Skincare for Cancer Patients: The Origins of Twelve Beauty
As the founder of Twelve Beauty, I’ve always believed that skincare should go beyond the superficial; it should be about comfort, healing, and care for the most vulnerable. My journey began with a deep commitment to skincare for cancer patients, inspired by my time working as a pharmacist in an oncology clinic in Harley Street, central London.
While working with cancer patients, I saw firsthand how the treatments they were undergoing – whether chemotherapy or radiotherapy – had devastating effects on their skin. The skin of many patients became extremely dry, irritated, and inflamed, causing discomfort to the point where clothing was painful. During this time, I was moved to create something that could alleviate their suffering. I remember thinking, “I have to do something.” That moment of inspiration led to the creation of my first product: Rewarding Body Balm.
Rewarding Body Balm was specifically formulated to address the needs of cancer patients. Its purpose was simple: to soothe, hydrate, and repair their fragile skin. Formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients, this balm was designed to alleviate dryness, support the skin’s barrier function, and provide lasting comfort. Today, the balm is used in numerous private clinics across London and knowing that it has brought relief to many patients fills me with an incredible sense of fulfilment. It was the feedback I received that encouraged me to expand the range and continue developing products tailored to extremely sensitive skin.
Skincare for Cancer Patients: A Delicate Balance
The skin experiences major changes during oncology treatment, so skincare for cancer patients needs to be carefully tailored to meet these specific needs. The harshness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while necessary to fight the disease, often leaves the skin sensitive and prone to dryness and irritation. Maintaining the health of the skin during treatment is essential not only for comfort but also to protect it from infections and further complications.
My background in botany and natural formulation helped me identify twelve natural ingredients that are vital to keeping the skin healthy. These ingredients, the foundation of the Twelve Beauty range, are chosen for their ability to restore the skin’s barrier function, deeply hydrate, and protect against environmental aggressors. For cancer patients, hydration and barrier restoration are key. Ingredients like sunflower unsaponifiables have proven to be incredibly beneficial, particularly for those undergoing treatment. Other contenders are avocado oil and rice bran oil. All 3 oils are rich in fatty acids that help the skin produce filaggrin, a protein that supports the skin’s natural protective layer, enabling it to retain moisture and stay resilient.
Cancer treatments can often result in heightened skin sensitivity, meaning that the usual skincare products patients rely on may no longer be effective or suitable. This is why it is crucial to incorporate serums and facial oils into the skincare routine, providing an extra layer of hydration and support to help counteract the damaging effects of treatment.
The Importance of Hydration and Ingredient Choice
One of the most important aspects of skincare for cancer patients is ensuring the skin stays hydrated. By maintaining proper hydration, the skin is better able to withstand the stress it endures from cancer treatments. At Twelve Beauty, we recommend using ingredients such as mallow flower extract and artemisia extract which are rich in antioxidants and help to strengthen the skin’s barrier, and cupuaçu butter, which is deeply nourishing and soothing. These ingredients, combined with moisturisers, can significantly improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, which is essential for cancer patients experiencing extreme dryness.
Beyond hydration, it is critical to select products with ingredients that will not irritate the skin further. Skincare for cancer patients should be as gentle as possible, avoiding common allergens and harsh chemicals that could exacerbate sensitivity. Allantoin, for instance, is a soothing ingredient that helps restore the skin’s natural barrier, making it an excellent choice for those undergoing cancer treatment. The use of gentle cleansers is also crucial, as harsh soaps can strip the skin of its natural oils, leaving it more vulnerable to dryness and irritation.
360º Approach to Skincare for Cancer Patients
While many people associate skincare with the face, those undergoing oncology treatment must also focus on the entire body. These treatments can cause significant changes to the skin all over, and patients need to be educated about how to care for their bodies during this time. Rich body balms like our Rewarding Body Balm offer relief from the dryness and discomfort that many patients experience. But it’s not just about moisture – strengthening the skin’s protective barrier is equally important to prevent further damage.
I’ve found that layering products can be particularly effective. By applying a body oil before a moisturiser, you improve the skin’s ability to absorb the hydration it desperately needs. This simple step is especially important for cancer patients, whose skin often struggles to retain moisture.
When formulating products for cancer patients, I ensure that the ingredients are not only safe but also effective for the unique challenges these individuals face. Products that contain niacinamide (purest grade only), almond oil, and other skin-repairing ingredients are especially beneficial for helping to restore the skin’s integrity. In fact, many patients find that their hands become particularly dry and sensitive during treatment, making it important to use hand creams that contain these barrier-repairing ingredients, like our Great Barrier Relief Cream.
Cancer Patients: How to Care for Your Skin During and After Treatment
Even after cancer treatment has ended, the skin often requires continued care. The skin can take time to recover fully, but with the right products and routines, it will regain its strength. Skincare for cancer patients post-treatment should still focus on hydration, soothing, and protection, but it’s important to remember that the skin might remain sensitive for a while.
Natural alternatives to common skincare ingredients like retinol (which can be too harsh for sensitive skin) are also worth exploring. At Twelve Beauty, we prioritise using gentle yet effective ingredients that deliver results without irritation. Our products are formulated to cater to the specific needs of sensitive and compromised skin, ensuring that every individual can find relief, no matter their skincare journey.
Raising Awareness for Skincare During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October, in honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I want to emphasise the importance of caring for the skin during such challenging times. It is not just about aesthetics; it is about ensuring that patients feel as comfortable as possible in their skin – quite literally. At Twelve Beauty, our mission remains the same: to create products that nurture, protect, and bring comfort to those who need it most.
