Sensitive Skin Care · Milton Keynes
Skin Affected by
Cancer Treatment
Gentle, clinically informed support for your skin during and after treatment
Cancer treatment can have a significant impact on the skin, hair and nails. At Shujo Aesthetics, we understand how distressing these visible changes can be during an already difficult time. We are here to offer calm, compassionate clinical support — helping to restore comfort and confidence in your skin throughout your treatment journey.
Book a ConsultationA Note From Our Clinical Lead
"We approach every person going through cancer treatment with the utmost sensitivity and care. Our role is to support your skin — gently and safely — so that one less thing is weighing on you during your journey."
— Esther E-Okorie, Advanced Nurse Practitioner & Founder, Shujo Aesthetics
Please always consult your oncologist before beginning any new skincare treatment during cancer therapy. Our clinical team will work alongside your existing medical care to ensure that any approach we recommend is appropriate and safe for your individual situation.
Understanding the Condition
How Cancer Treatment
Affects the Skin
When undergoing treatment for cancer, the skin, hair and nails can all be affected as a consequence of the therapies involved. These changes are typically side effects of treatment rather than the cancer itself — and while they may not be medically serious, they can cause significant physical discomfort and affect how a person feels about their appearance.
Skin reactions vary considerably depending on the type of treatment being received, the dosage, and the individual's skin type. Common skin-related side effects include rashes, dryness, itching and heightened sensitivity to sunlight. These can range in severity from mild to more pronounced — and in many cases, they can be meaningfully managed with the right skincare approach.
Treatment Context
Cancer Therapies That Can Affect the Skin
These therapies are designed to target cancer cells — but in doing so, they can also affect healthy cells and tissue, including the skin.
Chemotherapy
Systemic chemotherapy can affect the entire body — including the skin, hair follicles and nails — as it targets rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer cells and healthy skin cells.
Radiotherapy
Radiation directed at a specific area of the body can cause the skin in that region to become red, tender, itchy or to peel — similar in some ways to a severe sunburn reaction.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies — which interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth — frequently cause skin rashes and dryness as one of their most common side effects.
Bone Marrow Transplant
Bone marrow and stem cell transplants can trigger skin reactions as part of the body's complex immune response — including rashes, changes in skin texture and increased sensitivity.
Common Skin Side Effects
Understanding & Managing
Skin Changes
Skin Rashes
Mild to Severe
Treatment-related rashes can range considerably in severity and may resemble acne or other inflammatory skin conditions. They most commonly affect the face, chest and back. Depending on the severity, rashes may be managed through prescription creams, oral medication, or careful adjustment of treatment dosage in consultation with your oncologist.
Skincare Tip
Use fragrance-free, non-comedogenic products only. Avoid active ingredients such as retinol and exfoliating acids during treatment.
Xerosis — Dry Skin
Very Common · Manageable
Medically referred to as xerosis, dry skin is one of the most frequently reported skin-related side effects of cancer treatment — and is particularly prevalent in those being treated for blood cancers, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. The skin's natural moisture barrier becomes compromised, leading to tightness, flaking and discomfort.
Skincare Tip
Bathe in warm — not hot — water, and apply a rich, fragrance-free moisturiser immediately afterwards while the skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration.
Pruritus — Itching
Common · Distressing
Persistent itching — known clinically as pruritus — can be one of the most uncomfortable and disruptive skin side effects of cancer therapy. It is particularly associated with blood cancers and certain targeted therapies. Scratching can worsen the condition and increase the risk of skin damage or infection, making gentle management essential.
Skincare Tip
Avoid all fragranced skincare, fabric conditioners and soap. Opt for hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested products formulated for sensitive skin.
Photosensitivity
Heightened Sun Sensitivity
Many cancer therapies significantly increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight — causing it to burn, redden or react much more easily than it normally would, even with limited sun exposure. This heightened photosensitivity can persist throughout the duration of treatment and sometimes beyond it.
Skincare Tip
Cover exposed skin where possible when outdoors. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily — even in winter or on overcast days — and reapply regularly.
How We Can Support You
Specialist Skincare
During Your Journey
At Shujo Aesthetics, we stock a carefully selected range of medical-grade skincare products that are specifically formulated to support the skin during and after cancer treatment. These are gentle, clinically validated formulations designed to soothe, protect and restore the skin's natural barrier — without aggravating sensitive or compromised skin.
During a consultation with Esther, we will take the time to understand your current treatment, the specific skin concerns you are experiencing, and your skin type — before recommending the most appropriate products and approach for your individual needs. Nothing will be recommended that is not clinically suitable for your situation.
Medical-Grade Moisturisers
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulations to deeply hydrate and repair the skin's natural barrier — easing dryness and discomfort associated with xerosis.
High-SPF Sun Protection
Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ products suitable for photosensitive skin — providing essential daily protection from UV exposure during and after treatment.
Targeted Serums & Treatments
Where appropriate, carefully selected serums to address specific concerns — such as redness, dullness or uneven skin tone — using formulas safe for treatment-compromised skin.
Everyday Skin Guidance
Simple Steps to Protect & Soothe Your Skin
Use Warm, Not Hot Water
Hot water strips the skin's natural oils and worsens dryness. Opt for lukewarm water when bathing or showering, and keep wash time short to minimise moisture loss.
Avoid Fragranced Products
Fragrance — whether in skincare, soap or fabric products — is one of the most common triggers for irritation in treatment-sensitive skin. Switch to fragrance-free alternatives across your entire routine.
Moisturise Immediately After Bathing
Apply moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration. For very dry or cracked skin, a thicker cream or ointment formulation is more effective than a lightweight lotion.
Apply SPF Every Day
Photosensitivity means your skin burns much more easily than usual. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every morning — even on cloudy days — and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to have a skin consultation during cancer treatment?
A skincare consultation focused on product recommendations and gentle skincare guidance is generally very safe during treatment. However, we always advise patients to consult their oncologist before beginning any new skincare regime, and Esther will only recommend products and approaches that are appropriate for your specific treatment and skin condition.
Can aesthetic treatments be carried out during cancer treatment?
In most cases, active aesthetic treatments such as injectables, peels or laser therapy would not be recommended during cancer treatment — as the skin and immune system may be in a more vulnerable state. Our focus during this time is on gentle, supportive skincare. Aesthetic treatments may be considered once treatment is complete and your medical team has given clearance.
Will my skin return to normal after treatment ends?
For many people, skin side effects do improve significantly once treatment concludes — though the timeline varies depending on the individual and the treatment received. Some patients find that certain changes, such as dryness or altered skin texture, persist for a period afterwards. We can support skin recovery post-treatment with an appropriate clinical skincare programme.
What skincare products are safe to use during chemotherapy?
The general guidance is to use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formulas with minimal ingredients. Avoid active ingredients such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs and vitamin C unless specifically recommended by a clinician. High-SPF sun protection is essential. Esther can advise on specific products that are safe and appropriate for your skin during a consultation.
Do I need a referral from my oncologist to book a consultation?
No referral is needed to book a consultation at Shujo Aesthetics. We do recommend that you inform your oncologist that you are seeking additional skincare support, and we will always work within the parameters of your existing medical care to ensure everything we recommend is suitable for your situation.
We Are Here to Support You
Compassionate Care
for Your Skin & Confidence
If you or someone you know is experiencing skin changes as a result of cancer treatment, we would be honoured to help. Book a gentle consultation with Esther at our Milton Keynes clinic — and let us support you through your journey, one step at a time.
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