Expert Advice

No7 x Macmillan – Common Cancer Treatments & Side Effects

No7 and Macmillan's partnership exists to help you be you

Here are some of the more common types of treatment people may receive for cancer, some possible side effects and some products that can help to overcome them.

Remember, always consult your medical team and review any information provided by specialists about looking after your skin before using new products.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy can cause patches of red, sore or peeling skin (particularly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet), and you might find your skin is more sensitive to the sun. It can also cause sore cuticles which can lead them to be quite red.

Top tip: Avoid facial soap, body soap and overly fragrant body wash that can imbalance your skin and cause your skin to dry out. Replace them with shower oils or emollient washes that will nourish your skin. Also try not to have your shower on too high a temperature as this can dry out your skin. Keep your showers shorter and avoid having long, hot baths. This will prevent your skin from drying out and make sure your treated areas don’t become irritated.

Shop products that can help with some of the visible side effects of cancer treatment here.

 

No7 LABORATORIES CICA-RESCUE Skin Paste

Formulated with Centella Asiatica (CICA) also known as ‘tiger grass’ and recognized for centuries for its calming properties.

No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Cleansing Balm

Enriched with nourishing oils to help gently smooth away dryness, without leaving any residue. Helps skin to retain moisture levels, and feel hydrated.

No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED Facial Sun Protection SPF50

This gives unbeatable 5 Star UVA protection and contains a patented anti- oxidant complex, giving your skin advanced protection against the ageing effects of the sun.

No7 Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION Day Cream

This supercharged nourishing moisturiser is formulated with an advanced firming complex to reveal a more even skin tone and visibly firmer skin.
Provides protection against environmental stressors combining SPF 15 and unbeatable 5* UVA.

No7 Airbrush Away Colour Balancing Primer

Colour correcting pigments instantly balance areas of redness to achieve the appearance of even-toned skin.

No7 Protect & Perfect ADVANCED All in One Foundation

Get flawless skin in an instant, this multi-tasking, buildable coverage foundation blurs fine lines and pores while SPF 50 (our highest SPF foundation) and antioxidants protects skin from damaging UVA/UVB rays.

No7 HydraLuminous Moisturising Foundation

This moisturising foundation gives a flawless, natural finish and a healthy all-day glow. It contains skin-loving ingredients including an active blend of anti-oxidants: vitamins A, C and E together with grapeseed oil to moisturise.

 

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy can cause dry, peeling and itchy skin. Your skin may also look darker or red, and the skin around the area being treated may look swollen.

Shop products that can help with some of the visible side effects of cancer treatment here.

No7 Essential Moisture Day Cream

Nourish your skin daily with this gently caring facial moisturiser which is light and easily absorbed. Enriched with soothing Elderflower and caring Vitamins E and F.

Hypo-allergenic. Dermatologically tested. Fragrance free

No7 Radiant Results Nourishing Cleansing range

Our range of Nourishing cleansing products help gently cleanse and hydrate skin.

No7 LABORATORIES DARK CIRCLE Corrector

This clinically proven treatment for dark circles delivers fast, visible results. Light diffusing particles and colour correcting pigments in each shade help to correct skin undertones.

Hormone therapy

Hormone therapy can cause dry skin, rashes and spots.

Shop products that can help with some of the visible side effects of cancer treatment here.

No7 Youthful Replenishing Facial Oil

Our light-weight and non-greasy oil has been formulated with an active blend that mimics skin’s natural oils to give skin an intense surge of moisture and help keep moisture locked in. Hypo-Allergenic.

No7 Instant Results Nourishing Hydration Mask

Our nourishing formula for dry to very dry skin types gives an intense moisture boost leaving skin feeling hydrated and beautifully soft. Suitable for sensitive skin.

 

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy can cause dry, itchy skin, rashes and acne-like changes that should never be treated with anti-acne products, which would make it worse.

Shop products that can help with some of the visible side effects of cancer treatment here.

No7 LABORATORIES HYDRATING Skin Paste

A nourishing overnight treatment made to treat dry, tight feeling skin by helping to support the skin moisture barrier.

No7 HydraLuminous Water Concentrate

A fresh waterlight concentrate, designed to provide a burst of liquid hydration when your skin needs it most, powered by pure hyaluronic acid.

 

Changes to nails

Chemotherapy can cause sore cuticles.

No7 Ridge Filling Base

This easy to apply Ridge Filling Base fills in cracks and leaves nails looking and feeling smoother.

 

Changes to lashes

If you don’t want to use false lashes every time, here is a step-by-step guide to help you mimic the appearance of eyelashes and eyebrows:

  • Smudge a dark eyeshadow or soft leaded pencil along the upper lash line to define your eyes. Alternatively, you could use a liquid liner to line the upper lash line. You can make the outer half slightly thicker to lift and elongate your eye. Add a wing for a touch of glamour.
  • For lower lashes, use a liquid liner. Take the applicator and wipe the excess off on the rim of the bottle. Now use the applicator to lightly draw lash-like strokes along the lower lash line.
  • Use eyeshadow applied with a hard, angled brush to soften the lash-like strokes, giving natural definition to the lash line and creating a more natural appearance.
  • If you have some remaining eyelashes that you want to accentuate, use a mascara with a small brush to catch every lash, such as No7’s Extreme Length Mascara.

No7 & Macmillan’s top tips for choosing your skincare products

It’s important that you consider which products are best for you. Make sure to try new things one at a time so you know if you have any reaction you can easily tell which products may be causing it. If you start using a new product and find that it makes any side effects worse, stop using it and consult your medical team.



No7 Beauty

No7 Beauty

Writer and expert