Radiotherapy treatment is a powerful method against cancer, but it often leaves the skin in need of special care. Redness, dryness, peeling, and sensitivity—similar to sunburn—are common reactions. While not always preventable, a gentle skin care routine can minimize discomfort and support healing.
How to care for your skin during cancer treatment
Be gentle with your treated skin: avoid friction and tight clothing
Radiated skin becomes delicate. Wash with warm water and pat dry. Avoid rubbing or harsh products. Use a mild, unscented soap, and wear soft, breathable cotton clothing to reduce friction. Avoid bras or waistbands that irritate.
Stick to a simple skin care routine
A consistent routine using non-irritating products is essential. Hydration supports the skin barrier and reduces discomfort. If any lotion causes stinging or irritation, stop immediately and consult your care team.
Alomar Health’s Superderm is ideal during radiation therapy treatment. It’s unscented, lanolin-free, and formulated with natural soothing agents like colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera, helping reinforce your skin’s moisture barrier with every application.
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Superderm Tub 200ml
£19.79Handy tub to help Rejuvenate, Revitalise and Repair your skin.
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Protect the area from the sun and avoid chlorinated water
The skin in the treated area will always be more sensitive to the sun after radiotherapy treatment. Instead of sunscreen (unless cleared by your doctor), wear protective clothing. Avoid chlorinated water, especially if skin is broken or irritated. Chlorinated water might cause irritation in the treatment area.
Understand long-term sensitivity
It’s important to know that your skin may remain more sensitive for at least 12 months after radiation treatment ends. This means ongoing care is essential, even after the visible side effects fade. Moisturise regularly, protect yourself from direct sun exposure, and monitor any changes.
Radiation therapy Skincare Timeline | ||
Stage | Timeframe | Key Actions |
Before Treatment | 1 week prior | Start hydrating, avoid the sun |
During Treatment | Weeks 1–6 | Gentle wash/cleansing, daily apply moisturisers. Avoid sun/chlorine. Loose-fitting clothing. |
Immediately After | 2–4 weeks post | Continue hydrating, monitor skin reactions |
Long-Term Care | Up to 1 year | Sun protection, manage sensitivity |
Which moisturiser should I use during radiation therapy?
Choose gentle, fragrance-free body moisturisers. Avoid alcohol, talcum powder, lanolin, or strong preservatives. Look for simple ingredients that calm and protect.
Hydrating agents to look for:
- Aloe vera
- Glycerin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Low-dose urea
Alomar Health’s Superderm includes hyaluronic acid, oat extract, and ceramides, making it an excellent option for skin recovery without irritation.
Ingredients to avoid
Stay away from products with alcohol, lanolin, retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), or fragrance. These can worsen skin sensitivity during treatment. Avoid harsh soaps, especially antibacterial soaps, during radiation therapy. Use over-the-counter moisturisers without fragrances or lanolin during radiation therapy.
How to safely apply recommended products
Many cancer patients find relief using skin care products like Aveeno, Cetraben, Aqueous Cream, Cetaphil, CeraVe, or pure aloe vera gel. These are gentle, hydrating, and designed skin care products. Use mild, unscented soap to cleanse the treatment area.
Apply your moisturiser gently, smoothing it onto the treatment area without rubbing. Let it absorb fully before dressing. Avoid applying it right before your radiation session unless your doctor says it’s safe.
Before using any new product, patch test any new moisturizing product on a non-treatment area. This helps you spot any adverse reactions early. If your treated skin becomes irritated, you should stop using the moisturiser and consult your healthcare providers.
When to ask your care team
If you’re unsure, speak to your oncology nurse before starting new products, including natural or herbal remedies. Your team monitors skin changes and can guide you in choosing safe, effective care products.
Recommended Moisturisers for Radiation treatment Patients
Product | Fragrance-Free | Lanolin-Free | Key Ingredients | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alomar Superderm | ✅ | ✅ | Oatmeal, Aloe, Glycerin | Designed for radiotherapy care |
E45 | ✅ | ❌ | Aloe vera | Check with oncologist |
Aqueous | ✅ | ✅ | Glycerin | Light texture |
Cetraben | ✅ | ✅ | Colloidal oatmeal | Contains lanolin traces |
Dermol | ✅ | ✅ | Hyaluronic acid | Good for dry skin |
Cetaphil | ✅ | ✅ | Hyaluronic acid | Dermatologist recommended |
CeraVe | ✅ | ✅ | Ceramides | Skin barrier repair |
Aveeno | ✅ | ❌ | Colloidal oatmeal | Soothing for irritation |
Is E45 good for radiation therapy? How to use it safely?
E45 is widely used for dry skin folds. It’s fragrance-free and simple, but some versions contain lanolin, so check with your doctor before use.
Apply two hours before your session or afterward, as instructed. Avoid applying to broken skin.
Alternatives to E45
If E45 isn’t available or doesn’t suit your skin, similar options include Alomar Superderm Airless, Cetraben, Aqueous Cream, or Dermol. Always check the ingredients and consult your healthcare provider. Consult with your radiation nurse before using natural or herbal soaps and moisturisers.
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Superderm Airless 150ml
£18.55Advanced moisturising cream in a vacuum pump, allowing for controlled application.
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Managing common skin reactions
Radiation reactions mimic sunburn and often develop gradually, peaking 7–14 days after treatment ends.
Common Reactions and Remedies
Skin Reaction | What to Do |
---|---|
Redness or itchy skin | Cool compresses, frequent moisturising |
Dryness or peeling | Use creams like Alomar Superderm Airless |
Skin darkening | Avoid sun and irritating products |
Blisters or wounds | Stop using moisturisers, consult your care team |
When they appear and how long they last
Reactions don’t appear immediately; they usually develop gradually over time, peaking about 7–14 days after your last treatment. Then begin to heal within a few weeks. They can range from mild dryness to more severe irritation.
Skin reactions usually settle down 2 to 4 weeks after the completion of radiotherapy. However, some residual sensitivity or discoloration can last longer. Skin irritation may worsen for 10-14 days after treatment.
High-Risk Areas
Breast, underarms, neck, and areas with folds are more prone to friction. Avoid swimming and protect cracked skin as advised by your medical team.
Watch for Broken Skin
If you notice cracked, peeling, or open skin, stop applying any products unless instructed. Always report any blistering, oozing, or changes in skin texture or color. If you have broken surfaces due to a skin reaction, some doctors prefer you not to swim.
Tips to reduce discomfort
- Wear loose fitting clothes, soft and skin gently.
- Use fragrance-free laundry detergent.
- Avoid shaving the treated area; use an electric razor if necessary.
- Avoid using normal deodorants on or near the treatment area.
- Choose hypoallergenic medical tape if dressings are needed.
- Use secure dressings and soft bandages for protection if advised by your care team.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support your healing process.
Skin care after radiotherapy
Long-Term Sensitivity and Pigmentation
Even months after treatment, skin may remain sensitive to direct sunlight. The treated area may show very tiny broken veins, known as telangiectasia, as a long term side effect of radiotherapy. Avoid harsh treatments or hair removal without medical approval.
Moisturise Daily
Keep using gentle moisturisers to support barrier repair. Alomar’s products are safe for long-term use and offer ongoing nourishment with natural, dermatologically approved ingredients.
Avoid harsh treatments and hair removal
After radiotherapy, avoid harsh facials, peels, or hair laser treatments on the affected area unless cleared by your medical provider. Avoid shaving, waxing, or using depilatory products. These methods can damage skin, increasing irritation or even causing wounds.
Which sunscreen to use after radiotherapy
Skin in the treated area will always be more sensitive to the sun, particularly in the first year after radiotherapy. Even years after treatment, the skin may remain more prone to burning. Protecting skin from UV rays is crucial, not only to avoid discomfort but also to reduce the long-term risk of skin cancer. Choose protective clothing, stay in the shade, and avoid peak sun hours whenever possible.
Not all sunscreens are created equal. After radiation therapy, opt for physical sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are less likely to irritate skin compared to chemical sunscreens. Always patch-test on a non-treated area and consult your care team before using a new product.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If new symptoms appear, such as excessive dryness, thickening of the skin, or non-healing skin sores, consult your doctor or radiotherapy team. Your radiation therapy care team will check your skin reactions during your treatment course.
Taking time each day to care for your skin can be a soothing ritual. It’s a way to reconnect with your body, support healing, and feel a sense of control during and after cancer treatment.
🌞 Recommendation | 🧠 Why It Matters |
Moisturise the skin dry daily | Helps restore the skin barrier |
Wear sun-protective clothing | Skin remains sensitive for up to a year |
Avoid harsh treatments (e.g., laser, peels) | Skin needs time to fully heal |
Consult your doctor for lasting skin changes | Some symptoms may need specialized care |
Gentle, consistent care makes a difference during and after radiotherapy. Look for moisturisers that soothe without causing irritation. Products like those from Alomar Health are specifically formulated to meet the needs of post-radiotherapy skin—hydrating, protecting, and restoring your skin’s natural balance. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying anything new.