5 Skin Care Products I Loved During Chemotherapy

Going through chemotherapy was one of the most impacting experiences of my life. While it was an essential treatment for fighting cancer, it came with side effects that I didn’t fully expect, especially on my skin. 

My skin became incredibly dry, sensitive, and prone to irritation. My usual skincare routine suddenly felt too harsh, and I desperately needed extra care and nourishment.

It was really a challenge for my mum to find 100% natural skincare at the time in 1996. But the good news was that my mum, as I was 17, found a few skincare products that made a huge difference in keeping my skin comfortable. Here are five 100% natural gentle, soothing products that helped me feel better during chemotherapy.

1. A Gentle, Non-Stripping Cleanser

One of the biggest struggles I faced was how dry and fragile my skin became. Many regular facial cleansers contain harsh ingredients like alcohol, sulphates, or fragrances that strip away natural oils, leaving my skin feeling tight and irritated.

What I looked for:

• A fragrance-free, non-foaming formula for residue-free, safe, and efficient cleaning
• Hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, magnesium, or vitamin E
• A cream or gel-based texture that didn’t lather aggressively since chemo was already aggressive enough.

Why I loved it: A good gentle cleanser removed dirt and impurities without making my skin feel raw or overly dry. Instead of a harsh face wash, I switched to a magnesium-based gentle and natural cleanser, which helped lock in moisture and kept my skin feeling soft.

2. A Hydrating Shower Gel That Didn’t Make My Skin Worse

I never realised how much standard shower gels could aggravate my skin which already had chemo acne. Strongly scented, foaming body washes often contained sulphates that stripped away moisture, making my skin even drier and itchier.

What I looked for:

• A sulphate-free formula
• Moisturising ingredients like aloe vera, magnesium, or grape seed oil
• Unscented or lightly scented options to prevent irritation

Why I loved it: A hydrating shower gel gently cleansed without stripping away my skin’s natural oils. Some even left behind a protective layer of hydration, making it easier to retain moisture throughout the day.

3. A Body Lotion That Provided Long-Lasting Moisture

After chemotherapy, my skin felt extra tight, flaky, and rough. A rich, deeply nourishing body lotion became essential for keeping my skin soft and comfortable.

What I looked for:

• A nourishing, creamy consistency for deep hydration
• Ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or vitamin E to repair the skin barrier
• Hypoallergenic and safe formulas to avoid irritation

Why I loved it: A quality body lotion helped restore moisture and protect my skin from further dehydration. Applying it right after showering while my skin was still damp locked in as much hydration as possible.

4. A Soothing Body Oil for Extra Nourishment

My skin became so dry that regular lotions didn’t seem to be enough. That’s when I discovered body oils. Unlike lotions, body oils created a protective barrier that prevents moisture loss while deeply nourishing my skin.

What I looked for:

• Lightweight, non-greasy oils like jojoba
• Magnesium for extra healing and protection
• A mild or naturally scented option

Why I loved it: A body oil could be used alone or layered under my regular body lotion for an extra hydration boost. It was especially helpful for areas prone to extreme dryness, such as my elbows, knees, hands and feet.

5. A Shampoo & Conditioner Duo That Didn’t Stress My Scalp

Hair loss is one of the most well-known side effects of chemotherapy, but what surprised me was how incredibly dry and sensitive my scalp became. It took 3 days for my brain to recognise myself in the mirror. Even after losing my hair, I realised how important it was to take care of my scalp to keep it comfortable and healthy.

What I looked for:

• A sulphate-free, ultra-mild shampoo
• A nourishing shampoo with ingredients like jojoba oil, magnesium, or vitamin E
• A cooling or soothing formula to reduce scalp sensitivity

Why I loved it: A gentle shampoo cleansed without causing further irritation. When my scalp felt particularly sensitive, washing less frequently and using lukewarm water instead of hot water made a huge difference.

Final Thoughts: Your Skin Deserves Extra Love

During chemotherapy, my skin went through a lot. Finding the right products helped soothe irritation, prevent excessive dryness, and made me feel more comfortable. I learned to always choose gentle, fragrance-free formulas with hydrating ingredients to avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Taking care of your skin isn’t just about looking good, it’s about feeling good too. With the right skincare, you can ease some of the discomfort that comes with chemotherapy and focus on what really matters: your healing and well-being.

If you’re undergoing chemotherapy or supporting someone who is, consider these five skincare essentials. A little extra care can go a long way in making the journey a bit more comfortable. Follow us on Facebook for more information.