Would you be surprised if I shared that most skin care products are highly toxic?  Maybe yes, maybe no. Well, they are.  We put them on our skin and absorb these toxins into our blood stream.  Not only are some of the ingredients toxic, some actually are cancer causing.

Responsible companies are now more aware that consumers are wanting organic skin care products that are safe, free from harmful toxins, chemicals, garbage, and drying ingredients.

How can you tell what is safe? Here is a list of some of the harmful ingredients to avoid:

Acrylamide; Alcohols, DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine); Dioxane; Fragrance; Mineral oil: liquid paraffin, paraffin wax, petrolatum; Nitrosamines; Padimate-O – also known as octyl dimethyl; Parabens; Phenol carbolic acid; Polyethylene glycol (PEG); Rancid natural emollients; Toluene (found in artificial fragrances); and Triclosan;

Quite a list. It pays to look at labels to see what you are actually putting on your skin.  Look for products that are free of the above ingredients and are approved as organic skin care.

For myself, I usually grab a shower in the morning.  It’s faster and for easier for washing my hair.

However, when I’m not well or feeling stiff from too much exercise, I’ll run a bath.  For a cold, etc., I love to put in a few drops of Eucalyptus Oil to clear out the sinuses.  For stiff muscles, I use Epsom salts which pulls toxins from the body and the build up of lactic acid from exercise.  Simple things that definitely make my body feel much better.  Plus then I really enjoy a bath – can relax and just unwind.

Additionally, these are organic skin products that have no fragrance (perfume) – something to which I am highly sensitive, as I find most people are who have gone through cancer.  More and more places are posting ‘No Fragrance Please’ signs up.  I have trouble even walking through the beauty counters in department stores.  I take a deep breath and hold it until I’m past that area.

Fresh, clean, invigorating is much better.  It’s embracing your body with nature.  By using products that are natural, free of chemicals, fragrances and not tested on animals, you are not only being kind to your body, but also to the environment.

Chemotherapy most often means hair loss.  After treatment is over, hair does grow back in.  It takes a month or so to get more than a bit of stubble (as in the picture – 2 months after treatment), but eventually you will have your hair back.

Interestingly, it doesn’t always come back the same as before.  For some, it comes back really curly as mine did.  For others, it can even change color.  I’ve seen people who had black hair before who now have red hair or grey hair.  And unfortunately, for some it comes back much thinner and never improves.

For those whose hair comes in really curly, know that eventually the curls will soften and again, for some, you will go back to the type of hair you had before treatment.

Going forward, you will want to take care of your new hair the same way you look after your skin – using organic skin care and hair care products.  Some people even decide to not dye their hair (if it comes in grey) or use any chemicals.  Your choice.  After cancer, the fewer chemicals you submit your body to the better.

Absolutely.  When you consider that chemotherapy drugs target all fast dividing cells, it stands to reason that your skin will be affected.  Skin cells are fast dividing cells.

The intensity of the reaction will occur during the treatment phase whether it is radiation or chemotherapy.

• Radiation can cause burning of the skin for those with a fair or sensitive skin.  I know that it was recommended to use a non-alum powder during radiation when I went through my treatment..
• Some chemotherapy drugs will cause peeling and/or burning and tingling of the hands and feet.  Very uncomfortable.  Dryness is another side effect, especially if a woman goes into menopause as a result of chemotherapy.
• Sun sensitivity can be a side effect of chemotherapy.  Use a moisturizing cream with sunscreen and make sure to wear a hat with a brim and cover up exposed skin as best you can.

This is why it is critically important to use organic skin care products that are free of chemicals, scents and additives.  The more natural ingredients you can use, the more soothingly they will be on your skin. You already have enough chemicals going through your body, why add any more and run the risk they will interact badly with your treatment.

Even after all treatment is finished, it is still advised to use organic skin care products as some reactions will linger and possibly be an issue in the years to come.

Cancer changes the chemistry of our skin – drugs and treatments such as radiation.  Sensitivity to sunlight, allergic reactions to our usual products, interaction with certain treatments such as alum and radiation are all issues in the cancer journey, not only during treatment, but often in the years after treatment..

Moving towards organic skin care makes sense as one is more aware that what you put on your skin absorbs into your body.  Natural and organic skin care products are:

• made from organic ingredients
• alcohol free
• paraben free
• chemical free
• sulphate free

Not only are they better for our bodies, they also feel wonderful on your skin.  You will notice the difference in how your skin feels and looks.  Many products also come fragrance free for those who are sensitive to scents.

And, after cancer, who wants to add more chemicals into their body.  Most of us are working to rid our bodies of harmful toxins and creating a more healthy environment all around.