Radiation & Chemotherapy Skin Care FAQs | My Girls Skin Care
At My Girls Skin Care, we understand that cancer treatment can be challenging for the whole person—including the skin.
Our skincare was created from personal experience and developed with a focus on comfort for sensitive, treatment-stressed skin. Today, My Girls Skin Care provides gentle, botanical-based moisturizers for people experiencing dryness, sensitivity, and other changes in the appearance and feel of their skin during and after cancer treatment.
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about radiation skin care, chemotherapy-related skin changes, ingredients, product use, and sensitive skin.
Important: My Girls Skin Care products are intended for topical cosmetic use and to help maintain the healthy appearance of skin. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always follow the skincare recommendations provided by your oncology care team.
Radiation Therapy & Skin Care
What happens to your skin during radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy can cause temporary changes to the skin in the treatment area. Depending on the person and the treatment, skin may become dry, red, itchy, sensitive, warm, or flaky.
Skin changes can develop gradually during a course of radiation treatment and may continue for a period after treatment ends. Your radiation oncology team can tell you what changes to expect and how they want you to care for your skin.
What is radiation dermatitis?
Radiation dermatitis is a skin reaction that can occur in an area receiving radiation therapy. It may include redness, dryness, itching, peeling, tenderness, or other skin changes.
The severity and timing vary from person to person. If your skin becomes significantly irritated, painful, blistered, open, or weeping, contact your oncology care team rather than relying on skincare products alone.
When do skin changes from radiation therapy begin?
Skin changes do not occur at exactly the same time for everyone. Some people begin noticing changes after several weeks of treatment, while others may experience them differently.
Your radiation oncology team is the best source of guidance about what to expect with your specific treatment.
Can I moisturize my skin during radiation therapy?
Many people use moisturizers as part of a supportive skincare routine during radiation therapy, but timing and product choice should follow the instructions of your radiation oncology team.
Some treatment centers recommend avoiding moisturizer immediately before a radiation treatment. Because recommendations can vary depending on the treatment plan and facility, follow your provider's instructions rather than relying on a general rule.
What should I look for in a moisturizer for radiation-sensitive skin?
Look for skincare that is gentle, moisturizing, and appropriate for sensitive skin.
Many people prefer products without strong fragrances, harsh exfoliating ingredients, or other ingredients they know irritate their skin. A simple routine can be easier to maintain when skin is feeling especially sensitive.
Always check the ingredient list and discuss new products with your healthcare team if you have questions.
Can I use My Girls Skin Care during radiation therapy?
My Girls Skin Care is designed as supportive cosmetic skincare for sensitive, treatment-stressed skin.
If you are undergoing radiation therapy, ask your radiation oncology team whether and when they recommend using a moisturizer on your treatment area. Their instructions should always take priority.
When should I apply moisturizer during radiation treatment?
Follow the schedule recommended by your radiation oncology team.
If your provider recommends moisturizing during treatment, use the product according to their instructions and the product label. Do not assume that applying a product immediately before radiation is appropriate for every treatment plan.
How should I care for my skin after radiation therapy?
Skin can remain sensitive after radiation treatment ends. A gentle routine may include mild cleansing, regular moisturizing as recommended by your care team, avoiding unnecessary friction, and protecting treated skin from excessive sun exposure.
If skin changes continue, worsen, or concern you after treatment, talk with your healthcare provider.
Learn more: Radiation Skin Care Guide
Chemotherapy & Sensitive Skin
Can chemotherapy affect the skin?
Yes. Some chemotherapy treatments can be associated with changes in the skin, including dryness, sensitivity, redness, itching, discoloration, or rashes.
The type and severity of skin changes can vary considerably depending on the medication and the individual. If you develop a new or severe skin reaction during treatment, tell your oncology team.
How can I care for dry skin during chemotherapy?
A gentle skincare routine can help keep dry skin feeling more comfortable.
Consider using a mild cleanser, avoiding unnecessary scrubbing or exfoliation, and applying a moisturizer that your skin tolerates well. Keeping showers lukewarm rather than very hot may also help reduce dryness.
Your oncology team can provide recommendations based on your specific treatment.
What is hand-foot syndrome?
Hand-foot syndrome, also called palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a skin reaction associated with certain cancer treatments. It can affect the palms of the hands and soles of the feet and may cause redness, tenderness, swelling, dryness, or other changes.
If you experience new or worsening symptoms in your hands or feet during treatment, tell your oncology team. They can determine whether your symptoms are related to your treatment and recommend appropriate care.
Can I use My Girls Skin Care for chemotherapy-related dry skin?
My Girls Skin Care products are intended as topical moisturizers for maintaining the healthy appearance of skin.
If chemotherapy is causing dryness or sensitivity, discuss your skincare routine with your oncology team and discontinue any product that causes irritation or an unexpected reaction.
About My Girls Skin Care
What is My Girls Skin Care?
My Girls Skin Care is a women-owned skincare brand focused on gentle, botanical-based skincare for people navigating sensitive skin during and after cancer treatment.
The brand was created from the founder's personal experience with breast cancer and the skin challenges associated with treatment.
Why was My Girls Skin Care created?
Our founder, Theresa Keresztes, developed My Girls Skin Care after experiencing cancer treatment herself.
The brand grew from a desire to create skincare focused on comfort for people dealing with sensitive, treatment-stressed skin.
Over the years, My Girls Skin Care has also received feedback from patients, nurses, oncology professionals, and cancer-care organizations using or sharing the products with patients.
Learn more: About My Girls Skin Care
See provider feedback: Clinical & Provider Feedback
How long has My Girls Skin Care been around?
My Girls Skin Care has been serving the cancer-care and sensitive-skin community for approximately 18 years.
Our longevity is important to us because it represents years of listening to patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and families navigating cancer treatment.
Who is My Girls Skin Care for?
My Girls Skin Care is designed for people looking for gentle cosmetic moisturizers for sensitive or treatment-stressed skin.
Our products may be of interest to people experiencing dryness or sensitivity associated with cancer treatment, as well as anyone looking for a gentle moisturizer for sensitive skin.
Are My Girls Skin Care products a drug?
No. Our products are marketed as topical cosmetic moisturizers intended to help maintain the healthy appearance of the skin.
They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
If you are receiving cancer treatment, always follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding products used on treated skin.
Where are My Girls Skin Care products made?
Our custom formulas are manufactured in the United States.
For the most current ingredient and product information, always refer to the product packaging and current product page.
Are My Girls Skin Care products tested on animals?
Our products are not tested on animals.
Are My Girls Skin Care products gluten-free?
Our products are gluten-free.
If you have a specific allergy, sensitivity, or medical concern, always review the current ingredient list on the product packaging and speak with your healthcare provider when appropriate.
Ingredients & Sensitive Skin
What is calendula?
Calendula, also known as Calendula officinalis or marigold, is a botanical ingredient traditionally used in skincare formulations for sensitive and dry skin.
My Girls Skin Care uses calendula in several of its formulas.
Why is calendula used in My Girls Skin Care?
Calendula is valued in skincare for its botanical properties and is commonly included in formulations intended to moisturize and comfort dry or sensitive-feeling skin.
Our use of calendula is part of our broader philosophy of creating gentle, botanical-based skincare.
Does My Girls Skin Care contain fragrance?
Check the current ingredient list for the specific product you are considering. Product formulas and ingredient lists can change, so the packaging and current product page should always be considered the most up-to-date source.
If you are especially sensitive to fragrance or essential oils, review the complete ingredient list before use.
Does My Girls Skin Care contain alcohol?
Our products may contain fatty alcohol ingredients used in cosmetic formulation. These are chemically different from ethanol, the type of alcohol commonly associated with drying or disinfecting products.
If you have a particular ingredient sensitivity, please review the current ingredient list and contact us with questions.
What if I have sensitive skin or allergies?
Even gentle or botanical skincare can cause a reaction in someone who is sensitive to a particular ingredient.
Before using a new product, review the ingredient list carefully. If you have known allergies—particularly to botanical ingredients—ask your physician, dermatologist, or other healthcare professional whether the product is appropriate for you.
Stop using a product and seek appropriate medical advice if you experience a concerning reaction.
Can I use My Girls Skin Care on broken or open skin?
Do not assume that a cosmetic moisturizer is appropriate for open, broken, blistered, or weeping skin.
If your skin has broken down during radiation or chemotherapy, contact your oncology care team for specific instructions before applying a skincare product.
Using My Girls Skin Care During Cancer Treatment
Can I use skincare products during cancer treatment?
Many people use skincare products during cancer treatment, but the right products and timing depend on the treatment and the individual.
Your oncology team should be your first resource when deciding what to apply to skin affected by radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, or other cancer treatments.
Should I ask my oncology team before using a new skincare product?
Yes.
Especially when skin is being treated with radiation or is damaged, irritated, or unusually sensitive, your oncology team can tell you which products are appropriate and when to use them.
We encourage patients to share the products they are considering with their healthcare providers.
What if a skincare product makes my skin worse?
Stop using any product that causes a concerning reaction and contact your healthcare provider if needed.
During cancer treatment, new or worsening skin symptoms can sometimes require medical evaluation. Do not rely on a cosmetic product to manage a significant skin reaction.
Can I use My Girls Skin Care after radiation therapy?
My Girls Skin Care can be used as a topical moisturizer for maintaining the healthy appearance of skin, subject to the product directions and your healthcare provider's recommendations.
Because treated skin can remain sensitive after radiation, continue following your care team's guidance about cleansing, moisturizing, sun protection, and other skin care.
Questions About Product Quality
Where can I find the current ingredients?
The most current ingredient information should be taken from the individual product page and product packaging.
Because formulations can change, always check the current label before use—especially if you have allergies or known ingredient sensitivities.
How do I get samples?
My Girls Skin Care supplies product sample starter kits to treatment centers.
If you represent an oncology practice, cancer center, or treatment facility and would like information about samples, please contact our Customer Support Team.
Where can I buy My Girls Skin Care?
My Girls Skin Care products are available through our website and selected retailers.
You can use our Retailers page to look for a retailer near you.
What Should I Do If I Have a Skin Reaction During Cancer Treatment?
Your oncology care team should always be your first resource for a new, severe, or worsening skin reaction during cancer treatment.
Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience symptoms such as significant pain, blistering, open or weeping skin, signs of infection, or a rapidly worsening reaction.
My Girls Skin Care products are intended to provide cosmetic moisturizing and comfort and are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.
More Radiation & Chemotherapy Skin Care Resources
Looking for more information?
Radiation Skin Care Guide
Learn about common skin changes associated with radiation therapy and general supportive skincare practices.
Clinical & Provider Feedback
Read feedback shared by oncology professionals and treatment centers.
Research & Education
Explore additional information about ingredients and skincare.
About My Girls Skin Care
Learn about our history and why the brand was created.
Shop Sensitive-Skin Care
Explore our skincare products for dry, sensitive, and treatment-stressed skin.
A Note From My Girls Skin Care
Cancer treatment is different for every person, and so is every person's skin.
We created My Girls Skin Care to offer a gentle, comforting skincare option for people navigating this difficult chapter. We are grateful to the patients, caregivers, nurses, clinicians, and families who have trusted us over the years.
Please always follow the recommendations of your own healthcare team.
My Girls Skin Care products are intended for topical cosmetic use and to help maintain the healthy appearance of the skin. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.