Skin Barrier Care During Treatment

Cancer treatment can be very taxing on your body, and your skin. Whether you're undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies, one common side effect is visible damage to the skin barrier.

The skin barrier is your body’s natural shield. It helps lock in moisture, protect against infection, and guard against environmental irritants. But during cancer treatment, this protective layer can become compromised, leading to dryness, sensitivity, itching, peeling, or even painful rashes. Caring for your skin during treatment isn’t just about comfort and reducing visible side effects; it’s about protecting and repairing your body’s largest organ while it’s especially vulnerable.

Let's take a closer look at what the skin barrier is and why it’s so important. We'll also explore gentle and effective steps you can take to support skin healing, as well as how to avoid and prevent further irritation to help you maintain skin health and reduce discomfort. With the right care, you can protect and repair skin even while treatment is ongoing.

What Is the Skin Barrier and Why It Matters

Your skin is made up of several layers, but the outermost one, the stratum corneum, is what we refer to as the skin barrier. It’s more than just a surface layer; it's a biologically active shield that plays a critical role in your overall health. Think of it as a brick wall: the tightly packed skin cells (called corneocytes) are the bricks, and natural fats (like ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids) act as the mortar holding everything together. 

In healthy conditions, your skin is constantly regenerating, old cells are shed, and new ones rise to the surface in a well-orchestrated cycle. But cancer treatments can disrupt this rhythm. When the skin barrier is strong, your skin feels smooth, hydrated, and resilient. But when it’s weakened, it can lead to:

• Dryness or flakiness
• Cracking or peeling
• Redness or inflammation
• Itching or burning
• Increased sensitivity to products or environmental triggers
• Higher risk of infections or rashes

Cancer treatments often reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture and produce its own oil. It can also thin the outermost layers of the skin and alter how cells mature and repair. Radiation can cause localized damage, peeling, or burns. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies may trigger inflammation or skin conditions like eczema or acneiform eruptions. All these effects weaken your skin’s ability to protect itself, leaving it dry, fragile, and more prone to discomfort.

When the skin barrier is compromised, even everyday activities like showering, dressing, or being outdoors can become uncomfortable or even painful. Broken skin can also increase the risk of infection, which is especially important to avoid during treatment when your immune system may already be weakened.

Understanding how your treatment can affect your skin helps you prepare and gives you the power to take proactive steps to minimize discomfort and protect your skin from further damage. We have a detailed blog post on this topic that you can check out here: How Chemo & Radiation Affect Your Skin.

Skin Barrier Care During Treatment

When your skin is vulnerable, simplicity, gentleness and consistency are your best allies. The goal isn’t to load up on dozens of products; it’s to build a minimal, calming routine that supports healing and reduces irritation. Rebuilding and protecting this outermost layer doesn’t just improve comfort, it supports your skin's immune function, reduces the risk of secondary issues, and contributes to a better sense of well-being during a physically demanding time. 

Here are some core principles to help you care for and repair your skin barrier during and after cancer treatment:

Keep It Gentle: Cleanse Without Stripping

A lot of formulas out there look clinical and claim to be gentle yet are made completely of harsh sulfates, detergents and soaps that strip your skin of natural oils it desperately needs during treatment. 

Tips:

• Use lukewarm water (hot water can cause more damage and worsen dryness).
• Limit showers to 5–10 minutes to avoid over-drying. Avoid taking baths.
• If you want to gently exfoliate the skin, use a soft, warm, damp washcloth with a gentle cleanser such as our creamy, hydrating Milk Wash to help remove any excess dry skin and flakes. Do not pick or peel.
• Try using your hands instead of a washcloth, puff or loofah as they can be too abrasive.
• If your skin is very dry, consider skipping cleansing every other day and rinsing with water only.
• Find and use a cleanser made with natural cleansing ingredients that provides the skin not only with hygiene and hydration, but also supports skin health and the recovery of the skin barrier.
• Choose a sulfate-free, non-irritating, hypoallergenic cleanser designed specifically for sensitive skin.
• Avoid formulas that include synthetic preservatives like parabens or phenoxyethanol.
• Use a humidifier, especially in winter or dry climates, to help your skin retain moisture naturally.
  
• Pat skin dry gently with a clean, soft towel, don’t rub.

Try: We recommend our pH-balanced face and body Ultra Gentle Cleanser with Ceramides. This was formulated specifically for hypersensitive skin: it's 75% gentler than SLS, 38% gentler than other clinical cleansers.

Moisturize Like It’s Medicine

Moisturizing isn't optional anymore; it's absolutely essential. A good, healthy moisturizer should provide hydration, help to bolster and repair the skin barrier, reduce water loss, and calm irritation. 

Tips:

• Apply moisturizer immediately after bathing or hand washing for best absorption.
• Don’t wait until skin feels dry, moisturize proactively at least 2–3 times per day.
• For extremely dry or cracked areas, generously apply moisturizer before bed to let it sink in deeply.
• Place socks on feet and/or hands to help lock moisture in overnight.
• Be gentle and intentional with application. Don’t rub fragile skin too hard.
• Find and use a moisturizer that rubs in easily to limit the amount of friction needed on the skin.
• Find and use a made with natural oils and ingredients that supports skin health and skin barrier repair.
• Choose a beneficial, non-irritating, petroleum-oil-free, restorative formula designed for sensitive skin.
• Avoid formulas that include synthetic preservatives like Parabens or Phenoxyethanol.
• Use a natural lip balm free of petroleum-based oils to keep lips healthy and hydrated.

Try: We recommend our highly soothing face and body Fast Hydrating Lotion. This was formulated specifically for hypersensitive skin with natural, high-quality, skin-compatible oils for deep hydration, fast.

Avoid Irritants and Overcomplication

When caring for skin during and after treatment, skin can become hypersensitive. When choosing what products to use on your skin, discernment is key. For more on what ingredients to avoid during treatment, check out our very detailed and extensive guide here: 9 Ingredients to Avoid During Treatment. 

Tips:

• Always make sure to thoroughly read your ingredient labels.
• Use natural, gentle, hydrating products that aren’t loaded with too many ingredients.
• Use products made by reputable brands that are dermatologically tested specifically on sensitive skin.
• Patch test new products on a small area of skin (like inside the arm) before using them all over.
• Use dye-free laundry detergent and avoid fabric softeners as they can aggravate sensitive skin.
• Avoid applying makeup on broken, peeling, or irritated skin.
  

Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Cancer treatments often make skin more photosensitive, so if you're going outside, sun protection is essential.

Tips:

• Choose SPF 15 or higher for maximum, long-lasting protection.
• Use a broad-spectrum SPF, physical, natural mineral sunscreen with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide.
• Reapply every 2 hours if exposed to the sun, or if sun cream has been physically rubbed or wiped off.
• Avoid chemical sunscreens as they often contain penetration enhancers and require frequent reapplications.
• Avoid chemical sunscreens as they are notorious for causing irritation to sensitive skin.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and protective clothing when outdoors.
• If you’re indoors but near windows, use sun protection and/or sun protective clothing.

Skin side effects during cancer treatment are common, but with the right knowledge and routine, they can often be managed effectively. By understanding how treatment affects the skin barrier and taking simple, proactive steps—like gentle cleansing, consistent moisturizing, avoiding irritants and sun protection—you can help maintain your skin’s health and comfort throughout your treatment journey.

If you're looking for skincare specifically designed with sensitive, treatment-affected skin in mind, our Oncology Care range was developed to offer gentle, supportive options. These products are free from common irritants like harsh chemicals and made to nourish compromised skin with care. As always, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider with any concerns about skin reactions or new symptoms during treatment. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can support your skin through this process.