Caring for your skin during cancer treatment

Cancer treatment can be tough on your skin. Not everyone will have problems, but around three-quarters of patients will have some sort of issue. Dryness, sensitivity, redness, irritation, peeling, rashes and sun-sensitivity can all occur.

It's very important to speak to your treating team if you have significant skin problems. In the meantime, we know from the Cancer Council that keeping your skin moisturised, protected from the sun, and avoiding harsh or fragranced skincare products is helpful. 

A gentle, step-by-step routine to soothe and restore your skin

Erilan stocks a select range of oncology friendly skincare products from Osmosis, designed to nurture your skin during and after treatment. Here is a suggested routine to protect your skin and help to prevent or manage reactions:

🌿 Step 1: Melt Away the Day

Lift Away Cleansing Balm
This silky, oil-based balm melts away makeup, SPF, and daily buildup without stripping your skin. It’s perfect for dry or reactive skin—leaving your face soft, calm, and comfortable.
Tip: Use with warm (not hot) water and a soft cloth for a luxurious, non-irritating cleanse.

🧖 Step 2: Cleanse Gently

Cleanse – Gentle Cleanser
Follow with this creamy, milky cleanser to whisk away any residue while protecting your skin barrier. Unlike foaming or exfoliating cleansers, this formula is non-stripping and ideal for sensitive skin.

✨ Step 3: Treat with Care

StemFactor – Growth Factor Serum
This is the star of the Osmosis range—and for good reason. Packed with skin peptides and growth factors, StemFactor promotes healing, cellular repair, and resilience.
If you’re struggling with dry patches, dullness, or post-treatment skin changes, this is your hero product.

💧 Step 4: Layer on Nourishment

Quench – Moisturising Cream
This lightweight hydrating moisturiser offers a “drink” for thirsty skin. With hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil, it helps calm inflammation and rebuild the skin's barrier function.

🌺 Optional: For Deeper Hydration

Infuse Nutrient Mist or Boost Peptide Activating Mist
Helping your serums to get into your skin more effectively, these luxurious mists supercharge hydration and skin repair. *coming soon*

Hydrate – Intensive Moisturiser
If your skin is extremely dry or tight (especially during or after radiation), Hydrate offers rich, restorative moisture with a comforting texture that melts into the skin.

Nourish Oil – Antioxidant Facial Oil
Add a few drops of this beautiful, antioxidant-rich oil to enrich your moisturiser to boost glow and help protect against environmental stressors. It’s especially lovely for dull or flaky skin.

👁 Step 5: Care for Delicate Areas

Illuminate – Eye and Lip Serum
The skin around the eyes and lips can be especially delicate during treatment. Illuminate delivers deep hydration in a silky formula designed for these fragile areas—minimising dryness and irritation while enhancing comfort.

🥭 Weekly Ritual: Soothe & Restore

Tropical Mango Barrier Repair Mask
This decadent, fruit- and nut-butter-based mask is the ultimate treat. It smells beautiful, feels luxurious, and helps restore stressed skin. Use 1–2 times a week as a calming, sensory self-care ritual.

🌸 Final Thoughts

Whether you choose Osmosis products or not, the important principles of good oncology skin care are:

  • Using gentle, fragrance-free skincare

  • Moisturising daily (or more often) with rich creams or oils

  • Avoiding scrubbing, alcohol-based toners, or harsh active ingredients

  • Protecting your skin from sun and heat exposure

As always, we're here to give guidance if you have questions!

💗

the Erilan team

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