Skincare and Cancer

Cancer is something with which many have to live. That said, we can still look and feel better with the proper use of a carefully regulated skincare routine.

This article talks about the issue and may help understanding, as well as the importance of getting the best qualified advice possible. At the end of the article, I have given the link to the original article if you wish to learn more.

Dermatologic care (on cancer patients) focuses on preparing the skin before, during, and after treatment to minimise side effects, repair the skin barrier, and return the skin to a normal state after treatments. This requires different cosmetic guidance at each stage. The role of specialised dermatology (oncodermatology) in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of toxicities from anti-cancer therapies is becoming increasingly important, and cosmetics are part of it.

General recommendations have been developed for the initiation and selection of skin care products in oncology patients. There are recommendations on what factors should be taken into account when using dermo-cosmetics in specific types of skin toxicity, based on international expert consensus. Additional recommendations have been developed regarding special considerations linked to high ultraviolet exposure.

Commercial companies are constantly offering cosmetic products for use in oncological patients. However, a significant percentage of products recommended for these patients and other vulnerable groups contain possible endocrine disruptors chemicals (EDCs), for which specific susceptibility of oncological patients, including hormone-dependent cancers, has been suggested.

Certain consumer products may indirectly affect the high quality of life (HQoL) of cancer patients undergoing oncological therapies. These effects are not only related to functional aspects, such as irritation and sensitivity but also to the indirect health effects that can be attributed to cosmetics. These effects go beyond beauty, hygiene, and cleanliness. Thus, patients may experience negative effects on their self-image, confidence, social function, and well-being. Routine skin care routines (SCRs) may have a positive impact on consumers’ quality of life. In those with skin affected by oncological therapies, the negative impact of the disease itself can be reduced through a well-designed SCR, but inadequate SCRs may also have a negative impact.

Current cancer therapies may induce a wide range of dermatological toxicities affecting the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails, with distinct patterns of dermatologic adverse events by drug class. Breast cancer patients after whole breast radiotherapy may experience skin dryness, hypersensitivity, and hyperpigmentation in the irradiated area, which may induce depressive psychological status, impacting the quality of life in this patient and even in everyday life and leisure. The association between dermatologic adverse events and declining quality of life includes a variety of factors, such as physical discomfort, changes in body image, self-esteem decrease, and disturbing social interactions.

These events affect the patient’s quality of life and may require dose reduction, delay, or even discontinuation of treatment; severe cases may affect the patient’s survival odds and HQoL. Therefore, diagnosis and management of these dermatologic conditions are crucial in the multidisciplinary care of cancer patients. Adequate outpatient dermatology consultations can reduce the interruption of anticancer therapy. In fact, prophylactic treatment and early management of dermatologic adverse events by experienced dermatologists can alleviate the negative effects on HQoL and allow the continuation of life-prolonging treatment. The emphasis should be on SCR and the use of specific cosmetics. The use of cosmetics in oncological patients is increasing. There is sufficient information to prove their usefulness, especially in the prevention and management of radiodermatitis (the most studied event). New emerging therapies have a great dermatological impact, and SCR also plays a very important role.

However, the use of unsuitable cosmetic products could provoke undesired effects, decreasing patients’ HQoL; hence, the importance of choosing the right cosmetics. Skin care in cancer patients may be suboptimal due to a lack of products and knowledge specific to this vulnerable population group. In addition to specific oncodermatological treatment, the regular use of cosmetics is currently part of people’s quality of life, also for oncological patients. Recent statistics show that European consumers use, on average, over seven different cosmetic products daily and nearly thirteen cosmetic products weekly. The use of cosmetics for skin care in oncological patients is poorly supported by scientific evidence, hence the importance of getting good advice from the best available oncodermatological source.

Adverse reactions to cosmetics may result from allergic sensitisation or irritant stimuli, such as rubbing associated with washing and drying the skin. The use of occlusive products such as makeup may aggravate inflammatory processes. On the other hand, the application of makeup can reduce anxiety and tension and improve the quality of life of patients. It is important to provide guidance on the appropriate composition and use of cosmetics and personal care products commonly used by oncological patients.

Warnings have been issued for some hazardous products used in the skin care regimens of oncology patients, such as potential irritant products (e.g., Benzoyl Peroxide, Tretinoin, Tazarotene, and Adapalene), soaps, and ointments. However, it should be noted that other substances, including those with potential endocrine-disrupting activity, have been identified in cosmetics recommended for oncological patients, which may not be appropriate due to possible drug interactions and increased susceptibility.

Oncological patients affected by skin adverse effects of anticancer therapies who require cosmetic care for prevention, control, and recovery may be vulnerable to cosmetics containing possible endocrine disruptors chemicals (EDCs). EDCs may affect the efficacy of patient treatments, interact with anticancer drugs, and worsen skin conditions. In addition, EDCs can worsen skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, aggravate allergic diseases, influence melanoma, or produce acne. A recent review found studies linking parabens to dermatological conditions with a potential role in cellular aging and the induction of non-melanoma skin cancer

Some studies have used creams with parabens. It should be noted that propylparaben and methylparaben qualify as substances under evaluation for endocrine disruption under EU legislation and should not be recommended for hormone-dependent cancer patients. It is, therefore, important that the oncological patient receive cosmetic advice from a trained professional, both for routine cosmetic recommendations and for the skin care routines needed to prevent and control ECA caused by anticancer therapies.

NOT MY OWN WORK. The above is taken from : (Italics are mine, though)

Fernández-Martín, M.-E.; Tarazona, J.V.; Hernández-Cano, N.; Mayor Ibarguren, A. The Importance of Cosmetics in Oncological Patients. Survey of Tolerance of Routine Cosmetic Care in Oncological Patients. Cosmetics 2025, 12, 137. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12040137

ISCIII-UNED PhD Programme on Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, 28040 Madrid, Spain. Risk Assessment Unit, National Environmental Health Centre, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministry of Science and Innovation, Carretera de Majadahonda a Pozuelo km 2.200, 28220 Madrid, Spain. Dermatology Department, University Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain.