Your Skin and Chemo

Pure · February 2010

So this is sort of stupid question but I keep wondering about it.

When I first diagnosed my surgeoun says to me-chemo give you beautiful skin. Its like having a ton of dermobresion. I was didn't think anything of it as she was sort of joking-she is very lighthearted.

Anyway-so you know I do wheatgrass each day which also claims to help with skin and with teeth.

Anyway my skin has never looked so good. I had little red veins around my nose-gone! I had these white things under my skin-gone.

I haven't had a blemish in months and my skin feels almost like a dolls skin.As a person who has always had bad bad bad skin with lots of veins, redness and blemishes this is quite the miracle. I truly have flawless skin that feels like a babys bottom. I am in love with it of course but I am wondering was it chemo or is it the grass.

Anyone have skin changes?

KerryMac · February 2010

Yep, I noticed it too! Actually, because I had no body hair, my whole body became really smooth and soft. My husband even commented on it. Think it has something to do with destroying fast divinding cells.

Doesn't last though!!

Pure · February 2010

that's what I was scared of:)))))

apple · February 2010

i don't know.. 7 months later, my skin is still pretty

definitely a bonus

Pure · February 2010

lol I know I was going to have dermabrashion (sp?) prior to being diagnosed-now I don't need too.

kimber3006 · February 2010

Really? My skin is awful. Horribly dry and patchy and blemished and I look like I've aged 10 years since I started chemo. What kind of cleanser/soap/shampoo do you use?

lexislove · February 2010

I had the best skin on chemo!

Noticed it right away. I had the classic "T zone" oily spots, especially around my period. Gone. No blemishes/pimples. It was like I was 16 again...lol. My legs were dry though.

My skin is still looking good, 2yrs post chemo, thank god. A friend asked me months ago..." what do you use on your skin?" I said chemo..ha! But maybe its from the OS? Lack of hormones = clear skin?

everyminute · February 2010

My skin still looks pretty good - though it is winter and my hands are very dry. I use an organic burts bees anti aging night cream that helps

Pure · February 2010

lol- yeah I had Oily skin as well and I look like I had serious treatment for my skin. I was thinking it was the wheatgrass-guess it is chemo. My lefs were dry on chemo-but my face was like a babys bottom.

YATCOMW · February 2010

Well I am jealous!

When I was diagnosed I was a very young looking 46 year old.....definitely looked 10 years younger.....but now......I look at least 10 years older......between all the chemo, ooph and femara it has wrinkled my skin soooooo bad. I hate looking in the mirror and seeing the difference.

I have tried every product on the planet and nothing is helping me....it just keeps getting worse as each month passes ((((

Jacqueline

Flamin_nora · February 2010

I also had "the glow" during and after chemo...It's been about 7 months since those treatments ended and my skin is still very "fresh" looking. Unfortunately though, at the same time my face sort of "fell"---maybe from the sudden weight loss I had (about 25 lbs during chemo). Have gained back about 7lbs and so my face has filled out a bit more, but boy is it ever wrinkly--and I don't think that is going to change---feel like I have aged at least 10 yrs in the last 10 months

any suggested products for wrinkles, ladies????

AsiaYM · February 2010

I noticed my skin was very soft and fresh right after 3 TAC and still is. After I take a nap or in the morning, I would have a little blush on my face and my lips would be red but it would only last about one hour. Small bonus from chemo! That's why my radiation Onc said, chemo patients tend to burn easier

fighting4mykids · February 2010

My skin seemed to 'glow' and my fingernails grew at rapid pace.

However, with that said, I have also aged probably about 5+ years this past year wrinkle-wise

cherneski · February 2010

My skin is like silk! I havent had a pimple on my face in forever! Loving it! So I guess there something good that comes out of chemo he!!

lexislove · February 2010

Wrinkle products?

There is sooooo many out there. I guess it depends if you want an organic/ no phalates cream. Or it doesnt matter to you. For me, I hate a lot of the Olays and stuff. Expensive and contain a lot of stuff. I try to stay away from perfumes too, especially on the face.

Right now, Im using one by Earth Sciences its a Apricot Intensive NightCream. It goes along way. Im almost done with that, so I have now Burts Beas Pomegranate Night Cream (something different) .

I also do once a month face treatment at home...save some money right?.. I use Aveda products for that. Aveda face wash, exfoliator, toner, and mud mask. I start by boiling a pot of water and I cover my head with a towel to steam. It opens the pores and cleans out guck. I do this on and off for 5 minutes...it gets hot. Then I apply the mud mask for 20-30 min (if I have cold green tea bags , I will put on my eyes). Wash off the mask, apply exfoliatoe with cotton ball...let dry. Spritz the toner...let that dry. And finish off with an intensive cream.

My skin, and mood, always is improved after this. Why pay $80-$100 a month for a facial...do it at home! Smile

Flamin_nora · February 2010

Lexilove---can I hire you to come over and give me a facial???? that sounds like pure paradise the treatment you are giving yourself

I've never really been much of a "beauty salon goer", but after my chemo, I thought I was looking absolutely wretched....so in order to break up the routine during radiation, I actually went for weekly treatments at school were they were training cosmeticians ---only $20-$30 per treatment. The surroundings were not too fancy, and was being treated by teenagers (at least they weren't allowed to chew gum)....I had a weekly "cure" where they focused on hydrating my skin....gave me a lot of masks etc...I've since bought a few of their products and am doing it at home (ex. eye patches)....my skin though is still so damn wrinkly especially around my mouth (marrionnette lines, sagging face)...I'll check out the two products you recommended---thanks for the suggestions

Anonymous · February 2010

OMG, you lucky ladies, my skin is awful too but just had first chemo and I look like beef jerky. My skin is also "melting" maybe making way for new skin-I hope! Blessings, SV

MaineCoonKitty · February 2010

I have to agree about the skin thing and chemo. I've never had great skin, but the chemo has done wonders for it - no zits, finer pores and much more even skin tone. But the best thing? Ugly course chin hairs are gone and don't seem to be returning. YAY!

janincanada · February 2010

My skin was amazing during chemo....soft, clear, no dry patches. Now I'm 7 months post Herceptin and still have great skin. It isn't quite as good as it was, but much better than before.

Wonderland · February 2010

I also had beautiful facial skin during chemo. My face was very clear and smooth. My eyes looked old and tired but my face looked youthful!

Mom3 · February 2010

I've always had oily skin but during chemo my skin was amazing. I had normal skin and loved it. It's not as bad as it was before but a little better.

Anonymous · February 2010

I've always been blessed with good skin and complexion. I do take care of it and always have. Skincare is important, and using a good cleanser, exfoliator, toner and moisturizer is all key. Depending on your skin type should depend on what type of products you put on your skin. Oily and acneic skin ladies should use a gel or foaming cleanser. Some skincare products are comedogenic (clog pores and cause outbreak) It's good to steam your face prior to cleansing and great to open clogged pores I found some great websites for skincare.Skin Care Recipes

. Breast Cancer Action - Paraben-Free Cosmetics

Home Made Skin Care Remedies

Barb

Anonymous · February 2010

Yikes! I hope I didn't come off too "know it all" ladies. I started rambling in my post because I was working a s a liscensed esthetician when I was diagnosed with BC.

Barb

AzKim · February 2010

My skin cleared up during chemo as well. No zits,.and no oil. I still don't have any blemishes but,.when I look in the mirror,..my MOTHER is looking back! I swore I WOULD NOT turn into my mother,.hahaha,.EVER,.well,.....I got my bubble busted,.lol.

Jane108 · February 2010

I noticed that some spots I had on the back of my hands and several on my legs, which I had for many years, are now gone after chemo. My last day was this past Aug. 12 and the spots haven't returned. I am very happy about that because they made me look older. I make sure, though, that I wear sunsreen even this winter. My overall skin was a lot smoother maybe due to the loss of hair all over my body.

Your Skin and Chemo

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