Absolute Wellness – for body, mind and soul…

Since your skin is especially dry and fragile during chemotherapy and radiation, and your stress levels are up, a facial is just the thing to bring you some much need moisturization and relaxation-and to help promote your healing.

A standard facial usually consists of cleansing, exfoliation, steam, massage, and a treatment mask. (While going through cancer treatments, you’ll want to avoid harsh exfoliation, steam and chemicals.) The process not only moisturizes skin, but aids in detoxification, stimulates blood circulation, slows the visible effects of aging, reduces acne, and brightens a dull complexion. And there are relaxation benefits to be realized, especially since we know that stress can contribute to delayed healing and exacerbate side effects.

If you want to schedule a facial while you’re going through treatment, go for it—just take a few precautions to safeguard your fragile skin. Follow these few tips and then sit back and enjoy some time to feel good!

• Find a spa or Skin Care therapist that uses organic products. During cancer treatments, the last thing you need is more exposure to dangerous chemicals. Give the spa or your therapist a call and ask about the products they use, and specify your desire to have only organic, safe products used on your skin.

• Tell them you have cancer. You may feel shy or self-conscious about it, but letting your esthetician know about your treatment status alerts her to the unique needs of your skin, and will help guide her in her choice of products and treatments, as well as make her aware of the kind of gentle treatment you need. The goal is to help your skin deal with the drugs and stress, so be open to get the best results.

• Avoid harsh treatments. Some facials involve treatments that are harsher on the skin, like microdermabrasion, chemical peels, extractions (for acne), and steams. While going through chemotherapy or radiation, your skin is just too fragile to handle these treatments. Choose instead the hydrating facials for dry and sensitive skin. If you do have acne, see our post on ways to deal with it, but don’t let your esthetician poke and prod your skin.

• Go for the massage. For most people, the massage is the most enjoyable part of the facial experience. You may be amazed at the amount of tension around your face, especially in the jaw area. The benefits are numerous—you may find it not only relieves stress, but opens up your sinuses, relieves headaches, and relaxes your neck and shoulders. Oncology massage is used in hopes that the nurturing touch of massage will connect the person experiencing cancer with an attitude filled with hope and courage.