Oncology Esthetics

Oncology Esthetics involves advanced education and training that is designed to provide estheticians with the knowledge of how to modify skincare/spa treatments to ensure a safe outcome for your skin if you are living with cancer. Most people look for comfort and relief from the unpleasant side effects associated with cancer treatments and therapies such as dryness, loss of elasticity and rashes, among other issues.

Oncology Esthetics complements medical oncology treatments and falls under the integrative approach. Each client has unique circumstances and may respond differently to cancer or cancer treatments. Estheticians trained in Oncology Esthetics will seek to approach your skincare treatments with a heightened level of sensitivity based on the conditions you may be dealing with.

It is absolutely safe to have skin care services while in active treatment or recovery, if you are going to an esthetician who is certified in oncology skin care and using a product line that is oncology-approved. The timing of oncology treatments in relation to skin care services is important and should always be considered. A release from your doctor is also required..

Our skin is our largest organ. What is happening in and on our body will always reflect through the condition of our skin. When a cancer diagnosis is given, it is time to prepare the skin for the effects of the treatments that may lie ahead. Well-prepared skin will be less likely to react and flare as a result of treatment. Once treatment has begun, we are managing symptoms through skin care services to reduce inflammation, redness, irritation and dryness, for example. Lastly, in recovery, we are rebuilding and restoring the barrier function of the skin to promote the growth of new healthy skin cells.

Oncology Esthetic treatments involve an in-depth analysis and understanding of the cancer journey of each client. As oncology skin care therapists, we are trained to identify and understand the long-term side effects of cancer on the skin and how to provide treatment modifications that won’t cause reactions that will further compromise already sensitized skin.

• The exclusive use of oncology-approved skin care lines
• Avoiding excessive heat, pressure or friction during treatment steps
• Avoiding exfoliants such as chemical peels and harsh scrubs
• Limiting the use of stimulating and irritating products
• Modified massage techniques based on ports, edema, surgical sites, etc.
• Customized home care programs to further support the preparation and healing of sensitized skin

Modified esthetic services make sense for anyone living with cancer whether in active treatment or recent recovery. As specialists, oncology estheticians have a unique level of understanding of the long-term side effects of cancer treatments. We offer safe, effective and relaxing treatments to anyone with sensitized or compromised skin due to medical conditions. I am proud to be a part of the integrative team at Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine.

I provide skin care services including gentle facials, hand and foot treatments, scalp treatments and eye treatments using Hale and Hush Products.

We are going to take all aspects of a client’s situation into consideration before determining the best treatment for your skin, such as the following:

• Are you experiencing any rashes or irritations due to your treatments?
• Any acne-like symptoms caused by medication?
• Any changes in your skin tone, temperature or texture due to treatment?
• Is there any neuropathy occurring, so we know about appropriate pressure and temperature?
• Have you had any lymph nodes removed, so we know if and how we can offer massage during the treatment?
• Do you have an active port? If so, we have to consider what quadrants of the body can receive massage services.
• Are there any specific draping requirements? 

Once we have a clear understanding of your situation, we can determine what modifications need to be made during treatment to keep you safe and comfortable.