For over twenty years in the clinic, I saw first hand the way cancer treatment can ravage the skin. When a patient is on heavy medication, the visual effects can be quite distressing. Patients have a heavy load, with treatment regimes, side effects like sleep disturbance ,nausea and neuropathy can be exhausting. Add to this skin issues, which can be really annoying, and can impact on how you present your self to the world.
I’ve been privileged to work with thousands of cancer patients down through the years, who trusted me to help soothe their sensitive skin issues during and after chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Some issues cannot be resolved, like oncological ulcers or certain wounds, but I can offer some support with using specific carrier oils, and in some cases aromatic essential oils.
Our skin is our first line of defence, and we owe it to ourselves to look after it. With basic skincare, its important to keep water at an ambient temperature, but not too hot, as this may irritate sensitive skin further. Make sure all towels are soft and gentle to the skin.
During cancer treatment patients are often advised to switch to scent free skin care products. This is because of increased sensitivity with certain drugs being used.
With my clinical aromatherapy training, I’ve been so lucky to learn from two world class educators; Rhiannon Lewis and Madeleine Kerkof. Their experience and quality training has given me the confidence to formulate customised skin care products for people going through cancer treatment, and also for people with extra sensitive skin.
I like to formulate creams, oils and lotions using ingredients like avocado oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, tamanu oil and CO2 extracts like borage, rosehip, and sea buckthorn, and infused herbal oils like calendula. These oils are very special as they are rich in fatty acids, and have soothing and supporting properties, which are ideal for extra sensitive skin.
Over the years I have been able to formulate custom skin care products for all types of issues. The main issues that people have difficulty with is itch, inflammation, scars, non healing wounds, radiotherapy burns and “dexa skin”. Before I formulate, we have a chat and look at medications, allergies, previous surgery, ongoing medical treatment and how the customer is feeling. Then I can make up a cream, oil or gel which is most appropriate. The cost for these products starts at €15, and can be posted within Ireland, if necessary.
If you feel this may be of benefit to you, feel free to get in touch at info@myskin.ie or give me a ring at 087 1315947 (on -Fri 10-4pm)