Oncology aesthetics is a discipline that deals with helping cancer sufferers face the disease with a more positive self-image, both physically and mentally, and today it is increasingly seen as a complementary element to cancer therapies. In support, many studies have been done verifying the effectiveness of Dermo-cosmetological Treatments on psychological and dermatological well-being. In particular, a study performed by researchers the U.O.C. of Oncology of ASST Bergamo Est evaluated the impact that the use of products from the Oncos Dermocosmetica line has in reducing skin-related symptoms, consequently improving women’s well-being and quality of life, as well as compliance with therapy. The study involved 61 women undergoing treatment for breast cancer who were divided into two groups one of which used products from the Oncos line for 28 days while the other used generic cosmetics. The results were surprising: all women who used the Oncos product showed a gradual improvement in the perception of their quality of life, demonstrating that the use of the specific cosmetic product leads women to have less pain and discomfort with respect to dermatological problems, but also to higher self-esteem and better social relationships. The results therefore confirm that taking care of one’s body, and specifically one’s skin, helps increase not only physical health, but also psychological well-being. It is therefore necessary to help women cope with the side effects, since their reduction not only improves women’s well-being. but it also promotes greater adherence to therapy, thereby aiding the entire treatment process.
THE SKIN.
Cancer therapies have an impact on the entire body and consequently also on the skin, which undergoes drastic changes, either because of the disease or as a response to some chemotherapy treatments. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy while effective in fighting a tumor, interfere with the normal function performed by the skin, causing various disorders including: REDNESS, DRYNESS, INFLAMMATION, FRAGILITY, SKIN RASH, HYPERSENSITIVITY TO SUNLIGHT, AND ITCHING.
When it is intact, the skin provides protection and is able to perfectly exert its barrier function against external agents, but when the side effects generated by therapies take over, the skin loses its original protective capacity and is more fragile, sensitive and reactive here then the use of an appropriately formulated cosmetic helps to reduce the main symptoms of dehydration and irritation, restoring ” hydration of the stratum corneum thanks to the use of emollient, soothing and restructuring ingredients.
To prevent and counteract skin damage, a proper daily routine is important:
DELICATE DETERGENCE: Skin should always be treated carefully and gently using products with mild surfactants by favoring gentle detergents over soaps, which, at this stage, may be too aggressive.
MOISTURIZING AND NUTRITION: Of utmost importance in order to counteract dryness, itching, inflammation and dullness is the application of cosmetic products with strongly moisturizing and nourishing properties, which deeply hydrate the skin by going on to restore water balance.
IN CASE OF PRURITY AND REDNESS: Do not use scented, deodorant, natural soaps and talcum powder that can counteract these annoyances.
LIMIT EXPOSURE TO THE SUN: apply sunscreens with other protective factors.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE BEST AVOIDED?
During the treatment period, and in some cases during the recovery period, the skin needs special attention, and numerous cosmetic products available on the market are not always suitable for people undergoing cancer treatment among the ingredients that should be avoided are: parabens, diazolidinyl urea, dea, tea, harsh surfactants, oxybenzone, silicones, glycols, alcohol, aluminum, talcum powder, sulfates, triclosan. Sensitized skin often becomes reddened by contact with perfumes. This is because fragrance carries its allergenic fraction due to the many allergens in such raw materials, hence the importance of formulating fragrance-free dermocosmetic products.
WHAT INGREDIENTS TO FAVOR?
The first thing is to restore the barrier function. Therefore, it is good to use cosmetics with good nourishing, moisturizing and restructuring power. First of all, it is good to favor emulsions that are free of ethoxylated molecules because the emulsifying system must be as natural and dermocompatible as possible. For the oily phase very suitable are vegetable oils with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3-6-9), such as Rice Oil, Argan Oil, unsaponifiable Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Very important are himogenic moles that are able to retain water in the tissues such as Hyaluronic Acid Trehalose, Glycerin, Xylitol and Sorbitol. Still among the actives not to be missed in cancer skin treatments are those molecules that can “soothe” itching with anesthetic-like activity and are mostly peptides such as Acetyl Tetrapeptide-15 or more natural ones such as Zanthoxylum Bungeanum (Sichuan Pepper) extract.
Both of these ingredients are based on a novel mechanism of action that specifically reduces nerve responses to external stimuli; they also increase the dermis’ threshold of torllerance and reduce hyperreactivity reactions of environmental factors. Still among more recommended actives are distinctly moisturizing and soothing actives including NFM (natural moisturizing factor), Allantoin, Bisabolol and 18 Beta Glycyrrhetinic Acid.
PURPOSES OF ONCOS PRODUCTS
Use of such products will help improve the aesthetic appearance of the skin of patients undergoing cancer therapies, helping to reduce bothersome flaking, providing relief from itching due to the soothing effect, and also helping to normalize and protect the epidermis. Products from the ONCOS dermocosmetic line used on a daily basis significantly improve the appearance of the skin and participate in improving the quality of life for those affected by an oncological disease. All products in the line are Dermatologically tested to try to minimize the impact on delicate skin that is highly responsive to internal and external stimuli.
THE ONCOS DERMOCOSMETIC LINE
BB CREAM: Soft emulsion that not only performs the typical tasks of a day cream but also makes the skin more even and radiant by minimizing blemishes and imperfections. The ideal product for daily use that solves three important functions in one step: moisturize, even out, and minimize. Functional actives: Shea butter, Jojobo oil, Vitamin E.
EMOLLIENT BODY CREAM: Gentle body cream formulated to moisturize, protect, soothe and improve the overall condition of the skin, also excellent for relaxing and revitalizing massages. The natural active ingredient derived from Sichuan pepper, a powerful leninvo and soothing agent combats the uncomfortable itching sensation. The product is enriched
by the natural moisturizing factor (NMF) aimed at promoting respect for the natural hydrolipid mantle and by numerous active ingredients that play an important restorative and protective emollient action. Functional actives: Sichuan Pepper, Natural Moisture Factor (NMFI), Shea Butter, Almond Oil, Rice Oil, Vitamin E.
BODY OIL: Massage oil with a dry, light texture perfect for softening and soothing the skin. Thanks to the natural active ingredient derived from Sichuan Pepper, a powerful soothing and calming agent, it combats the annoying itchy feeling. The product is enriched with emollient and protective Argan and Sweet Almond Oils and Rice and Avocado oils with eudermic and restorative activity. Functional actives: Sichuan Pepper, Almond Oil, Argon Oil, Rice Oil, Avocado Oil.
MOISTURIZING FACE DETERGENT: Delicate emulsion formulated to cleanse and moisturize the skin of the face and neck. Indicated as a daily cleansing treatment, it contains a mix of Vitamins with brightening, protective and moisturizing actions. Thanks to the natural active ingredient derived from Sichuan pepper, a powerful soothing and calming agent combats the annoying itchy feeling. Valuable oils and plant extracts with emollient and protective action complete the product’s effectiveness. Functional actives: Vitamin E, Sichuan Pepper, Almond Oil, Rice Oil.
DELICATE SHAMPOO: Shower shampoo designed to gently cleanse the skin while respecting the physiological pH and balance of the skin’s hydrolipid mantle. Keratin and Panthenol provide moisturizing and restructuring action; Oat extract gives the product soothing and softening properties. Functional actives: Keratin, Panthenol. oat extract.
MOISTURIZING FACE CREAM: Delicate emulsion formulated to moisturize, protect and soothe and improve the overall condition of facial skin. Indicated as a daily restorative treatment, it contains Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil with nourishing, emollient and protective activity. In addition, the natural active ingredient derived from Sichuan Pepper,
Powerful soothing and calming agent combats the uncomfortable itching sensation. The product is enriched with Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) aimed at promoting respect for the natural hydrolipid mantle and extract or Prickly Pear that promotes prolonged hydration over time. Functional actives: Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Sichuan Pepper, Natural Moisture Factor (NMF) extracted from Prickly Pear.
HANDS, FEET AND NAILS CREAM: Delicate emulsion formulated to moisturize, protect and soothe and improve the overall condition of the skin of the hands, feet and nails. Great to use every day as a restorative treatment. It contains Shea Butter, Sweet Almond and Rice Oil with emollient, protective and soothing properties, Hyaluronic Acid and Keratin with moisturizing and restorative properties. In addition, the presence of Lactoferin with antibacterial and antifungal properties helps maintain the microbiological balance of the skin. Functional actives: Shea Butter, Sweet Almond and Rice Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Keratin, Lactoferin.
SALVAVEN CREAM: Soft cream formulated to moisturize. protect and keep the skin intact and provide relief to the underlying veins in those areas under great stress. The high mix of specific active ingredients used in this cream are able to help protect the skin while promoting its elasticity. Patients undergoing cancer therapy who develop hypersensitivity to drugs at the infusion site find benefit from daily application of Salvaven Cream. Functional actives: Bisabolol, Sweet Almond and Rice Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin PP, Melilot dry extract, Vitamin E, Tea tree Oil.
COLLUTORY XEROGEL: is formulated with specific cellulose polymers, Trehalose and Hyaluronic Acid that give the product long-lasting lubricating, wetting and protective properties throughout the oral cavity. The presence of specific salts that mimic the composition of saliva helps to maintain proper hydration in the oral cavity while improving dry mouth due also to cancer therapies. Sichuan Pepper due to its soothing and calming power helps or counteract pain, gum sensitivity and redness of the oral cavity. Functional actives: Hyaluronic acid, Trehalose, Sichuan Pepper.