Skin Affected by Cancer
While undergoing cancer treatments, skin can be particularly sensitive - apply gentle care to avoid exacerbating the side effects.
Oncology
For many years, cancer treatments have become more effective, offering patients new perspectives in terms of prognosis, disease progression and quality of life. However, these therapeutic innovations are often accompanied by undesirable side effects.
-
Dryness, irritation, itching... Some cancer treatments are associated with a wide range of side effects that affect the skin, hair and nails. Each effect is highly dependent on the type of therapy used.
These manifestations can be a source of discomfort and significantly impact quality of life, both physical and psychological.
A long-term commitment to taking care of your skin.
As cancer patients know, some treatments have consequences on the skin. Their skin can become much more sensitive as a result of the strain on it. With its expertise in the side effects of these treatments on the skin, Eau Thermale Avène makes the patient's journey as pleasant as possible, thanks to its products. But also through its commitments.
Products
Ciclfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Cicalfate+ Scar Gel
Cicalfate Hand Restorative Hand Cream
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Thermal Spring Water
XeraCalm A.D Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Their Side of the Story
FAQs
Do I need to change my daily skin care routine?
While you are undergoing cancer treatment, your skin is particularly sensitive. You need to make sure you apply gentle, appropriate skin care products toavoid worsening the side effects of your treatment on your skin. Read More
I've been told to protect my skin from the sun. Why?
Certain cancer treatments increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Your skin will burn more easily in the sun, leaving it red and uncomfortable. Even mild sun exposure can cause dark spots and pigmentation. Read moreMy treatment is making my skin drier and drier. What should I do?
Dry skin is one of the side effects caused by cancer treatments. The best way of keeping your skin comfortable is to moisturize it as often as possible. Read MoreMy hands and feet are in a terrible state…
What can I do about it?
Chemotherapy and targeted treatments can lead to significant side effects on the hands and feet: redness (which can be intense), thickening of the skin and pain around contact zones, chapping, cracking and dryness, etc. The resulting discomfort and pain can be extremely disabling. (This is sometimes referred to as hand-foot syndrome). Read moreHow can I alleviate the discomfort caused by radiotherapy?
The rays produced by radiotherapy can cause skinlesions known as radiodermatitis. Symptoms range
from simple redness to severe burns with ulcerations. Read more
I’ve got spots that won’t go away ... Is that normal? My skin is sometimes really itchy, what can I do about it?
When you undergo targeted therapy, an eruption in the form of spots or redness often appears. These lesions are generally found locally around the nose, onthe scalp, in the centre of the back and on the chest. They may be combined with itchiness or a painful burning sensation, or become infected. Read more
How can I give my face a boost or look less tired?
When you undergo cancer treatment, your complexion changes, your skin loses its glow. Medical make-up can be applied for a “healthy glow” effect, as well as to mask redness, scarring and dark circles under the eyes, or to reshape your eyebrows. Read moreFirsthand Perscpective
One of the biggest effects of the treatment on my skin was extreme dryness. I had to moisturize 4 times a day! But in the end, I found it did me good to take time to apply my creams
- Nadine
How can Avène Thermal Spring water help me?
After a surgical procedure, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, your body, and
especially your skin, need to be soothed to restore comfort and a sense of
well-being.
From the spring to the skin
Only when it is sprayed onto the skin does Avène Thermal Spring Water come into contact with the
external environment!
Told by Those Who've Lived It
Do I need to change my daily skin care routine?
"Because my skin is more sensitive, I’ve stopped using a wash mitt altogether. I always clean my skin with my hands and make sure I moisturize after my shower. As often as I can, I use a Thermal Spring Water to rinse my face and calm hot flushes"
- Mare
I've been told to protect my skin from the sun. Why?
"To avoid the sun, I’ve started going out early in the morning with a hat and shawl just in case, and I wear sunscreen. I even take care when I’m in the car. Without eyelashes, my eyes are more sensitive, so I wear sunglasses all the time."
- Francois
I've got spots that won't go away... Is that normal?
"I had all these little spots on my face and around my mouth, I felt like a teenager. My skin was dry, it tingled, and I had a constant urge to scratch. By using certain adapted creams, my skin became less sensitive and I started to feel soothed."
- Antoine
What it Felt Like
"I started to feel a lot of pain on the soles of my feet, I thought it was caused by my new shoes, but no: it turned out to be a side effect of my cancer treatment. Now I really look after my hands and feet, it’s so important."
- Alice
"Radiotherapy actually caused burning under my breast. I was on the verge of stopping the treatment, but I was advised to try applying cream after the radiotherapy sessions. That was precious advice"
- Isabelle
"I struggled to look in the mirror and I didn’t want my children to see me like that. I decided to wear a wig and to pencil on my eyebrows"
- Muriel
Did you know?
- Soap - in both liquid and solid form - dries out your skin and causes irritation.
- Wash mitts, sponges and loofahs can all irritate sensitive skin, as can the cotton pads you use for make-up removal.
- Overly hot water dries the skin and reactivates skin problems.
- Some conventional cleansing products (soap in liquid
and solid form) are often aggressive and can cause
your skin to dry out even more. - All skin types, both thin and thick, sensitive and nonsensitive, can become dry at times or in certain areas
of the body. - As we get older, our skin tends to become drier: this is
especially true for women’s skin. This tendency to dry
out often increases after menopause and while you are
undergoing hormonal cancer treatment.
Our Advice
Gentle Cleansing
• Use soap-free gels, oils or dermatological cleansing bars:
- that are in line with the skin’s pH,
- that are fragrance-free,
- that are rich in emollients (ingredients with softening properties).
• The water you use for washing should be at a temperature of
between 32°C and 34°C.
• Use clean hands to wash yourself.
• Dry your skin by dabbing gently, especially in sensitive areas, to avoid irritating the skin.
• After cleansing, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer with
hydrating and soothing properties.
Comprehensive Prevention
•Whenever possible, avoid exposing your skin, even to weak
sunshine.
• Make sure you always wear clothes that cover your skin,
together with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor that is
and perspiration-resistant, hypoallergenic and
fragrance-free.
Skin Affected by Cancer
While undergoing cancer treatments, skin can be particularly sensitive - apply gentle care to avoid exacerbating the side effects.
Oncology
For many years, cancer treatments have become more effective, offering patients new perspectives in terms of prognosis, disease progression and quality of life. However, these therapeutic innovations are often accompanied by undesirable side effects.
-
Dryness, irritation, itching... Some cancer treatments are associated with a wide range of side effects that affect the skin, hair and nails. Each effect is highly dependent on the type of therapy used.
These manifestations can be a source of discomfort and significantly impact quality of life, both physical and psychological.
A long-term commitment to taking care of your skin.
As cancer patients know, some treatments have consequences on the skin. Their skin can become much more sensitive as a result of the strain on it. With its expertise in the side effects of these treatments on the skin, Eau Thermale Avène makes the patient's journey as pleasant as possible, thanks to its products. But also through its commitments.
Products
Ciclfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
Cicalfate+ Scar Gel
Cicalfate Hand Restorative Hand Cream
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream
Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Balm
Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Thermal Spring Water
XeraCalm A.D Lipid Replenishing Cleansing Oil
Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
Their Side of the Story
FAQs
How can I give my face a boost or look less tired?
When you undergo cancer treatment, your complexion changes, your skin loses its glow. Medical make-up can be applied for a "healthy glow" effect, as well as to mask redness, scarring and dark circles under the eyes, or to reshapre your eyebrows. Read moreDo I need to change my daily skin care routine?
While you are undergoing cancer treatment, your skin is particularly sensitive. You need to make sure you apply gentle, appropriate skin care products to avoid worsening the side effects of your treatment on your skin. Read moreI've been told to protect my skin from the sun. Why?
Certain cancer treatments increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Your skin will burn more easily in the sun, leaving it red and uncomfortable. Even mild sun exposure can cause dark spots and pigmentation.Read More
My treatment is making my skin drier and drier. What should I do?
Dry skin is one of the side effects caused by cancer treatments. The best way of keeping your skin comfortable is to moisturize it as often as possible. Read MoreMy hands and feet are in a terrible state…
What can I do about it?
Chemotherapy and targeted treatments can lead to significant side effects on the hands and feet: redness (which can be intense), thickening of the skin and pain around contact zones, chapping, cracking and dryness, etc. The resulting discomfort and pain can be extremely disabling. (This is sometimes referred to as hand-foot syndrome). Read moreHow can I alleviate the discomfort caused by radiotherapy?
The rays produced by radiotherapy can cause skinlesions known as radiodermatitis. Symptoms range
from simple redness to severe burns with ulcerations. Read more
I’ve got spots that won’t go away ... Is that normal? My skin is sometimes really itchy, what can I do about it?
When you undergo targeted therapy, an eruption in the form of spots or redness often appears. These lesions are generally found locally around the nose, on the scalp, in the centre of the back and on the chest. They may be combined with itchiness or a painful burning sensation, or become infected. Read moreFirsthand Perscpective
One of the biggest effects of the treatment on my skin was extreme dryness. I had to moisturize 4 times a day! But in the end, I found it did me good to take time to apply my creams
- Nadine
How can Avène Thermal Spring water help me?
After a surgical procedure, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, your body, and
especially your skin, need to be soothed to restore comfort and a sense of
well-being.
From the spring to the skin
Only when it is sprayed onto the skin does Avène Thermal Spring Water come into contact with the
external environment!
Told by Those Who've Lived It
Do I need to change my daily routine?
"Because my skin is more sensitive, I’ve stopped using a wash mitt altogether. I always clean my skin with my hands and make sure I moisturize after my shower. As often as I can, I use a Thermal Spring Water to rinse my face and calm hot flushes"
- Mare
I've been told to protect my skin from the sun. Why?
"To avoid the sun, I’ve started going out early in the morning with a hat and shawl just in case, and I wear sunscreen. I even take care when I’m in the car. Without eyelashes, my eyes are more sensitive, so I wear sunglasses all the time."
- Francois
I've got spots that won't go away... Is that normal?
"I had all these little spots on my face and around my mouth, I felt like a teenager. My skin was dry, it tingled, and I had a constant urge to scratch. By using certain adapted creams, my skin became less sensitive and I started to feel soothed."
- Antoine
What it Felt Like
"I started to feel a lot of pain on the soles of my feet, I thought it was caused by my new shoes, but no: it turned out to be a side effect of my cancer treatment. Now I really look after my hands and feet, it’s so important."
- Alice
"Radiotherapy actually caused burning under my breast. I was on the verge of stopping the treatment, but I was advised to try applying cream after the radiotherapy sessions. That was precious advice"
- Isabelle
"I struggled to look in the mirror and I didn’t want my children to see me like that. I decided to wear a wig and to pencil on my eyebrows"
- Muriel
Did you know?
- Soap - in both liquid and solid form - dries out your skin and causes irritation.
- Wash mitts, sponges and loofahs can all irritate sensitive skin, as can the cotton pads you use for make-up removal.
- Overly hot water dries the skin and reactivates skin problems.
- Some conventional cleansing products (soap in liquid
and solid form) are often aggressive and can cause
your skin to dry out even more. - All skin types, both thin and thick, sensitive and nonsensitive, can become dry at times or in certain areas of the body.
- As we get older, our skin tends to become drier: this is especially true for women’s skin. This tendency to dry out often increases after menopause and while you are undergoing hormonal cancer treatment.
Our Advice
Gentle Cleansing
• Use soap-free gels, oils or dermatological cleansing bars:
- that are in line with the skin’s pH,
- that are fragrance-free,
- that are rich in emollients (ingredients with softening properties).
• The water you use for washing should be at a temperature of between 32°C and 34°C.
• Use clean hands to wash yourself.
• Dry your skin by dabbing gently, especially in sensitive areas, to avoid irritating the skin.
• After cleansing, apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer with hydrating and soothing properties.
Comprehensive Prevention
•Whenever possible, avoid exposing your skin, even to weak sunshine.
• Make sure you always wear clothes that cover your skin, together with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor that is and perspiration-resistant, hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.