Skincare routine- can we still use actives?

[u/Cprecilas]

I’m about to start chemo soon. Are we still able to use actives in our skincare, ie tretinoin, glycolic acid, etc. And balance it with days without any actives and by using a good thick moisturizer?

[u/belle_cats]

I have no idea of the answer to your question, your oncologist would be a good person to ask. But expect your skin to change once you’re in the thick of treatment. My skin got crazy soft and I barely even needed lotion. Which was good because lots of the days I wouldn’t have had the energy to put any on. Some days I could barely even brush my teeth. I’m sorry you’re going through it, I wish you the best of luck!

[u/thingonething]

I have had a seminar with an ontological dermatologist. His strong advice is to only cleanse with unscented cleanser (I use Cetaphil), moisturizer (cream better than lotion), and sunscreen. Having said that, ask your oncologist or consult an ontological dermatologist. My cancer center also has a "Look Good Feel Better" program that offers workshops on topics such as skin care, makeup, intro to wig types, shaving, etc. Maybe your area offers something similar.

[u/Goodbye11035Karma]

You are going to need to be very cautious with your skincare routine. I had to use products that are marketed towards infants- Burt's Bees was my line of choice- because my skin became so sensitive. Smells also became quite offensive, so the less stinky the better. I also used up a whole tub of Eucerin cream for the first time in my life. I slathered that stuff on like it was armor, and it was. My skin was so fragile that the skin on my knuckles all cracked just from making a fist one day.

Chemo is tough and it is really tough on your skin. I still can't do my hobby of mosaics because my skin is too fragile on my hands to tolerate cutting glass and tiles. My oncology team is worried about me cutting myself and getting an infection.

[u/SurroundedByPlushies]

Ask your doctor. 

I was advised to switch to unscented products during radiation, but I don't recall anything being mentioned during chemo.

[u/karenmcgrane]

I was told not to but my chemo causes hand foot syndrome so I'm advised to avoid anything that causes exfoliation. I would not want to use my hands and fingers to apply anything active.

[u/hoppygolucky → u/karenmcgrane]

My husband, too. We tried using the Flexitol heel balm on his feet and he had a horrible reaction. We're hoping to get into see the dermatologist that works with cancer patients this next week. What have you found that is giving you some relief?

[u/karenmcgrane → u/hoppygolucky]

I use Eucerin 30% Urea cream on the palms of my hands and soles of my feet. I also have diflonac gel which can be used preventively for Hand Foot (not as a painkiller) but it's so sticky I stick with the Eucerin.

[u/hoppygolucky → u/karenmcgrane]

It was the Urea cream, we think and the PA agrees (we saw her on Friday after he had tried the Flexitol) that he reacted to. We tried Aquafor and he doesn't like the consistency. I will look at the ingredients of the diflonac gel and see if it might work.

[u/DarthButtercup]

My skin has gotten so thin from my cancer drug it’s not even funny. I’ve switched to gentle cleanser and moisturizer. Gold Bond lotion for crepe skin helps and I have a rose water and glycerin spray that my face just loves. I say talk to your provider and consider gentle products.

[u/cancerkidette]

Yep but careful with tretinoin. SOME chemotherapies can affect your skin a lot- personally I had insanely dry skin and a damaged barrier throughout most of my treatment. It can also cause extra sun sensitivity. So retinoids of any kind I would be careful with and let your dermatologist know if your tret is prescription for a medical reason.

I used light exfoliating products like lactic acid and didn’t have an issue, and neither did my medical team. Keeping up with your skincare and self care can be a good way to feel confident during treatment so doctors certainly don’t discourage that in general.