Navigating the Beauty Aisle as a Breast Cancer Survivor
As you’re spring cleaning the cosmetic bag and restocking up on your fave beauty and skin essentials, it can be easy to stick to the brands you know you love – however, for those recently diagnosed with an illness, with sensitive skin or those looking to “green” up their products, many of the original go-to brands have terrible toxins in them that can damage overall health.
Here are some tips that women, especially breast cancer fighters, should keep in mind when purchasing beauty products.
Be gentle with your movements and your moisturizers: Read the label:
Use only hypoallergenic products, or those that don’t have harsh ingredients such as acids, emulsifiers, preservatives, fragrances, mineral oils, silicones, dyes or amines. You want happier, more comfortable skin, so scan your products for these ingredients and restock your supplies with organic, chemical-free and sensitive items. CureDiva has an entire line of facial natural and organic skin care.
Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize:
To prevent dryness and cracked, uncomfortable skin, be sure to moisturize immediately after washing and toweling dry. This means:
For your body, apply moisturizer after the bath or shower
For your face, apply moisturizer in the morning and at night
For your hands, moisturize after washing many times during the day
For your lips, use a hydrating lip balm throughout the day
Acne at our age?
Yes, some chemo treatments can cause acne on the face and scalp. Even if you suffered from acne before, take another look at your old acne ointments. They usually contain salicylic acid, retinol, benzoyl peroxide and other harsh ingredients that further dry and irritate skin. Try more natural solutions like Acne Clarifying Serum by Nurture my Body and a mild, natural soap.
SPF should become more than just an afterthought:
Although SPF is used in the summer outdoors, it should become a priority when in treatment. Chemo skin is super sensitive, especially to sun exposure which can cause lasting damage even in the winter. Wear sunscreen whenever you go out, and protect your skin with UV-protective clothing (hats, gloves, long sleeves). With skincare and beauty products, choosing an SPF version is best.
While it can be overwhelming to find products that are safe on skin and look and smell great, asking your doctor or a friend who has been through treatment is the best way to receive a referral. Websites like CureDiva provide a great amount of information for those going through treatment to get the answers they need.
Fingernail care:
Some chemo drugs can cause finger and toenail damage. They become dry, cracked and may start lifting up. Apply cuticle balm and lots of hand cream. Checking out the label is relevant here. Switch to water-based nail color like CureDiva’s water-based nail polish by Acquarella which is my favorite when I’m dressing up!
This article is courtesy of CureDiva.com.