In part 3 of this series, we wrap up all the reasons that oils + simple, effective self-care can make all the difference in your breast cancer radiation experience. Read on for more:
Helping your skin combat radiation stress
Radiation, especially in the final weeks of treatment, can cause dermatitis and ulceration of the skin. In some cases, radiation treatment for cancer has a low to moderate risk of side effects – in others, it’s very high: up to 95%. Damage can range from a mild, red rash (erythema) and itchy, peeling or flaking skin (dry desquamation) to a more severe reaction with blisters and wet, peeling skin (moist desquamation). (source: National Institute of Health link here)
photo by freepik
Repeated radiation exposure causes an imbalance in tissue damage and repair, so that exposed skin is damaged faster than it can repair itself. The resulting wounds are not “damaged” skin as much as they are “missing” skin. The reaction might look like a thermal “burn”, but is not actually a burn. Moderate to severe reactions can occur near the end of treatment or even several weeks later.
Strengthening the skin
Hydrating prior to beginning radiation is paramount to successfully managing the damage potential. Applying oils that deeply hydrate and encourage cell renewal, repairing and rejuvenation can go a long way toward preventing and minimizing radiation damage. The National Institute of Health encourages skin hydration prior to and during radiation here.
We’ve formulated our Radiation Kit to contain the most hydrating and bio-available oils and botanicals, delivering nutrients and antioxidants known to promote skin wellness. They help increase the skin’s ability to repair itself by boosting cell turnover and renewal, which is vital to rapid healing. We’ve found it’s essential to start applying Step 1 oils 1-2 weeks prior to beginning radiation, and to use Step 2 and 3 oils during and for several weeks after radiation (some people report a lingering post-radiation itch that may also be relieved by hydrating with the oils).
At the very least, you may reduce the amount of dermatitis you experience. At the most, you may find that your skin stays remarkably healthy. Results can vary widely, but the very act of lovingly applying nurturing oils sends a kind energy to the area, and raises your awareness to treat the area gently.
Avoid artificial fragrances, dyes or other allergens. Use mild soaps and lukewarm water. Keep it simple and comfortable, and consider wearing loose-fitting cotton clothing and/or covering the area with a piece of soft cotton cloth to keep the skin from rubbing on fabric.
If your skin cannot withstand the effects of radiation (even with careful care) and your reaction to radiation is severe, please consult your doctor and/or cancer recovery center regarding the dressings you may need for wound care.
It is preferable that you NOT apply our loving oils to open skin.
Reducing inflammation
The National Institute of Health reports that curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) has been shown to reduce the severity of radiation dermatitis significantly in breast cancer patients (in those who have not had a complete mastectomy). Randomized study patients took 2.0 grams of curcumin three times per day (6.0 grams daily). Consult your doctor to see if this may be right for you.
A clean, unprocessed diet also helps tremendously in encouraging general wellness.
Immune system boosters & general wellness
Besides diet and any exercises recommended by your doctor, there is meditation, time with loving family and friends, acupuncture, massages, and music – all good for your body and spirit.
A simple walk in nature cannot be underestimated, and sitting under a tree or in a garden is highly encouraged. “Grounding” is just that – an experience that helps to center and connect you to the soothing energy of nature and it’s rhythms.
Use rituals that uplift and comfort you as often as possible. Even simply lighting a candle and sitting quietly for a few minutes every day can decrease stress. Your mindset is a powerful ally, and remember: Radiation is just high-energy electromagnetic waves. And as my amazing friend Anita (who was the first to ask for radiation oils) says:
“During radiation (and chemotherapy) you are very rapidly destroying old cells and your body is creating new ones. This is an amazing opportunity to “imprint” all the new cells being created with the messages you want for your body and your life. So be very mindful of staying positive where your thoughts and words are about what you WANT, not focusing on what you’re afraid of, or the worst case outcomes!”
photo by freepik
And finally, an Awesome Fact: scents that you enjoy have been shown to boost the immune system. The wonderful essential oils we use are not just anti-inflammatory and hydrating – they can positively affect your mood, your body’s natural defense systems, and even boost your memory and energy level. We hope they bring an added level of healing care to your experience.
Peace and wellness,
Brenda
Skin is my thing. Besides being owner of an organic skin care line, I’m a fair-complected gal living in sunshine-y Austin, Tx. Hydrating, protecting, nourishing…it’s all important to me on a daily basis. And the #1 question I’m asked is: “What is the best skin care regimen?”.
I’ve tried it all, ever since Ivoryâ„¢ soap first landed in my teenage cabinet: the chemical-laden, the chemical-free, expensive, affordable, trendy and good old go-tos (Noxemaâ„¢, anyone? Oil of Olayâ„¢?). Cliniqueâ„¢, Lancomeâ„¢, Estee Lauderâ„¢ and most of the other department store staples were adored in turn, and Originsâ„¢ had me at “natural”. That’s when I started researching what was in those tubes and bottles, and got serious about skin care.
Originally I was concerned about everything being 100% organic, but keeping my expectations balanced has become more important. It’s what they don’t use that really counts: no unnecessary chemicals, fillers, parabens, or additives. The shorter the list of ingredients, the more I’m drawn to the product, and natural/organic do get stronger considerations. Although I’m a pretty crunchy gal, I’m practical too, and I want results that give me bang for buck.
CLEANSERS are fairly easy. Coconut oil is a no-brainer. Neutrogenaâ„¢ has a nice gentle liquid makeup remover that is light and hydrating (some drug stores have their own, cheaper version). For extra cleansing (sweaty day? in Austin? you bet), Neutrogena’s ultra gentle hydrating cleanser mixed with Cellular Skin Rx’s Polishing Grainsâ„¢ (made of ground adzuki beans and found here)Â twice a week does a nice job of gently removing dead skin cells and leaving a fresh, shiny new face.
(that’s not me, btw. that’s sweetie pie daughter Hannah.)
SUNSCREEN – Instead of skipping sunscreen, fall in love with it. Your skin will be eternally grateful, now and later. I’ve used lots of brands, but Elta MD ™ has a really elegant feel, is chemical-free, uses mineral UV blockers (zinc and titanium dioxide are your friends), contains antioxidants and is a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. The reason this is important? Sunscreens can be very drying, and you need the moisturizer to keep skin from getting parched and tight (Even better? Add a couple drops of Marula oil or Gorgeous Rose Face Serum).
VITAMIN C – if you want antioxidants that fight the free radicals caused by UV rays, brighter, more evenly-toned skin, and to preserve the utterly-important, plump, radiant, youthful collagen, this right here is a secret weapon. Ten years of using Cellular Skin Rx’s C+ Firming Serumâ„¢, and I still get compliments nearly every day on my skin. I see a difference if I skip even a day or two (where’s my glow?). And the best part? Serious quality for a much lower price than the high dollar companies. C+ is a totally affordable, totally effective long-term strategy, well-researched and utterly reliable. **BONUS FACT** CSRX was founded right here in Austin, in 2004.
VITAMIN A DERIVATIVES, otherwise known as retinoids (retinol, Retin-Aâ„¢, or tretinoin). The gold standard for maintaining smooth skin, unblocking pores and keeping your collagen production steady, Retin-Aâ„¢ goes has lots of variations, and the real thing needs a prescription. An OTC version, which is a good starting point, is Retinol. Neutrogenaâ„¢ has one, and ROCâ„¢ does too.
LASERS – IPL (which stands for Intense Pulsed Light),  is my personal favorite, although there are laser variations. I go every winter to Wellsprings Dermaspa here in Austin (Shannon is a laser rock star). Here’s what I like about IPLs: they can even out skin tone, brighten the skin and give it a youthful glow, and can stimulate small amounts of collagen near the surface of the skin to improve texture. *see a laser technician to see what’s right for you*
**Read more about IPLs and see before and after photos here.
This is a picture of a lovely flower because I don’t have one of a laser. ;-)
My favorite organic skin care product, of course, is one I hand-make myself: Gorgeous Rose Face Serum. It’s a skin soothing powerhouse, with apricot oil, calendula-infused grapeseed oil, marula, jojoba, rosehip seed oil, evening primrose, chamomile, carrot seed, rose absolute, and palmarosa. Here’s how to use it: smooth it on as a makeup primer, a few drops on your face and neck at night before bed (to hydrate and decrease wrinkles), or add a couple drops to pretty much anything you put on your face, including sunscreen. Look for it here.
512organics Gorgeous Rose Face Serum
 Speaking of night creams, I am not currently in love with any particular one at the moment and am on the hunt. What’s your favorite? Comment below.
 
Nearly forgot. SLEEP! It’s free and fantastic for your skin. Makes all the difference. Skin cells regenerate while you sleep, did you know? You can’t go wrong with plenty of zzzz’s.
And YOGA. Aahh, yoga. It works wonders on stress, which decreases cortisol hormones, relaxes muscles, puts a serene smile on your face and increases the blood flow, giving a good, healthy glow. You can’t beat that, and if you click here, you’ll find my favorite instructor, Suzanne Deason, on Amazon.
Now, off I go to garden in the beautiful spring sunshine. In a hat. With sunscreen. ;-)
