CARING FOR
YOUR SKIN WHEN
FACING CANCER
Cancer treatment-related side effects do not always get enough attention. As a result, skin side effects may cause significant discomfort that severely affects the quality of life of a cancer patient. Guided by dermatologists and oncologists, our Cancer Journey Supporters Squad, and the American Cancer Society, La Roche-Posay has created resources to help you understand and care for your skin.
CARING FOR YOUR SKIN: PATIENT BROCHURE
SKIN SIDE EFFECTS
DURING CANCER
TREATMENT
TIPS TO CARE FOR YOUR SKIN
CLEANSING TIPS
Use soap sparingly and infrequently
Avoid long, hot showers
Limit cleanser use to the armpits and groin or visibly dirty areas. Rinse off immediately.
Avoid scrubbing the skin during showers or baths and gently pat skin dry after bathing.
Add mineral or baby oil to warm bath water, or apply directly to the skin after showering while skin is still damp.
OTHER TIPS
Avoid colognes, after-shaves, and other products that contain alcohol.
Use an electric razor rather than a blade to avoid cuts and irritation.
Drink 2 to 3 quarts of liquid a day if permitted by your doctor. (Ask your cancer care team how much you can safely drink.)
Protect your skin from heat (especially dry heat), cold, and wind.
LOOK FOR A GENTLE CLEANSER WITH…
A formulation that is free of additives, fragrances, perfumes, or sensitizing agents.
pH between 4.0 - 6.0.
OTHER TIPS
LOOK FOR A GENTLE CLEANSER WITH…
MOISTURIZING TIPS
LOOK FOR A MOISTURIZING CREAM WITH…
Protective occlusives such as white soft paraffin (petroleum jelly), dimethicone, and cyclomethicone
Humectants such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sorbitol, lactate, urea, and honey
LOOK FOR A SKIN REPAIRING BALM WITH…
An alcohol- and fragrance-free formulation.
Lipids such as ceramides to help restore and maintain skin-barrier function.
Dexpanthenol to maintain skin softness and elasticity.
- Apply moisturizer liberally at least twice a day, or as often as desired.
- Always apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or showering, before the skin is completely dry.
- Avoid contact with these skin irritants:
- Wool clothing, or any rough fabric
- Alcohol-based skincare products
- Household cleaning products
- Bleach
LOOK FOR A MOISTURIZING CREAM WITH…
LOOK FOR A SKIN REPAIRING BALM WITH…
SUN PROTECTION
Always seek shade, especially when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses when possible.
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect the sun’s damaging rays.
SUNSCREEN APPLICATION
Apply sunscreen to the face every morning.
Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every 2 hours.
Apply more than a half-teaspoon of sunscreen to each arm, the face, and the neck.
Apply just over 1 teaspoon to the chest and abdomen, the back, and each leg.
LOOK FOR SUNSCREENS WITH…
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and an SPF of at least 30.
To minimize the risk of irritation, use a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
SUNSCREEN APPLICATION
LOOK FOR SUNSCREENS WITH…
CARING FOR SKIN
WITH LA ROCHE-POSAY
HELPS MOISTURIZE AND COMFORT SENSITIVE SKIN*
*Do not use on broken skin. Consult a medical professional prior to use.
GENTLE CLEANSER
LIPIKAR WASH AP+
FOR BODY & FACE
SUITABLE FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING
CHEMOTHERAPY
REPAIRING MOISTURIZER
LIPIKAR BALM AP+
FOR BODY & FACE
SUITABLE FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING
CHEMOTHERAPY & RADIATION
SOOTHING BALM
CICAPLAST BALM B5
FOR CRACKED, CHAPPED, CHAFED SKIN
SUITABLE FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING
CHEMOTHERAPY & RADIATION
BROAD SPECTRUM SUNSCREENS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
SUNSCREEN
ANTHELIOS MINERAL TINTED SPF 50
FOR FACE
SUNSCREEN
ANTHELIOS MINERAL SPF 50
FOR FACE
