lips. “I do love Stila Convertible Color ($25) for the cheeks; they’re so creamy. Dot it on your cheeks and lips, blend, and you look instantly awake.”
(Photo: Josie Maran)
Natural makeup is great, but not mandatory
The decision to go natural versus synthetic is really between you and your doctor. “You can wear makeup during chemo as long as your doctor says it’s OK,” says Tanzi. “Some oncologists go more natural, but in general most makeup sits on the skin without being absorbed. I know a lot of oncologists will ask women to avoid certain ingredients, but the science is a little fuzzy. Since it might be helpful to avoid some ingredients, why not? Just heed your doctor’s advice.” An organic favorite of Greenberg’s is Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee ($22).
(Photo: The Body Shop)
Don’t neglect your nails
In addition to your skin, Edmiston says nails can also take a beating during chemotherapy. “Nail changes are really common with some of the patients,” she says. Apparently, patients can develop Onycholysis, where the nails become painful and can lift and separate from the nail bed. She suggests tea tree oil to moisturize the nails and to help with symptoms.
The way to feel-good feet
“Another side effect is Hand Foot Syndrome, where the skin becomes tender and the skin can peel,” says Edmiston, who says patients are asked to moisturize twice a day before treatment to prevent the condition along with symptomatic benefit. “We recommend udder cream because it’s well tolerated and has no fragrance. Cool hydrotherapy also works.” Edmiston says the condition is specific to a drug called Zoloda, and encourages you to ask about the condition prior to treatment.
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