The issue of cancer is never far removed from our lives, as TV adverts like that of Marie Curie and Breakthrough Breast Cancer make sure we're aware of this insidious disease, whilst high profile celebs like Michael C. Hall (plays Dexter and just recovered from Hodgkins Lymphoma) and Gail Porter (Lung Cancer) make sure that we realize that cancer affects those from every walk of life.
What we're generally not informed of is how our BEAUTY life can change when diagnosed with the disease, as whether just suffering symptoms or undertaking a course of chemotherapy the whole balance of the skin and hair can dramatically alter.
This new series on Kiss and Makeup looks at what to avoid and what to embrace and delves into the toxicity levels of your favourite products. Education is imperative, and as most of us have had our lives touched by this disease in some way, a little knowledge can really make a difference when buying gifts for those afflicted, or even treating oneself to some safe R&R.
So let's start with what you should avoid and WHY.
When you're diagnosed with cancer this tends to mean there's a disturbance in the makeup of your cells, and harmful cells are replicating pretty quickly. This can lead to over sensitive skin, wounds that don't heal well and dryness and spots. If you're undergoing treatment for Cancer (such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy) there are other effects you'll want to watch out for. Side effects of these treatments can be severe dryness, peeling, and sensitivity. Frustratingly, even if you're fine after treatment, at a later date you may still get these symptoms.
So what's the most important thing to avoid? These are good premises to follow, whether you have started a course, are in recovery or have just been diagnosed.
'Fragrances are the number one cause of allergic reactions. Even if you did not experience allergies prior to chemotherapy, you skin may react differently afterwards and it's best to avoid anything that will aggravate already stressed skin', Dr Bank says.
Exfoliation is a no no, as whilst it may feel good to remove all that dry skin, because your skin is extra sensitive this could lead to premature ageing, scarring and even blood. Your skin is delicate so harsh exfoliants could lead to infection! Don't use any actives -such as AHA's- on your skin till you've been clear of treatment for while, and if you can find natural alternatives, so much the better.
There are many ingredients to also look out for (more on this in the next column_ but be aware of these:
• Ethylene oxide
• Dioxane
• Nitrosamines
• Formaldehyde
• Acrylamide
Dr Epstein says, '... the evidence which we've accumulated so far, is largely restricted to the fact that they [nano particles] get into your bloodstream and reach organs throughout your body.'
So anything with these ingredients in should be avoided.
I hope you've learnt something in this small introduction into Cancer Friendly Cosmetics- more next week.
