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 Junior
Simply Soothing Rash Cream
Goat Milk Soap
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."