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."

This is the best lotion bar. I knit a lot and Beesilk moisturizes hands without staining whatever wool I’m working with.

I really am enjoying this Lotion Bar. Thank you.

Best lotion for dry hands!

The hard lotion is a lifesaver in the winter! The only thing that keeps my dry hands hydrated and protected even after washing hands. Highly recommend!

Excellent products and company

Thank you so much for your outstanding products!! So easy to use and it's healing to my dry hands. Especially good with healing the cracks in my fingers. No greasiness and makes my skin silky soft. I highly recommend your company and products!! Thank you, Jennifer

Currency dry cuticles!

I am so impressed with how well my cuticles have healed. My hands are dry but not excessively so, however I’ve always been troubled with ragged cuticles. My decided to give your product a try. I’m thrilled to report I have smooth hands and cuticles after only a couple days. I’m now obsessed with this solid lotion and am buying more so I can have one at each sink and in my bag.

Lotion in a bar

This lotion is wonderful. Works so well and is amazing on my sensitive skin. Smells wonderful too.

Love this product!! I have been on a mission to find something that isn't greasy and stays. I have found it, this lotion bar doesn't have a fragrance, settles into my skin quickly without a slippery after effect and lasts thru hand washes for hours. I will be ordering more!

Never have to worry about hand creme leaking in my purse again!

First of all...I love the the way this lotion bar works on my very dry hands! Very soothing. And the bonus is that it fits so well in my purse AND will never leak. If you have had that happen once, you know why this is a bonus!

Relief!

The lotion bar has stopped the dryness aroubd my ankles & heels. The heels of my feet used to itch unbearably, so I would use the pumice stone & lather them up. Nothing gave me daily relief..except the lotion bar. I use it over my entire body, including my face & my foundation glides in. My skin is sulky smoothI am so content & recommend Made On items to everyone!!

1 2 3

Nighttime ritual

Before I turn off the light, I open my Lavender Bee Silk Junior and put it on my hands. It feels and SMELLS so good. I love the softness it provides and I think it's perfect!

This works so great!

My hands get very very dry, I wash them often but a little bit of this salve goes a long way! It leaves my skin feeling and looking so soft! I love it and will be repurchasing when I run out!

Awesome product

I bought this for my toddler. She has a very dry spot in her foot. This is helping that to heal!

Incredibly moisturizing ...

When it comes to skin care, especially if I need it to be moisturizing, I am beyond-picky. Seriously, if it doesn't work, I won't bother to use it - but this Beesilk Jr? Oh my. Not only is it non greasy, but because it works like a dream to moisturize my sensitive, over-reactive skin that - for well over a year now - I love the results so much that I've used it as an all-body lotion after a shower every. single. day.

Lavender bliss

I ordered the Lavender Beesilk Junior and what I received was relaxation in a tin! The bar is softer than their original Beesilk, and it’s perfect for sensitive skin, especially newly healed scars. The scent is delightful, mild and not overpowering.

The very best

Love the Junior Lavendar lotion and am never without it. I have a small tin for purse/travel and the large size in my bathroom. I keep it open on my counter so I never fail to swipe it when I walk into another part of the house. Does wonders for my cuticles, hands, elbows &. more. Love that it’s so clean that I never have to worry about bad chemicals. My kids get the small ones in their stockings every year! Smells great and never overwhelms. Get yours now!

Difficult to apply

I ordered the Bee Silk Junior because the website says it’s easier to apply on delicate skin. I’m a mature woman who has sensitive not delicate skin. I found the contents of the tin too firm and it made application time-consuming and somewhat difficult. I purchased this item for travel thinking it would be convenient but the consistency of the product makes application tedious.

Gift

Loved by a person with sensitive skin. And easy to put in a carryon. Gtratefully received.

So much easier to apply!

I love your hard lotion bars but as I get older, I'm finding that softer things just go on easier! This winter was especially harsh so very glad for the softer Jr version with all the same lively ingredients - sooo soothing!