Because of the disease and the side effects of treatments on their bodies, women confronted with breast cancer are undermined in their femininity. To boost self-confidence, the beauty routine plays an important role. On the occasion of Pink October, focus on the right actions to follow.
There are 61,214 new cases of breast cancer in women in 2023 according to the National Cancer Institute. Although, thanks to research, treatments are becoming more and more effective, their side effects are numerous: alopecia, itching, irritation and burning are commonplace. To prevent these inconveniences, it is important to adapt your beauty routine. This is where socio-beauticians and socio-hairdressers prove to be an important support for patients.
Gentle and comforting care routines
During the treatment period, skin care is essential. “For daily cleansing, it is recommended to wash the body with cleansing oils. Then, you will need to nourish the epidermis with a moisturizing cream. For the face, opt for a range of soothing treatments. The products must be “high tolerance”, preservative-free, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive and reactive skin. And in the event that prevention has not been sufficient, it is advisable to calm and relieve the epidermis with gentle gestures.“, explains Romane Palisse, socio-esthetician at the Avène Thermal Center. “If the skin is very reactive or very sensitized (redness, burning), apply a compress soaked in thermal water using light tapping movements. It is very effective on an inflamed scar. On the other hand, if the skin is very dry and needs comfort, apply a balm to the still damp skin. Warm the material between your hands then spread over the body using broad strokes so that the product penetrates quickly without leaving a greasy finish.“, adds Célia Guevara, socio-esthetician at the Avène Thermal Center as well.
Brighten the complexion and thicken the eyebrows
During treatment periods, due to fatigue, the complexion may become pale or dull, and eyelashes and eyebrows may fall out. This is where makeup application can prove to be a source of comfort and self-confidence. By using makeup products that are gentle, hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin, it is entirely possible to apply makeup. It can even help emphasize facial features and camouflage side effects such as skin redness. However, it is crucial to choose products without harsh chemicals and ensure that you clean the skin well before and after applying makeup to avoid further irritation. “Makeup will really have an impact on self-image. When a woman no longer has eyebrows and eyelashes, simply teaching her how to redraw them with a pencil changes everything“, specifies Romane Palisse. For more lasting results, they can opt for semi-permanent makeup techniques such as hair-to-hair or microblading. We obtain excellent results with a very natural finish. “To brighten the complexion, a little foundation and blush are enough. You can even go further in beauty with lipstick“, adds Célia Guevara.
Understand why we lose our hair
There hair loss is a common side effect of breast cancer treatments. This happens because they are designed to stop the growth of cells, including cancer cells. De facto, unfortunately, they also affect the cells that make hair grow. Although it is temporary, this phenomenon can contribute to the loss of self-confidence because in the collective unconscious, hair embodies femininity. “Hair loss is a painful phenomenon. It feels like tingling“, explains Marjorie Tatard, socio-hairdresser. “This is why it is necessary to lighten the weight of the hair by opting for a short cut, by wearing a cap at night to avoid friction and, in the event of chemotherapy, by wearing a helmet refrigerated during the session to anesthetize the pain and protect the bulb,” she adds.
Choosing the right wig and pampering your scalp
Whether hair loss is partial or total, fortunately there are solutions to help patients feel better, such as wigs and scarves. In terms of care, for those who still have hair, it is recommended to deeply moisturize the scalp to promote regrowth. Massages are also welcome (cranial reflexology, shirotchampie) to stimulate growth and manage stress.. On a daily basis, you will need to wash your hair with a shampoo for dry and very dry hair that you will complete with a treatment that does not rinse out. The objective is to provide active ingredients that will smooth the hair scale and facilitate detangling while providing shine. The use of styling appliances (straighteners, curlers, etc.) should be limited or even prohibited. “Coloring techniques remain possible, but as the hair is porous, you must keep in mind that they will stick less well and that false reflections may appear.“, explains Marjorie Tatard.
For those with complete hair loss, it is recommended to wash the scalp with a super-rich gel. “When a patient has scheduled chemo, I advise her to wash her scalp 24 hours before the session and repeat 72 hours later to preserve the hydrolipidic film. You can also supplement with castor oil.“, specifies our expert.
Thanks to Romane Palisse and Célia Guevara socio-beauticians at the Avène thermal center and to Marjorie Tatard socio-hairdresser