As the founder of Twelve Beauty, I have always believed that skincare should go beyond the superficial; it should focus on the comfort and care of the most vulnerable. My commitment to skincare for cancer patients arose from my experience as a pharmacist in an oncology clinic on Harley Street, London.
Working with these patients, I saw firsthand how treatments, whether chemotherapy or radiotherapy, damaged their skin. It became extremely dry, irritated, and inflamed, causing such discomfort that even clothes hurt when brushing against their body. I felt the need to create something to alleviate their suffering. The same thought always ran through my mind: "I have to act now." This is how my first product was born: Rewarding Body Balm.
Rewarding Body Balm was specifically formulated for the needs of cancer patients. Its goal was simple: to soothe, hydrate, and repair fragile skin. With natural plant-derived ingredients, the balm was designed to alleviate dryness, strengthen the skin's barrier, and provide immediate and lasting comfort. Patients were delighted, and their enthusiasm motivated me to expand the range and continue creating solutions for extremely sensitive skin. Today, it continues to be used in several private clinics in London. Knowing that it has brought relief to so many patients fills me with satisfaction.
Skincare for Cancer Patients: A Delicate Balance
During cancer treatments, the skin undergoes significant changes, so care must be carefully adapted. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while essential, often leave the skin sensitive, dry, and irritated. Maintaining healthy skin during treatment is key not only for comfort but also to protect it from infections and complications.
My training in botany and natural formulation allowed me to identify twelve key ingredients for maintaining healthy skin. These ingredients, the basis of the Twelve Beauty range, were selected for their ability to restore the skin barrier, deeply hydrate, and protect against external aggressors. For oncology patients, hydration and barrier restoration are essential. Ingredients like sunflower unsaponifiables have been especially beneficial, along with avocado oil and rice bran oil. These three oils, rich in fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, help the skin produce filaggrin, a protein that strengthens its protective layer, allowing it to retain moisture and increase resilience.
Cancer treatments often increase skin sensitivity, so regular products may no longer be effective or suitable. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate serums and facial oils into the routine, adding an extra layer of hydration and support to counteract the effects of treatment.
The Importance of Hydration and Ingredient Selection
One of the key aspects of skincare for cancer patients is ensuring that the skin remains hydrated. With good hydration, the skin is better prepared to withstand the stress of cancer treatments. At Twelve Beauty, we recommend ingredients such as mallow extract and artemisia extract, rich in antioxidants and skin barrier-strengthening properties, as well as deeply nourishing and soothing cupuaçu butter. These ingredients, combined with moisturizing molecules, significantly improve the skin's ability to retain moisture, which is essential for those suffering from extreme dryness.
In addition to hydrating, it is crucial to choose products with non-irritating ingredients. Care should be as gentle as possible, avoiding allergens and abrasive products that can increase sensitivity. Allantoin, for example, is a soothing ingredient that restores the skin's natural barrier, ideal for those undergoing treatment. It is also essential to use gentle cleansers, as some soaps strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
A 360º Approach to Skincare
Although many associate skincare only with the face, those undergoing oncology treatments must care for their entire body. These treatments cause significant changes in the skin, and it is crucial to educate patients on how to care for it. Rich body balms, such as our Rewarding Body Balm, alleviate the dryness and discomfort that many patients experience. But it's not just about hydration; strengthening the skin's protective barrier to prevent further damage is also vital.
I have found that layering products is very effective. Using a body oil before moisturizer improves the skin's ability to absorb much-needed hydration, which is especially important in skincare for cancer patients, whose skin often struggles to retain transepidermal water.
When I formulate products for cancer patients, I ensure that the ingredients have the fewest residues and are effective for their specific needs. Products with niacinamide (of the highest purity), almond oil, and other repairing ingredients help restore skin integrity. Many patients find their hands become especially dry and sensitive during treatment, so it is essential to use hand creams with these repairing ingredients, such as our Great Barrier Relief Cream.
How to Care for Skin During and After Cancer Treatment
Even after cancer treatment ends, the skin often needs continuous care. It may take time to return to complete normalcy, but with the right products and routines, it will regain its strength. Skincare for cancer patients after treatment should continue to focus on hydration, soothing, and protection, remembering that the skin may remain sensitive for some time.
Exploring natural alternatives to common ingredients like retinol (which can be irritating for sensitive skin) is also important. At Twelve Beauty, we prioritize the use of gentle yet effective ingredients that deliver results without irritation. Our products are formulated to meet the needs of sensitive and compromised skin, ensuring relief at all stages of life.
Nourishing and Protecting Skin: Our Mission During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to emphasize the importance of caring for the skin during these challenging times. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about ensuring patients feel as comfortable as possible in their own skin. At Twelve Beauty, our mission remains clear and precise: to create products that nourish, protect, and offer comfort to those who need it most.