When Chemo and Radiation Dry Out Your Skin
A long-time customer, Jerusha, told me the reason she was buying our goat milk soap one day:
"This soap has really been a blessing since chemo dried out my skin, and when it would get itchy I would scratch so hard during the night without realizing it that I would break fingernails and damage my skin."
Whenever I have a customer who buys from us because they suffer from a medical issue (or the side effects of a prescription or treatment plan), I want to know more...
She went on to say: "...chemo and radiation dry you out, and the right, gentle moisturizers are wonderful. I drink a more water, as well. It's unavoidable, I would say, because you really can't just moisturize your inside or your outside--both are important. Your skin is more easily irritated and damaged, but it's temporary, as all things are on treatment. It's important to be gentle with yourself whether you're on cancer treatment or not, and this has been a great reminder for me."
Not only did she answer all my questions, she put her face on camera and explained in great detail what to expect when it comes to breast cancer treatment, radiation, and how your skin reacts to all of it.
In the video, she talks about an oil she used, and I wondered if Beesilk Jr could work as well.
She answered below, and my thought in reaction to her reply is that if one were to melt down Beesilk Jr slightly, and then apply it to the skin, it could be a long-lasting conditioner that won't leave the skin feeling greasy.
Jerusha: "...the skin becomes rather dry and can get tender and even sore when rubbed with anything that creates friction or pressure, depending on the person and their individual circumstance. I was blessed to only have one area that got rubbed by my shirt, and the issue resolved fairly quickly as I wore shirts that were more loosely-fitting, and then was careful of that spot from the time it formed until it healed (which it did quickly when radiation was over). I also made sure I put an ample amount of oil on it and everywhere else, which is another reason a liquid, or something quite close to that, seems most practical--getting all areas generously was not too laborious. All of my skin absorbed the oil like a sponge almost, as I mentioned, but it was never dry or 'leathery,' and it healed well. I only applied the oil once after each radiation treatment, and never at any other time during my whole treatment course."
The oil she refers to at the end of the video is Mother's Special Blend All Natural Skin Toning Oil
If you or someone you know is in the early stages of cancer treatment, I highly recommend you watch Jerusha explain what to expect. She is such an encouragement and light within the cancer darkness:
Products I recommend for cancer patients:
Beesilk Reviews
Laura
"Received the pocket sized tin for Christmas and I've used it on my hands and elbows about 4 times now and I cannot believe the immediate difference!
My elbow feels completely smooth for a LONG period of time (instead of what feels like a minute with traditional lotion) and I cannot wait to keep using this to see how much better it gets.
I've already ordered more for my side of the family and have a wish list built up!"
Layna
"Thank you so much for doing the [Beesilk] Junior in lavender!! It's amazing! My granddaughter has eczema and loves the junior but I absolutely love that now we have a great smell too!! Thanks so much!!!"
Emily P
"I absolutely love the texture and feel of the Bee Silk Junior! Kind of a hard, waxy-like butter, but melts easily when rubbed onto skin. I use the back of my fingernail to push up however much I need. Makes my hands and feet so super soft, and it provides a nice beeswax layer that keeps my hands soft even after a couple washings. I also love the smell! It must be the beeswax with a very subtle honey-like scent. Mmm! I'm always looking for a good, healthy balm or body butter to use, and this one, with only 3 ingredients, is just right for what I need."
The BeeSilk Lotion bar has been one of the best products I have purchased in a long time. We have hard water and as a result it takes a toll on my skin. This is the first lotion I have used that has taken care of very dry skin and actually has stopped the deep peeling from such dry skin. I highly recommend this product.
Love the natural ingredients, but it really is challenging to use due to how it pulls my skin as I rub it on.
There may have been an issue with one batch having too much beeswax. We're shipping you a new bar to compare.
I am very disappointed. I liked the small size, and that's why I ordered a regular size, however, this large one is very dry and hard to apply to my hands. While the small one is smooth and easy to apply, the regular size, no matter how long and hard I rub my hands on the lotion, never gets on to my skin. I don't know if this item is defective or not, but I'm getting tired of using it.
I'm going to look into this for you. We'll ship you a new bar.
I live in a dry climate and have used the lotion bar with great success for years. When I use consistently before bed, my hands are always smooth by morning. It also helps small cuts to heal faster. Great for traveling without worrying about carrying liquid lotion. I recently had a minor issue with one order and Renee was very quick to help me out. Very thankful for this product and company!
i expected it to be a larger size … i also just don’t like it. waste of money.
I use the bars to reduce my liquids when I travel. And to get the benefit of the ingredients. Like this bar, but like better the scented bars--sort of like aroma therapy.
I was pleasantly surprised with how soft this made my skin feel. Even the next day my hands still were very soft.
This lotion bar is so great, I even use it on my face and neck when I am particularly dry. It goes on feeling waxy and soon just soaks in. I love it. I have recommended it to all my friends
I love the basil bars they are awesome. I keep my feet in my hands from cracking. I would definitely recommend it.
I don’t usually write reviews but I love this hard lotion. I had a double mastectomy last October and the skin adjacent to my scars stays dry and itchy. This product is moisturizing and has helped quite a bit.
Thanks for your product
Love the subtle scent and ease of application.
Wasn’t sure if I’d like this as much as the lotion bar; but I do! I typically use it on my feet and cuticles as it’s a little easier to apply.
I absolutely love love Bee Silk Junior. My skin is so dry and Bee Silk Junior soothes the itch and makes my skin soft. I use it every day—I really like the feel of Bee Silk—it’s like a body butter. It ‘s a wonderful product because it’s all natural.
Easy to use, I should of purchased two! My skin is responding nicely & the rash at my ankle is mostly gone. Love it!
I love this product! It makes my
skin so soft and I even use it on my face as a moisturizer.
The BEST moisturizing product on the market! I love to put this on my kids right after bath time!
Lotion I must have after bath. I use it all year round. Love it!
I tried it, looking for something softer than the regular bar. It doesn’t seem to moisturize as well and leaves more of a greasy residue.