Cancer is the reason I’ve dove into most of the research aspects of health. Skin is no exception. Remembering back to my grandfather and all of the cancer patients I encountered working on ambulances, they all had some sort of issue with sensitive, dry cracked and even peeling skin.
Skin is extremely important for overall health. It helps regulate body temperature and is the barrier making it the first-line protection in the immune system.
Early on when Lander began treatments, I wanted to stay ahead of problems. I first looked at what caused the negative conditions.
What causes dry skin for cancer patients?
Dry skin is caused by many things especially for cancer patients, and treatment is often the major contributor.
Chemotherapy and radiation can disrupt this process of rapidly dividing cells. This is great when targeting cancer, but also damages and destroys other cells like hair, skin, and other epithelial tissue like the inside of the mouth and nose. This process causes dry skin and other skin issues even sores.
The goal of radiation is to target cancer cells. It causes the skin to be dry, flaky, and in some cases leading to burns.
What I Did for Lander?
The first thing I did with Lander was to get oils to apply to his body. I got a combination of Jojoba and Vitamin E oil. Then, I added almond oil later in the process. Every time Lander took a bath, I would add the oil mix and Epsom salt.
After the bath, we put the oil all over his body, even his head when he lost all of his hair. I took special care to keep oil directly on his incisions and port. His scars, considering the extent and size, healed very well.
Often nurses commented on how good Lander’s port site looked. A port is a needle access point surgically placed under the skin. They are necessary due to the continued need to start IV, draw blood, and saves excessive needle sticks which leads to destroyed veins.
The nightly routine obviously made a positive impact. The other aspect of skincare was the use of red and near-infrared light therapy. The machine I got was the Joove. https://joovv.com/blogs/joovv-blog/why-use-red-light-therapy
Natural sunlight is very important and the full spectrum light adds benefits to overall health. Lander was encouraged to play outside not only for sunlight exposure but exercise.
Different wavelengths do an array of things like promoting healthy mitochondria function, which produces cellular energy, and also helps build collagen, and study’s show reduces inflammation.
After the positive results with the oil, I teamed up with Keri Miller of Beauty from Ashes to create a standard blend. After continued research and experimentation we settle on a Jojoba base with Vitamin E, Almond, and Rosehip Oils. We named the blend Rednal Oil which is Lander spelled backward.
Nightly Routine with Lander
- Bath with Epsom Salt, Jojoba and Vitamin E oil
- Oil directly over his port and scars
- Joov Red Light Machine
Lander’s tumor was the size of a cantaloupe and his entire kidney was removed. Chemo, contrast used for scans and dehydration can be hard on kidneys. For those reasons making sure he drank plenty of fluids daily was a focus. The added benefit helped keep his skin healthy.
Foods for skin
- Fish – Salmon and Mackerel are my favorites. They are loaded with omega’s 3’s, vitamins and minerals.
- Green Tea – polyphenols and carotenoids contribute to improved skin function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21525260/
- Dark Chocolate – Phytochemicals protect the skin form UV radiation https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25116848/
- Sweet Potatoes – High in beta carotene which is the precursor to Vitamin A
- Avocados – Loaded with good fats, vitamins E and C.
Like with everything in overcoming cancer, it’s a wide range of things that work together.
Written By Logan Duvall
Logan Duvall is a Pope County native, born and raised right here in the Natural State. A small business entrepreneur and outspoken voice for cancer awareness and research, Logan is the co-owner of Me and McGee Market in North Little Rock.