Radiation Skin Care Guide: Caring for Skin During Radiation | My Girls
Radiation therapy is an important part of cancer treatment, but it can also cause temporary changes to the skin in the area being treated.
Your skin may become dry, red, darker, itchy, tender, flaky, or more sensitive as treatment progresses. For some people, skin reactions are mild. For others, especially when treatment involves areas where skin folds or rubs together, the reaction can become more significant.
The good news is that there are simple ways to care for your skin and help keep it comfortable.
This guide explains what to expect, how to build a gentle radiation skin-care routine, what to ask your radiation oncology team, and when a skin reaction needs medical attention.
Most importantly: your radiation oncology team should always have the final word about what you put on your treatment area and when you use it.
What Is Radiation Therapy?
Radiation therapy uses high doses of radiation to damage the DNA of cancer cells, helping to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
External beam radiation therapy directs radiation from a machine toward a specific area of the body. Because the treatment is focused on a particular area, skin changes usually occur in or around the treatment field rather than throughout the entire body.
Radiation can also affect healthy cells in the treatment area. Because skin cells normally need time to regenerate, repeated radiation treatments can lead to changes in the appearance and feel of the skin.
What Can Radiation Do to Your Skin?
Not everyone experiences the same skin reaction.
Depending on your treatment, dose, treatment area, skin type, and individual response, you may notice:
- Dryness
- Redness or a sunburn-like appearance
- Darkening or changes in skin color
- Itching
- Sensitivity or tenderness
- Warmth
- Flaking or peeling
- Swelling
- Rash-like changes
- Hair loss in the treatment area
- More fragile or delicate-feeling skin
More significant reactions can include painful peeling, blistering, sores, or moist areas where the skin has broken down. NCI recommends telling your healthcare team about skin changes so they can determine the appropriate treatment.
Every person's radiation experience is different
The location of your treatment matters.
Skin reactions may look different when radiation is directed toward the breast, chest, head and neck, abdomen, pelvis, or another area of the body.
Your oncology team can tell you what is most likely with your specific treatment plan.
When Do Radiation Skin Changes Begin?
Skin changes often develop gradually rather than immediately after the first treatment.
Some people notice little or nothing during the early treatments and then begin experiencing dryness, redness, itching, or sensitivity as treatment continues.
Skin reactions can also continue or temporarily become more noticeable after the final radiation treatment.
This is one reason it is important to continue paying attention to your skin even after your last treatment.
If you're unsure whether a change is a normal treatment-related reaction, ask your radiation oncology team.
7 Simple Rules for Radiation Skin Care
1. Be Gentle
Treat the skin in the radiation field gently.
Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, scratching, or exfoliating the treatment area.
When bathing, use lukewarm rather than very hot water and gently pat the area dry instead of rubbing it with a towel. NCI recommends gentle bathing and avoiding friction on treated skin.
2. Ask Before Applying Products
There is no single skincare routine that is right for every radiation patient.
Your radiation oncology team may recommend a particular moisturizer, cream, gel, prescription medication, or other skin-care product.
Ask your team:
- What moisturizer should I use?
- When should I apply it?
- Should I use it before or after treatment?
- Are there ingredients I should avoid?
- Can I use deodorant in the treatment area?
- Can I use sunscreen?
- Can I use my usual soap?
- What should I do if my skin begins peeling?
3. Moisturize When Your Care Team Says It's Appropriate
Moisturizing may be an important part of caring for dry or itchy skin during radiation therapy.
However, when you apply moisturizer matters, and recommendations can differ between treatment centers and treatment plans.
Some radiation centers allow or recommend moisturizer during treatment, while others give specific instructions about how long before a treatment application should be avoided.
Do not assume that a product should be applied immediately before radiation.
Instead, ask your radiation team for their specific instructions.
A good question to ask:
"What moisturizer can I use, and how many hours before treatment should I stop applying it?"
Why Moisturizing Matters
When skin becomes dry, it can feel tight, itchy, rough, or uncomfortable.
Moisturizers can help add or retain moisture and make dry skin feel softer and more comfortable. Look for a product that your skin tolerates well and that your healthcare team approves for your treatment area.
If you have known allergies or particularly sensitive skin, review the complete ingredient list before using a new product.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Friction
Radiation-treated skin can be more sensitive than usual.
Consider:
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing
- Choosing soft fabrics
- Avoiding rough or scratchy materials
- Avoiding tight clothing over the treatment area
- Avoiding unnecessary rubbing
- Asking your care team about shaving the treatment area
5. Protect Treated Skin From Excessive Heat and Cold
Do not apply heating pads, ice packs, or other very hot or very cold items directly to the treatment area unless your healthcare team specifically instructs you to do so.
NCI recommends avoiding extreme temperatures on the treatment area during radiation therapy.
That also means being cautious with:
- Hot tubs
- Saunas
- Very hot showers
- Ice packs
- Heating pads
Ask your radiation team about swimming, especially if your skin has become irritated or broken.
6. Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Radiation-treated skin can remain sensitive after treatment.
Protect the area from direct sun exposure according to your healthcare team's recommendations.
Depending on the location of your treatment, protection may include clothing, shade, and sunscreen when your provider says sunscreen is appropriate.
Don't assume that a sunscreen is appropriate for actively irritated or broken skin.
7. Don't Pick, Peel, or Scratch
As skin becomes dry or flaky, it can be tempting to remove peeling skin.
Try not to.
Picking or scratching can further irritate the skin and may increase the risk of injury or infection.
If peeling becomes extensive, painful, moist, or open, contact your oncology team.
What Ingredients Should I Look For?
There is no single "best" ingredient for everyone receiving radiation therapy.
The most important consideration is whether a product is appropriate for your particular treatment and whether your skin tolerates it.
Many people look for moisturizers that are:
- Gentle
- Fragrance-free or low-irritant
- Designed for sensitive skin
- Easy to spread without excessive rubbing
- Free from ingredients they know they personally react to
Always read the current ingredient label.
And remember: natural does not automatically mean irritation-free.
Botanical ingredients can be beneficial components of skincare, but people can also be sensitive or allergic to botanical ingredients.
Why Does My Girls Skin Care Use Calendula?
Calendula, also known as Calendula officinalis or marigold, has a long history of use in botanical skincare.
At My Girls Skin Care, calendula is an important part of our product philosophy and our brand's history.
We chose calendula because we wanted to create gentle, moisturizing skincare centered around the needs of sensitive skin.
Our products are designed to moisturize and support the healthy appearance of skin; they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent cancer or radiation dermatitis.
If you are receiving radiation therapy, ask your radiation oncology team whether a calendula-based moisturizer is appropriate for you and when it should be applied.
What About "Radiation Burns"?
Patients often use the phrase "radiation burns" to describe the skin changes they experience during radiation therapy.
The medical term commonly used is radiation dermatitis or radiation-related skin reaction.
The appearance can range from mild redness and dryness to more significant peeling and moist skin reactions.
A moist reaction occurs when skin peels and becomes moist and painful. It is more likely to occur in areas where skin folds come together, such as under the breast, behind the ears, or around the buttocks.
If your skin becomes open, blistered, weeping, or significantly painful, don't try to manage the reaction with a cosmetic moisturizer alone.
Contact your oncology team.
What If My Skin Starts Peeling?
Mild flaking can occur as radiation treatment progresses.
If your skin begins peeling:
- Don't pick or pull at the skin.
- Continue following the cleansing instructions from your treatment team.
- Ask your team what moisturizer or dressing they recommend.
- Avoid products that cause stinging or irritation.
- Contact your care team if the area becomes open, wet, blistered, significantly painful, or increasingly red.
Your healthcare team may recommend specialized dressings or prescription treatments for more significant reactions.
When Should I Call My Radiation Oncology Team?
Don't wait for your next appointment if you're concerned about a significant skin reaction.
Contact your healthcare team if you notice:
- Open or broken skin
- Blisters
- Weeping or moist areas
- Increasing pain
- Significant swelling
- Rapidly worsening redness
- Pus or drainage
- Fever or other signs of infection
- A reaction that concerns you
NCI advises patients to tell their healthcare team about skin changes during cancer treatment so they can determine appropriate management.
Radiation Skin Care After Treatment
Your skin may not return to normal immediately after your final radiation treatment.
Some people continue to experience dryness, sensitivity, color changes, or other skin changes for a period of time afterward.
Continue following the recommendations from your oncology team.
A gentle routine may include:
Cleanse gently
Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser as recommended.
Moisturize
Use the product recommended or approved by your healthcare team.
Protect
Protect treated skin from excessive sun exposure.
Observe
Pay attention to changes that are new, worsening, or concerning.
Ask
If you aren't sure whether something is normal, ask your healthcare provider.
Radiation Skin Care by Treatment Area
Breast & Chest
Breast and chest radiation can cause redness, dryness, itching, sensitivity, darkening, or peeling of the skin.
Skin folds underneath the breast may be particularly vulnerable to moisture and friction.
Ask your care team about:
- The best moisturizer for your treatment
- Bra and clothing choices
- Deodorant use
- Skin-fold care
- What to do if peeling develops
Head & Neck
Radiation involving the head and neck can affect the skin on the face, neck, scalp, or other areas within the treatment field.
Soft clothing, gentle cleansing, and careful product selection can be especially important.
Your care team can also advise you about shaving, deodorant, cosmetics, and sun protection.
Abdomen & Pelvis
Radiation to the abdomen or pelvis can affect skin in areas where clothing, skin folds, or body movement create friction.
Wear comfortable clothing and follow your care team's instructions about cleansing and moisturizing.
Other Treatment Areas
Radiation can be delivered to many parts of the body.
Your radiation oncology team can explain how your specific treatment may affect your skin and provide individualized recommendations.
Questions to Ask Your Radiation Oncology Team
Before treatment begins, consider asking:
About my skin
- What skin changes should I expect?
- When are they most likely to appear?
- How severe might they become?
- How long might they last?
About skincare
- What cleanser should I use?
- What moisturizer do you recommend?
- Can I use calendula?
- When should I apply moisturizer?
- How long before treatment should I stop applying it?
- Can I use deodorant?
- Can I shave?
- Can I use sunscreen?
- Can I swim?
If my skin changes
- What should I do if my skin becomes very red?
- What should I do if it starts peeling?
- What should I use if it becomes painful?
- Who should I contact after hours?
Knowing these answers before your skin becomes irritated can make treatment feel a little less overwhelming.
A Simple Daily Radiation Skin-Care Routine
Your own treatment team may recommend something different. Their instructions should always come first.
Morning
1. Cleanse gently
Use lukewarm water and a mild cleanser if recommended.
2. Pat dry
Avoid rubbing the treatment area.
3. Apply your recommended moisturizer
Use only products your care team has approved and follow their timing instructions.
4. Dress comfortably
Choose soft, loose-fitting clothing when possible.
Before radiation treatment
Follow your radiation center's specific instructions about products on the treatment area.
Never assume that a moisturizer should be applied immediately before treatment.
After treatment
Follow your team's instructions for cleansing and moisturizing.
If your skin becomes increasingly dry or irritated, let your care team know.
Evening
Gently cleanse if needed, pat dry, and moisturize according to your care team's recommendations.
What Not to Do During Radiation Therapy
Unless specifically instructed by your healthcare team, avoid experimenting with new products on the treatment area.
Be particularly cautious about:
- Scrubs
- Exfoliating acids
- Strong fragrances
- Products that sting
- Harsh soaps
- Hot water
- Heating pads
- Ice packs
- Tight clothing
- Scratching or picking
- Adhesive products placed directly on treated skin
NCI and other clinical patient-care resources emphasize gentle skin care and avoiding unnecessary irritation during radiation treatment.
My Girls Skin Care: Our Approach to Radiation-Sensitive Skin
My Girls Skin Care began with personal experience.
For approximately 18 years, we have focused on skincare for people navigating cancer treatment and sensitive skin.
We understand that a moisturizer is only one small part of a much bigger experience.
That's why our approach has always been centered on gentle skincare, thoughtful ingredients, listening to patients and caregivers, and respecting the guidance of oncology professionals.
Our goal is simple:
To provide a comforting skincare option for people whose skin needs extra care.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This guide is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice.
Radiation therapy affects people differently. The recommendations provided by your radiation oncologist, radiation therapist, oncology nurse, dermatologist, or other healthcare professional should always take priority over general skincare information.
My Girls Skin Care products are topical cosmetic products intended to moisturize and help maintain the healthy appearance of skin. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent cancer, radiation dermatitis, radiation burns, or any other disease or medical condition.
Do not use a cosmetic product on open, infected, blistered, or significantly damaged skin unless your healthcare professional specifically tells you to do so.
If you experience a concerning skin reaction during or after radiation therapy, contact your healthcare team.
More Resources
Radiation & Chemotherapy Skin Care FAQs
Have questions about skincare during cancer treatment? Explore FAQ's
Clinical & Provider Feedback
Learn about feedback shared by healthcare professionals and treatment centers
About My Girls Skin Care
Discover the story behind our company and our commitment to sensitive skin during cancer treatment.
Shop Radiation Skin Care
Explore our collection of gentle moisturizing products.
A Note to Patients
If you're reading this because you're about to begin radiation therapy, you may be feeling anxious about what comes next.
You don't have to know everything before your first treatment.
Ask questions. Take notes. Tell your care team when something doesn't feel right. And give yourself permission to take your treatments one day at a time.
Your skin is part of you—and during treatment, it deserves gentle care, patience and attention.