Self Care Products
Cancer treatment is out to destroy the cancer, and unfortunately it begins destroying the rest of your body too. I had all sorts of side effects and found a few products that, while they weren't a cure-all, helped me feel as comfortable as possible. This list is a great place to start if you're looking for a gift for someone who has been diagnosed with cancer.
Lip Balm
My recommendation: Dr. Bronner's Organic Lip Balms
Chemo and radiation therapy can lead to dry, cracked lips. Look for a lip balm with natural ingredients like shea butter and beeswax to nourish and protect your lips.
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Sunscreen
My recommendation: CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen
Chemotherapy can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Opt for a gentle sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.
Aloe
My recommendation: I have aloe in my backyard and would often make my own paste. If you don't have that luxury, I recommend looking for something that is 100% pure aloe vera gel.
Skin irritation and redness are common side effects of cancer treatment. Aloe can help calm and heal the skin.
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Bag Balm
My recommendation: Don't forget the Bag Balm
Bag Balm pops up on every list of recommendations for cancer patients for a reason. Bag Balm is a salve developed in 1899 to soothe irritation on cows' udders after milking and is now widely used to soothe dry, cracked skin on humans. My hands and feet became very dry and cracked during treatment. Slathering Bag Balm on before bed helped me feel almost human.
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Organic Body Lotion
My recommendation: Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Body Cream
Choose a natural, ultra-hydrating body lotion that includes nourishing ingredients like lavender and calendula. These can help heal chapped, burned, or damaged skin, especially for patients undergoing radiation treatment.
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Peppermint Essential Oil
My recommendation: Edens Garden Essential Oils is 100% therapeutic grade and certified organic
Peppermint oil is known for its nausea-relieving properties. You can use it in a diffuser for aromatherapy or massage it into your abdomen to ease nausea caused by chemotherapy.
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Gentle Facial Cleanser
My recommendation: La Roche-Posay Toleraine Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Everyone has their own facial cleanser preferences and your complexion may call for something different. I would just try to keep it gentle and free of harsh chemicals.
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Facial Moisturizer
My recommendation: Aloe and coconut oil
I kept this pretty simple and just used aloe/coconut oil after cleansing my face.