Gentle DIY skincare recipes to soothe post-treatment skin

This article provides simple, natural DIY skincare recipes created by Registered Nurse Rosemary Flattery to help soothe, hydrate, and nourish sensitive skin after cancer treatments.

Takeaways:

• Post-cancer skin requires gentle, nourishing ingredients like Epsom salt, honey, and oat flour to avoid irritation.

• Powdered milk and honey baths help soothe dry, compromised skin and calm physical inflammation.

• Gentle physical exfoliation using natural sugar or salt should be followed by proper hydration and refrigeration of leftover batches.

• Always patch-test essential oils and natural ingredients on sensitive skin before full application.

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Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can leave your skin feeling dry, sensitive, and easily irritated. Restoring your skin barrier with simple, non-toxic ingredients at home is a gentle way to practice self-care during recovery.

Below are three soothing DIY skincare recipes designed specifically to calm and hydrate sensitive skin.

How do you make a soothing bath for sensitive skin?

This gentle bath soak uses Epsom salt to ease muscle tension and powdered milk to soften dry skin:

Shay’s Warriors Soothing Bath

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt

• 2 cups powdered milk

• 1 tablespoon honey

Optional Additives:

• 1/2 tablespoon plant oil (such as jojoba or almond oil)

• 2-3 drops gentle essential oil (such as lavender)

Directions:

1. Mix the honey and the Epsom salt together in a small bowl.

2. Add the optional plant oil and essential oils to the salt mixture.

3. Pour the salt mixture into a warm running bath, followed immediately by the 2 cups of powdered milk. Swirl the water to dissolve before soaking.

How do you make a gentle face mask for post-treatment skin?

This hydrating face mask combines soothing oat flour with natural yogurt and vitamin E to nourish delicate facial skin:

Shay’s Warriors Face Mask

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

• 2 teaspoons honey

• 1 vitamin E capsule (punctured and squeezed)

• 1 teaspoon oat flour, blender-ground oats, or rice flour

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a clean bowl until completely smooth.

2. Gently steam your face or mist with floral water before application to open pores.

3. Apply evenly to your face and let sit for 20 minutes.

4. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

How do you make a natural hydrating body scrub?

This simple scrub gently exfoliates dry, flaky skin while sealing in moisture with nourishing oils:

Shay’s Warriors Salt Scrub

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup salt (preferably a coarser salt like sea salt or pink Himalayan salt)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/4 cup castor oil (or your favorite skin-safe oil)

• 2-3 drops essential oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine the salt and sugar in a jar, then stir in the castor oil until a paste forms.

2. Add optional essential oils if desired. Note that the amount of oil needed may vary depending on the coarse texture of the salt used.

3. Apply in the shower to wet skin using gentle circular motions, or use right before sinking into a warm bath.

4. Store any leftover scrub in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

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For additional guidance on protecting your skin from environmental damage, read our nurse-backed guide on how to choose safe, non-toxic sunscreen.

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You don't have to navigate this alone.

Rebuilding your self-care routine after cancer treatment comes with unique questions about skin health and body comfort. Connect with health professionals and survivors in our community. Connect with our virtual and in-person survivor support groups today.