After radiotherapy, skin is often weakened, prone to redness, irritation, and increased sensitivity. Using appropriate skincare products is therefore essential, not only to soothe these side effects, but also to avoid worsening the skin's condition. Opting for natural products is an ideal solution for treating, moisturizing, and nourishing the skin without exposing it to potentially aggressive or harmful substances.
Cleanse your skin
Cleansing is the first step in skin care after radiotherapy. It's recommended to choose gentle cleansers that are fragrance-free, sulfate-free, and free of harsh foaming agents, which can further dry out or irritate the skin. For the face, natural cleansing oils, such as jojoba or hazelnut oil, are effective at removing impurities while preserving the skin barrier. For the body, consider artisanal soaps with a high percentage of superfatting agents or 100% natural cleansing gels, which are free from harsh foaming agents and often enriched with gentle, moisturizing ingredients.
Moisturize your skin
Hydration is then crucial to restore the skin's balance. Hydrosols, 100% natural, are hydrating, toning, and have many virtues. For example, you could choose rose, chamomile, mallow, or lavender hydrosol. Aloe vera gel, in addition to being very hydrating for the skin, soothes redness and irritation. But be careful, not all aloe vera gels sold on the market are pure and often contain harmful and irritating preservatives. Be sure to check the INCI ingredient list on the label.
Nourish your skin
Finally, organic vegetable oils are ideal for nourishing and regenerating your skin. They contain vitamins, minerals, and are full of antioxidants. Chamomile and lavender macerates calm redness and irritation, while plantain macerates soothe itching. These soothing ingredients allow the skin to gently regenerate, without the chemical additives often found in conventional products.
Two in one? Of course!
Moisturize and nourish with a single product—yes, it's possible! Simply choose a cream. This contains an aqueous phase and an oily phase (water and oil). Opt for a cream with all the ingredients listed above! A good natural cream may contain hydrosol or aloe vera gel, instead of distilled water, which provides even more benefits for your skin.
In conclusion
For areas of the body affected by radiation therapy, it is essential to choose formulas free of parabens, phthalates, and other endocrine or hormonal disruptors, or those suspected of being carcinogenic. Opting for natural cosmetics not only helps care for fragile skin after radiation therapy, but also minimizes exposure to irritating, controversial, and sometimes harmful ingredients.
