Chemotherapy and Skincare: How To Help Yourself! | Dr. Shereene Idriss

[@davissalvatore]

My cousin has been diagnosed with breast cancer and one of her struggles since she started chemo was skincare products. This video is so helpful. I'm make her a giftbasket with some of these products and I hope it'll put the biggest smile on her face. Thank you.

[@mariajo2698]

Please update us on how she reacted❤

[@shereeneidriss]

Love this idea. Please share with us!!!

[@davissalvatore]

Will do 😊

[@FM-pm5iy]

Aww I plan to do exactly the same for my sisters friend.

[@imyourhappydrug]

What a thoughtful gesture ❤

[@totallycourageous]

As an oncology nurse, this was fabulous info to take back to my patients! They always present with different questions and issues and I’m tired of sounding like a broken record telling them to use Udderly Smooth Cream or Eucerin…the only two products we have been taught to recommend. Thank you! I’ll be sharing this with other nurses !

[@totallycourageous]

It’s also nice because I work in the area where we administer the chemo, so even the nurses have noticed issues with dry skin, increased sun sensitivity, etc. from so much chemo exposure

[@harrietted.7488]

I wish you guys to be free from cancer, to live well and healthy after all. this channel is so humane and heart-warming. I lost my beloved ones from cancer years ago and after all the comments I've read, I hope you could stay strong and be as happy as you can, whoever is reading this. sending virtual hugs to you all ♥️

[@karenmuirhead5357]

This is such a blessing- I live with cancer and my opthamologist told me to always wear sunglasses as our eyes are also impacted by chemo…

[@Ren-wh6kw]

I go through chemo rounds a lot, I have a genetic condition that makes me develop tumors and very susceptible to cancer. This video did make me a little teary eyed because not many derms cover this. Thank you so much

[@adrianaescalante663]

Somebody very important to me had cancer, I was her caregiver, her dermatologist recommended Bioderma's Atoderm Huile de douche instead of any other soap, and also the cream from the Atoderm line. I remember we also used Aquaphore for the lips and Eucerin's itch relief when needed. And so many more! This is a very important topic.

[@LL-lj3cq]

I’m also a cancer survivor (went through chemo 2018 for lymphoma). Skincare wise , I went down to the basics, gentle cleansing, hydrating serum, rich cream, exfoliate as needed and most important during the day SUNSCREEN. My skin was super photosensitive and even drier during the 6 months of treatment. Drink plenty of water. Don’t mess around with different products while on treatment. I know it’s hard, but your body is already going through a lot.

[@user-nw8jc4ic4w]

Thank you for this video, Dr. Idriss! You are an amazing woman with a beautiful soul! More blessings to you! ❤❤❤

[@normakarina8722]

Hi can you please tell me what products do you use? Please

[@annakelly5050]

Also For Hair loss Cold Caps can prevent losing about 70% of your hair. Not the ones on Amazon these are just for this purpose Arctic Cold Caps , Polar Cold Caps if you google Chemo Cold Caps you will see them . There is funding for discount or free chemo caps on some sites. And some larger hospitals have them there if you ask the hospital which makes them free. It has made a lot of women happy❤

[@christineelizabethart163]

Any one of us could get diagnosed with cancer at any time. So this is really great to have on file here and in my brain.

[@anagha6268]

I love how you help EVERYONE with their skincare...This is beautiful 🥰

[@leweileen]

I am crying as I watch this because I am imagining that you are telling me this during my chemo days. It was a tough time and I wish someone had sat me down and told me all this.

[@lynnharris6877]

Emory Winship Breast Cancer Center did an amazing job to train for proper skin care before and during my radiation treatment. Various full size skin products were available to select at no cost with recommendations for additional specific radiation site protection. I cannot describe my gratitude to the educators, technicians, office staff, oncology physicians for their willingness to answer any and all questions. For independent folks, allowing friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances.......to help is difficult. You never know how many people care and love you until the offers pour out like water from a bucket. Prayers from friends of different faiths...Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims and others supported me throughout. Thank you for the video and an opportunity to share.

[@LaurensLeaves]

I'm starting chemotherapy tomorrow so this video means everything to me! Thank you Dr. Shereene!

[@agfhdl239]

Thank you so much for this

[@heatherriley3963]

Hugs and prayers for your mom! I hope she kicks cancer's ass!!!

[@claudiaporta3883]

All the best for your mum! I have finished my chemo treatment in November 2021 and drinking plenty of water going for walks every day which it can get difficult to do sometimes but it is worth it as you fell better at the end. Having smoothies help for me as well. Sending a virtual hug and positive vibes to your mum and yourself, stay strong!💕

[@kathyjohnson3064]

As a cancer survivor… I had to kinda fumble through what to do when I was going through chemo (it was 20+ years ago). Thank you for making this information available.

[@correnebide5915]

I’m a pharmacist with Her2+ve breast cancer - just finished chemo round 2. Can endorse all those recommendations including the caution with Weleda - I reacted 😣. Couple of my gems - LaRoche Posay cleansing oil for body - a dream, then slather on almond oil when still wet then ‘drip dry’. For cracks and ulcers on the lips - Kenalog in Orabase ! I had my intern drop some off last night and it is a miracle to treat & heal - game changer 😊. Just developing chemo hands so they are just soaking up everything I slather on …

[@EvaKrzan]

I finnished my chemo in July 2021 ( after being diagnised for ovarian cancer and having staging operation in January 2021). So menopause and chemo went hand in hand. I used cleansing balm, glycerin based gel cleanser, essence or hydrating toner, moisturizer and spf. I had been on korean skincare 7 years prior, so I had my routine and tested products DOWN ( I didn’t want to experiment while on chemo). Luckily, I handled it well ( some sensitivity between the eye and cheek area on days 2-4, but that’s it). As for recomendations (I’m from Europe so): Olival face gel, Biobaza oil body cleanser and deodorant - both are croatian companies, highly recommend , any first essence treatment ( Missha, Secret Key…), Aqua bomb green tea moisturizer from Bonajour, Spf from Biore or Etude House (mild one green tube). Hope this helps.

[@leweileen]

Thank you for making this video. Getting chemotherapy in 2019 was a very sensitive and lonely time for me due to losing all my hair and my skin being too dangerously sensitive to participate in many normal activities, and it is good to see someone so beautiful and influential address it with respect.

[@erikarodd]

I'm a cancer survivor and during that time of chemo, you don't pay enough attention to your skin because you feel is not important as the rest of the body. After my treatment, I'm still struggling with hair loss, post in my face, and dryness. I had a total gastrectomy but I think all this information will help everybody be aware of the skin during that treatment. During treatment, I used Eucerin pH5 for dryness in all over my body, I was feeling like a snake changing skin or kind of peeling during chemo but that cream help me. one mistake was not to use constant solar light protection just a bb cream with 50 SPF because I was in bed all the time and I was thinking my skin won't affect but melasma is just very sensitive even with the heat during and after treatment. Vaseline also help me. Thank you for your advice and nice topic.

[@reptilemama939]

I have to take chemotherapy every day for my progressive MS. It doesn’t have the side effects of complete hair loss, but I have a lot of the other side effects. I will have to be on this most likely the rest of my life to hopefully avoid a devastating relapse. Thank you so much for this 🧡🧡🧡

[@mexxo5594]

Thanks for the recommendations, they were similar to the ones I used (and have kept using) since chemotherapy a few years ago. I found being told to stay strong and be brave really unhelpful during cancer treatment because there is so little control you have as a patient. Most of the time any energy I had was used getting through each moment I was in. It's too much pressure on cancer patients to be told to stay strong. Ask them how they are that day and if you're in a position to, how you can support them. Don't make them feel bad if they're teary or not looking strong.

[@nataliekasif9430]

My savior during chemo and radiation was calendula and aquaphor. I didn’t have the energy to shower at all so sponge baths were my go to for those body parts you mentioned. I used the hypoallergenic dove body wash. I also used aquaphor for my scalp along with sunscreen if going out. I felt like a snake during chemo because my skin went through massive peeling to the point where my iPhone didn’t recognize my thumb print. Aquaphor on my hands and feet were a must. My nails on my hands and feet were damaged so I used vitamin e oil on the nail beds. I wish I had a video like this a few months ago. Thank you for this video 🙏.

[@mellreis8263]

Thank you so much! My mon has passed through her last quimo, and her skin is very dry, and her hands ans foots are very swollen, but she made it, and that’s what matters.

[@noneofurbusiness5223]

Finally, a dermatologist that's done this. Thanks.

[@arnelhuisamen2037]

Thank you so so much for this video. I actually only started a proper skin care routine after I lost my hair through chemo (then people literally only see your face) and I decided to focus on what is strong and not on what is wrong. A video like this would have helped me so much, so thank you! 🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@luiscarlosdespradelperez9027]

Amazing, just commenting for the video to reach more people. I am an internal medicine doctor and these are huge gaps in our education. Thank you

[@zeynand4039]

So sweet that you made this video. I saw the comment from someone asking for skincare while doing chemo. I was hoping you'd make this video for them. You canr find this info easily on youtube or anywhere.

[@merlin4156]

Bless you for making this and all those struggling with cancer.

[@christinasantini8020]

Thank-you for this. Next week I go into the hospital for surgery. Praying it is not cancer. This video is timely and thoughtful. I will use "The soul controls the mind and the mind controls the body" as an affirmation to move thru what will hopefully be a very short cancer journey. God bless.

[@suzy8910]

I’m a retail pharmacy tech and I will be sending this video to the pharmacists I know since they’re allowed to give medical advice and I’m not. Thank you for the info!

[@leahpoulos7140]

I’m so glad you made this video- very much needed and thorough on a topic that doesn’t get much attention in the skincare world. My mom was diagnosed with cancer (she is in full remission now thankfully) in 2020 shortly after I started following you and your recommendation of Biafine was a lifesaver for her during radiation! Thank you as always for using your knowledge and voice to help others! ❤️ PS. I agree that the tiny Vaseline is 100x better than the regular or large jar. I have them everywhere (my bedside table, my backpack, around the house) to my family’s annoyance 😅 although my mom definitely took advantage of them during her treatment as they were worth more than gold!!

[@talaa3]

I wish I knew these things when I was in treatment but since I'm still dealing with some pretty bad dry skin post treatment, I'm thankful for this video!! During treatment, my oncologists never had good advice for my skincare which was super frustrating. I will for sure send this to the cancer fam so they can all benefit from your vireo. Thank you so much!!

[@melaniecraze8043]

since a family member of mine has gotten cancer and is doing treatment, the sense of smell is hightened and everything stinks. so glad you mentioned avoiding scent as this type situation happens also.

[@veganpowercouple4486]

My mom starts chemo next week. This is great. Thank you

[@frannieb5203]

Thank you! That was so helpful , thoughtful and inspiring. You are a gift to the skin nerds.

[@josianest-arnault8883]

The avene mist and vaseline were the best for me. ❤

[@agnieszkapozar1947]

Also, get good eye drops (not visine), a nasal gel or drops, and mouthwash for dry mouth.

[@hengwin]

I specifically looked for this video because now I sadly am in the situation to pack someone dear a chemo and radiation care package, and it was so helpful. Loved the little motivational speech at the end, too. Thank you!

[@eslaynaa]

my mom beat triple negative breast cancer when i was in high school, and it was super rough on her skin. i wish i had this video for when she was going through chemo and radiation, but i’m glad to know now incase it comes back ❤️

[@manalchowd]

My aunt is going to LOVE this. Thank you so much!

[@christinemack2153]

Thank you for caring and sharing the way you do; you're a beautiful soul. xo

[@alexndrawiner]

I watched this when it came out because I’m a proud skincare nerd. I’m revisiting because my dad just got diagnosed with AML. He’ll be in the hospital for 4-6 weeks for chemotherapy and, even though it feels like nothing, having an idea of what I can bring to him is massively helpful.

[@bisdakinflorida]

Just got done recently with chemotherapy and thankful to found your channel. 👌 I used to be very oily skin and now after chemo, I noticed it’s way too dry.

[@marciaburkett9076]

I completed radiation in December for breast cancer. The nurse recommended not to wear a bra if possible. I found some soft 100% cotton camisoles on Amazon and wore those 24/7. Helped with overheating which would cause itching. I used the cream they recommended but found the fragrance free version on Amazon. Thank you for sharing all this information. So helpful!!

[@kayscanningacademy]

I am overwhelmed with the sincerity and compassion with which you deliver this. It moved me and touched my heart. Your kindness is a treasure.

[@megananderson841]

Fresh aloe leaf + cerave healing ointment SAVED my skin during radiation! I reapplied to my neck/face (radiation field) 3-4 times a day and wore a scarf to prevent it from wiping off. Other people in clinic had massive burns and open sores and I had a mild sunburn.

[@JustBeingAwesome]

So interesting and this will help so many people, it's beautiful to see how you are so invested in helping these patients with so much tenderness! ❤ Luckily I don't need this information for me or my family (crossed fingers!). But I'm a Pillowtalkderm-nerd... so I'm here to learn! 🤓

[@oldandstillhere]

You are fire, Dr Idriss. So much gratitude for you.😘

[@paulawright1215]

I really needed this, thank you! I'm going thru chemo now. I have pancreatic cancer and the chemo for this is very strong the Dr said. It is shrinking my tumor but I look in the mirror and it has aged me so bad. My sweet nurses had no idea what skin care to use so I'm so thrilled that I finally know all this information. We are fighting for our lives so we need to heal and pamper our skin so that we can at least feel good about that and brighten our Day when we see decent skin on ourselves. Thank you!

[@emmatv4738]

Just finished my second round of chemo. I have another 4/5 months left if everything goes well. You are such a blessing - This post is going to be a skin saver!

[@jaymelogan9736]

Thank you so much for this. I needed this right now I’m scheduled to start Chemo on the 17th and with reduced immunity I was looking for a way to pamper myself at home. I don’t have a current routine so I needed this info.

[@reneerunyan4103]

I would love to have an arsenal of these products to give out to those patients in the hospital inpatient or outpatient. Its just another step they don’t have to worry about going to get at the store. Plus those unforeseen problems with the first round of Chemo or Rad. I would leave them at the nurses station for their oncologist to approve. That’s what I’m going to do for lent.

[@lynnlee6799]

Appreciate your empathy.

[@expeditionconfidential8853]

Thank you so much for this. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer last month and I love my skincare routine. I will purchase these products and replace my old routine with this new one. A million thanks!!!

[@kristensweitzer2547]

Great information! Wish this was available in 2018. Oncologist don't offer any of this information.

[@erinmackinnon7982]

Oh, this video would have been so useful and appreciated in 2011. Thankful and grateful to be alive, but still trying to fix my rosacea, mature, textured and sensitive skin. Sending love and healing energy to all that are going through treatment right now. Thank you for making this video. ✨♥️🤗✨

[@petramelichova4491]

Wow, you are just amazing, honestly. So sweet you help everybody with their skincare. Thank you ever so uch for what you've been doing so far and please do keep on doing it. 😉

[@raquelrodriguez5672]

You are God sent! Literally an hour ago I was googling chemo care package. This is a much better list. Thanks.

[@rachelepplinglipes8983]

thank you so much for making this video!!! Lymphoma survivor here and this would be so helpful for someone currently in treatment!

[@franksantiago8650]

Thank you so much for this video. It's helped me develop a skincare routine for myself post radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Much appreciated.

[@jessicarai3764]

My maybe mother-in-law is going through her chemo. She has stage 4 cancer. I sent her this video so fast

[@hannawalker2129]

Thank you so much for this video. I was diagnosed with cancer last September and my skin changed so much once I’ve started chemo. From very oily to extremely dry and I had to change nearly all of my skincare. Love all your videos, very informative and interesting 💞💞

[@jessicas9136]

I wish something like this was available when I was going through chemo and radiation. I had a lot of skin issues on top of the medical issues and this suffered from a lot of long-time scars because of it.

[@merizografi3168]

Thanks for this video Shereene. There is many people out there that are fighting cancer every day. I have tried Uriage cicaplast creme and it is as good as cicaplast of LRP if not better. ❤️

[@mazie.wilson]

Thank you for this. It radiates through the video how much you really care. This is a really beautiful and informative video for such a sensitive topic.

[@topdrawerleftside]

My goodness 🥺 I swear you are the most eloquent and fun to watch dermatologist on youtube 💖 I just wish I found your channel sooner. I could’ve saved hundred of bucks 😭 I am sure that I am not the only one who would greatly appreciate if you could make a video about the best supplements to take for skin health. And also, is it true that astaxanthin is the best antioxidant? Thank you so much, Dr. Idriss. We appreciate you 🙏

[@diarramonetpayne]

This video was amazing, thank you 💕 I have already shared with two loved ones. Hopefully my Mom will listen to you about the importance of sunscreen, but especially during this time! Personally, my skin has changed for the better since following you, so please keep up the great work!!

[@rhondasavage1342]

Thank you so much. A beautiful kind presentation. I will save it and hope I never need it

[@rachaelquarrell5995]

Some additional product suggestions: (all fragrance & essential oil free) RNW Special Ceramide Mist RNW DER. Concentrate Ceramide Serum IUNIK Beta Gulcan Power Moisture Serum Paulas Choice Omega Complex Moisturiser Rovectin Skin Essentials Barrier Repair Face & Body Cream Cosrx Balancium D panthenol cream Purito B5 Panthenol Re-Barrier Cream Tiam Vita B Toner

[@MissJennaTownsend]

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS VIDEO. I’m a cancer survivor but was lucky enough to not need chemo or radiation. But I know others, just like most of use do, that have. So much great advice.

[@carolynmareck5112]

What a blessing this information must be for so many people! ♥️

[@nataliea7421]

I used First Aid Beauty products for my skin (serum, moisturizer and oat/hemp oil) during chemo and found it effective. It may be an option. Thank you for making this video. I am 38 and went through three surgeries and chemotherapy this past year. My oncologist was wonderful, but when I had skin issues during my treatment she was unable to guide me (there is also a very long waitlist to see the one dermatologist in my area). Thank you for sharing this information.

[@dreamie9868]

Wow this is so helpful to me right now. I'm 27 and currently going through radiation therapy for a brain tumour. I use the Dr. Jart ceramidin eye cream during the day. I really didn't want to stop using retinol eye creams, and have found that I can get away with using the Glow Recipe's avacado retinol eye mask because it doesn't dry out my skin... but I'm wondering if this will cause any adverse effects? I absolutely love you and your videos. Thank you so much for posting this and reminding me to stay strong.

[@rhondamullins6192]

This was amazing! So encouraging and informative! Huge thanks for your sensitivity and thoughtfulness! ❤️

[@100mfp]

Thank you so much! This is such a useful video. My dx is triple negative metastatic breast cancer. The worst kind. But I've been holding stable for two years. But yes, chemo has it's side effects and my skin seems to be the biggest victim. Most of what I find on You Tube is from other chemo patients. It's helpful but I'm very happy to see what an MD has to recommend. This was very helpful and useful and you're very pretty and have beautiful skin, so on some level it gives me more motivation to take good care of my skin. God Bless.

[@JessieDubois8]

This was incredibly sweet and thoughtful. You’re a Godsend. Thank you for putting this up! I hope this helps those going through their battle.

[@diyac9554]

This was such a supportive video. I needed this today. Merci!!❤

[@catherinezetajones6982]

Every morning : deep clean foaming face wash The ordinary niacinamide serum Cosrx aloe spf50 sunscreen Nivea lip balm Maybelline fit me foundation Maybelline chilli nude lipstick Maybelline waterproof mascara Faces canada eyebrow pencil Every night : Neutrogena deep clean foaming face wash Cosrx bha liquid Cosrx birch sap moisturizer Laneige lip sleeping mask .

[@fiza221]

I really really really appreciate you doc.... Really.... You are a true gem 💎❤️

[@carolinewooden1311]

Thank you so much for this video! I wish I saw this when I was getting radiation in 2015. However, my SIL is going through chemo now and I'll be sharing this video with her. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@luche482]

Me too looking forward to video for chemo pt skin care use.❤❤❤

[@clumsywithwords]

I opened this just to leave a like and applaud you for the topic! 👏🏼❤️

[@emmajeanx8733]

This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for doing this. You never fail to amaze me!!

[@laurenstoffels2690]

This was so amazing and comprehensive! Thank you! 💕✨

[@sadiemae9446]

Radiation NP here. Thank you soo much for this video! Great information!

[@samanthaores8221]

Just had a pet scan today. Will keep all of these saved, just in case. Thank you ❤️

[@paolapedroza1980]

Thank you for making this video!! This is the content I looked for when I was going through chemo and radiation.

[@catherinelemiuex7207]

Thank you for your heartfelt research into this video!

[@notsomuchthankyou]

thank you for making this.

[@carolinasanz6351]

God bless you for sharing this info with the world! Love you!!!

[@janecadousteau3370]

Thank you so much, this is so helpful for my Dad and I wouldn't have even known about any of this. THANK YOU

[@evetmustafa5949]

Thank you for caring about this ❤️❤️

[@hildamydear4481]

Love your videos doc! One thing I’d like to suggest (having gone through chemo & radiation myself), is raw Aloe Vera, inside and out. Your cells are pulverized & aloe Vera helps amazingly, esp. GI track. Beware though it can cause loose stool, however it saved me! I would open up the plant (cut the edges cuz they’re sharp) and would splay the plant open and lay it onto my skin. You can buy aloe Vera for drinking at the store, highly recommend:)

[@nadiadncr]

You are the best truly how wonderful putting that information out there thank you!

[@beverlyfrederick6690]

Thank you so very much!

[@Elnails323]

This is an awesome video with tons of resources! I’ll be sharing it with friends.

[@RubyCarrion]

Thank you Dr. Shereen for this! ❤

[@louise7131]

Thank you for this. I went through alot of treatment (brain inflammation) then high dose steroids along with organ transplant drugs and my skin, hair etc was ruined. You are a diamond, thankfully you are giving this advise. Vaseline sticks 😍 much love everyone 💕

[@ehw1917]

Fantastic video. Vaseline is a lifesaver. Thank you for doing this one! 🙏🏾

[@leahsnow2725]

Thank you for making this video! I start chemo in a few weeks and the information you provided will be extremely helpful.