ABC OF HYPERSENSITIVE AND REACTIVE SKIN CARE DURING AND AFTER RADIO AND CHEMOTHERAPY

The skin requires special care and attention during and after cancer treatment. We should pay attention to a number of factors that may affect our skin. This is not only about care, but also about the lifestyle we lead and the way we eat. When it comes to care, we should choose products that are gentle, tested, and do not contain fragrances or irritating substances. If the skin has become hypersensitive, reactive, inflamed or dry, we must be patient to restore its balance and for certain processes to return to normal. In this article, I will share with you the basic rules that should accompany your daily skin care.

STEP 1 – CLEANSING AND MAKE-UP REMOVAL

Starting from the first stage of care, i.e. Cleansing, we should avoid products containing strong cleaning detergents such as SLS. Strong detergents used in daily care may additionally sensitize the skin, dry it out and disturb the hydrolipid barrier. We should choose delicate, creamy and mild emulsions for daily cleansing that will not disturb the functioning of the skin. When choosing washing products, it is best to choose those that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and enriched with moisturizing and soothing substances.

STEP 2 – TONIZATION

The main task of the tonic is to restore the correct physiological pH of the skin, which was disturbed during the previous step, i.e. cleansing. Nowadays, in addition to the action mentioned above, tonics have a much wider range of applications and care options, they also moisturize the skin, restore comfort and nourish the skin. If the skin is tense after washing and drying, the tonic will restore comfort in a very short time.

STEP 3 – SERUM

A very often omitted step - which is a pity, because it should be a MUST HAVE for every care 😊 Depending on the ingredients it contains, we can achieve different effects by using it together with the cream - we intensify the effect and complement the care. Often, when using the cream alone, we do not feel maximum comfort, and the previously applied serum allows the active substances to have an even more effective effect on the epidermis.

STEP 4 – CREAM

The last step as the completion of care. Depending on the time of day, we will of course use different preparations.

When we finish our evening care, we should reach for highly nourishing, regenerating and revitalizing products. At night, the skin activates repair processes and regenerates the skin. Products with Ceramides, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid and strongly soothing substances such as Lactoferrin or Ectoin will work great here. It is best to choose rich products with creamy, enveloping consistencies.  

In the case of morning care, we must apply a cream with high protection SPF50+ regardless of the season, providing protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Solar radiation is one of the main causes of skin aging, loss of firmness and elasticity, burns and skin cancer. Cream with high protection is the best anti-wrinkle cream we can give to our skin and is a product that provides prevention against burns. We must remember that melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma develop as a result of excessive exposure of the skin to the sun.

KEY ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

✔︎ CERAMIDES – strengthen the skin barrier, support hydration and nourishment, protect against external factors. They increase firmness and elasticity and contribute to the proper functioning of the skin barrier.

✔︎ PEPTIDES – have anti-wrinkle properties, moisturize and firm the skin.

✔︎ LACTOFERRIN – has a prebiotic effect, supports the maintenance of a healthy microbiome and affects the skin's immunity. It is an effective regenerating and soothing ingredient, recommended especially for sensitive and reactive skin.

✔︎ ECTOINE – has effective and long-lasting moisturizing properties, protects the skin against external factors.

✔︎AMINO ACIDS – compounds valued in cosmetics for their moisturizing and regenerating properties. They strengthen the skin and support its natural regenerative processes. They have a positive effect on the functioning of the skin barrier. Amino acids constitute an important part - approximately 40% - of NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor), a natural moisturizing factor, i.e. a mixture of substances that moisturize the stratum corneum of the epidermis.

✔︎ HYALURONIC ACID – one of the strongest moisturizing active ingredients, binds water in the epidermis and brings relief to dry and sensitive skin.

The Bielenda Professional team are experts in difficult skin cases. Professionals have developed a line dedicated to people undergoing and after radiotherapy and chemotherapy - the Barrier Skin Therapy line.

Barrier Skin Therapy is a multifunctional treatment procedure developed by a team of Bielenda Professional experts. Using it, you can perform various advanced tasks pro-immuno cosmetic therapies with repairing, strengthening and protective effects.

The cosmetic formulas include, among others: complex of bioactive ceramides NS, NP, AP and EOP, hydrobiotics, biomimetic peptides, lactoferrin, suboxide dismutase, copaiba oil and also selected enzymes and amino acids. Compatible carrier systems are responsible for increasing their effectiveness and intensity of operation.

Why is care so important?

Appropriate care is important because if the skin barrier, the hydrolipid barrier, is damaged, it will not protect us against external factors and the consequences of oncological treatment. It often reduces possible complications, unwanted allergic reactions to medications, irritations and itching, which translates into a better quality of life.