Before my cancer diagnosis, I never really took care of my body. Skincare was an occasional luxury—maybe a facial twice a year at a beauty salon. I rarely applied body cream, thinking I didn’t have time for such an indulgence after a shower. But everything changed when my treatment began. Suddenly, I feared my body would fail me. I worried my skin would dry out, crack, or even develop wounds. So, I invested in special creams. For Christmas, my loved ones gifted me a whole set of them.
Applying those creams became more than just a routine—it was an act of care. With time on my hands and the need to nurture my skin, I began a new ritual. This practice of self-love and compassion wasn’t just about applying deodorant or body cream. It was about being present in my body, cherishing it, and giving it the attention it deserved. Even my feet, which I had neglected before, became essential to this routine. This was especially important as chemo took its toll. I’ll explain more about that in a moment.
This ritual became my sacred bubble, even on days when I had little energy to step into the shower. No matter how drained I felt, I couldn’t skip this moment of self-care. Even after my treatments ended, the practice stayed with me. It became a profound way to reconnect with my body and stay grounded in the present.
Now, let’s dive into some practical aspects of skincare during cancer treatment.
I. Self-Care and Skincare: Why It Matters During Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can cause noticeable changes to the body, and the skin is often one of the first places these changes appear. Side effects like dryness, irritation, and heightened sensitivity are common, leaving the skin feeling more delicate and vulnerable. Witnessing these changes was difficult for me, as they served as constant reminders of the physical challenges treatment brings. Not only was I battling cancer itself, but I also had to face these secondary effects. Some might think they’re minor in the grand scheme of things, but believe me, they were significant for me.
II. Creating a Skincare Ritual: The Power of Routine
While in treatment, I felt like I was walking a blind path, taking each day as it came, never knowing what to expect. During that time, my skincare ritual in the bathroom became an anchor—a moment where I could regain control of my feelings, emotions, and body. It was a precious moment I could hold onto, knowing I was serving my body with care and love.
Even on the toughest days, I would gently apply cream to my skin, taking time to breathe deeply and move slowly. It wasn’t just about caring for my skin; it was about reminding myself that I was still here, still worthy of love and attention.
This routine evolved into a mindfulness practice. I began focusing on the sensations—the cool touch of the cream, the softness of my hands against my skin—and for those few moments, everything else seemed to melt away. It helped me reconnect with my body and offer it kindness, even when it felt like it was letting me down. Over time, this ritual became an essential part of my day, reminding me that, no matter what, I could still show up for myself.
III. Skincare Essentials: Caring for Your Skin and Scars During Treatment
Applying creams during cancer treatment was essential for me, as my skin became much more sensitive and fragile. I quickly learned that products with harsh chemicals or strong fragrances were not an option, especially because chemotherapy made me feel sick and nauseous. Instead, I focused on using fragrance-free, gentle creams with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and calendula. These natural ingredients helped calm my skin and provided much-needed hydration.
One area that needed special attention was my scar after the mastectomy. It was vital to keep the area moisturized and nourished to avoid fibrosis—another tip given by my physiotherapist. I used creams specifically designed for sensitive skin after cancer treatment, applying them gently in circular motions to help soften the scar tissue. Living in France, I had the chance to choose from three amazing brands that offer creams specifically for cancer treatment:
Massaging the area became part of my routine, while taking care not to irritate it. Not only did this help with the skin’s elasticity, but it also helped me reconnect with my body as it healed.
When applying creams, I made sure to do so slowly and gently, using soft circular motions, especially on areas treated with radiation or surgery. Consistency was key—I applied cream every morning and evening, and sometimes throughout the day when my skin felt dry or irritated.
Another area that required care was my feet, which I hadn’t focused on before cancer. I quickly learned that chemotherapy could dry out and damage them. So, I made it a routine to care for my feet, applying cream every night before bed to keep them nourished.
I found that the best time to apply creams was right after a shower, when my skin was still slightly damp. This helped lock in moisture, keeping my skin soft and hydrated for longer. The ritual of caring for my skin—and my scar—became a small but powerful way to show myself love and compassion during treatment.
IV. Nurturing the Soul Through Skincare
Skincare during cancer treatment became more than just a physical necessity for me—it became a way to reconnect with and nurture my body. After experiencing the profound changes that cancer treatment brings, I found myself feeling distant from the body I once knew. But through the simple act of applying creams each day, I began to rebuild that connection, reminding myself that my body, despite everything, was still worthy of care and attention.
Each time I took the time to gently massage cream into my skin, it wasn’t just about hydration or softening scars—it was about practicing self-compassion. In those moments, I told myself that I deserved kindness, that even in the midst of pain, I could still offer myself love. Skincare became a ritual of self-love, a daily reminder that I could show up for myself, no matter how difficult things felt.
On the hardest days, these small acts of self-care provided a sense of emotional empowerment. In a time when so much felt beyond my control, taking care of my skin became a way to regain some of that power. This ritual became a peaceful refuge—a space where I could pause, breathe, and remember that I was still here, still strong, still deserving of care.
V. Making Self-Care a Daily Practice
Creating a habit of self-care wasn’t always easy, but it became a vital part of my journey through cancer treatment. I realized that consistency mattered more than anything grand. Starting with something as simple as applying moisturizer each day helped me create a routine that felt manageable. Even on the hardest days, those few moments of caring for my skin reminded me that I was still showing up for myself.
Finding what worked for me was key. Skincare became my personal form of self-care, but for others, it might be something different—whether it’s journaling, meditating, or taking a few deep breaths. The important thing is to find a practice that feels nurturing and fits into your life, no matter how small.
Integrating self-care into my daily routine helped me stay grounded. The best way to make it a habit was to tie it to something I already did—like moisturizing right after a shower or spending a few minutes to unwind before bed. Over time, these practices became rituals that offered a sense of stability when so much else felt unpredictable.
It’s important to recognize and appreciate each act of self-care. Whether it’s moisturizing your skin, finding a quiet moment to reflect, or simply acknowledging that you deserve care, these practices can help you reconnect with yourself in meaningful ways.
Skincare became more than just a routine for me during treatment—it was a way to nurture myself in both body and spirit. It helped me stay connected to my body, offering small moments of care in an otherwise challenging time.
As you navigate your own journey, I encourage you to find rituals that feel meaningful. Whether it’s skincare or another form of self-care, these moments remind us that we are still deserving of love and attention, no matter what we’re facing.
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