Beauty

Thanks for your question. There is a particular category of products that I suggest people stay away from because they usually contain potentially harmful chemicals including carcinogens. Watch out for these particularly toxic products in your personal care products and home:

a. Fragrance in skincare/colognes and perfumes: Known as “trade secret” so they don't have to reveal what they contain. They can have over 200 chemicals (76% of fragrances contain allergens and 16% contain carcinogens) Choose fragrance-free or natural sources like essential oils when you buy skincare and body care products and switch to essential oil based perfumes rather than synthetic ones.

b. Nail polish: Avoid those with toluene, DBP and formaldehyde. Many brands out there are free of these 3 chemicals like Zoya and Priti.

c. Dark hair dyes: These contain toxic ingredients that have been linked with cancer—look for safer brands and try to use them less frequently.

d. Skin lighteners with hydroquinone: Avoid hydroquinone, which has shown to be potentially cancer causing. Safe options include kojic acid.

e. Liquid hands soaps with triclosan: Triclosan can create carcinogenic by-products, and is accumulating in our soils. The FDA has asserted that was no evidence that antibacterial products protected people any better than regular soap. Choose options that are triclosan-free.

f. Air fresheners and paraffin candles: Studies have linked smoke from scented candles to asthma and eczema. Choose organic varieties made with essential oils and with natural waxes like vegetable, soybean or beeswax. The EPA warns against the use of air fresheners. Use essential oil diffusers instead.

Hope this helps!
Thanks
Thanks for your question. There is a particular category of products that I suggest people stay away from because they usually contain potentially harmful chemicals including carcinogens. Watch out for these particularly toxic products in your personal care products and home:

a. Fragrance in skincare/colognes and perfumes: Known as “trade secret” so they don't have to reveal what they contain. They can have over 200 chemicals (76% of fragrances contain allergens and 16% contain carcinogens) Choose fragrance-free or natural sources like essential oils when you buy skincare and body care products and switch to essential oil based perfumes rather than synthetic ones.

b. Nail polish: Avoid those with toluene, DBP and formaldehyde. Many brands out there are free of these 3 chemicals like Zoya and Priti.

c. Dark hair dyes: These contain toxic ingredients that have been linked with cancer—look for safer brands and try to use them less frequently.

d. Skin lighteners with hydroquinone: Avoid hydroquinone, which has shown to be potentially cancer causing. Safe options include kojic acid.

e. Liquid hands soaps with triclosan: Triclosan can create carcinogenic by-products, and is accumulating in our soils. The FDA has asserted that was no evidence that antibacterial products protected people any better than regular soap. Choose options that are triclosan-free.

f. Air fresheners and paraffin candles: Studies have linked smoke from scented candles to asthma and eczema. Choose organic varieties made with essential oils and with natural waxes like vegetable, soybean or beeswax. The EPA warns against the use of air fresheners. Use essential oil diffusers instead.

Hope this helps!
Thanks

In addition to that excellent advice, my chemo nurse suggested using Tea Tree oil on the nails several times a day. I also stocked up on surgical-type gloves and went through boxes of them, which I used for the computer, preparing food, or any time I had to use my hands. They not only protect your nails, but also your skin, which can become extremely sensitive. Be sure to change them often and dry your hands thoroughly to prevent moisture from accumulating.

My personal choice was to remove my acrylic nails as soon as I learned I'd be having chemo, and refrained from using any nail polish until they fully recovered several months later.


Sometimes chemotherapy causes nails to change color, become brittle, grooved, lifted, or sensitive. These changes are temporary and there are some things you can do to help.

Start by keeping your nails trimmed and short to help with breakage. Wear gloves while washing dishes and anytime your hands are in water. This will help prevent fungal infections.

For getting a manicure/pedicure: Do not buff away any dark spots or streaks, they may run deep into the nail or may be on the nail bed where you cannot reach them. Use an oily remover to take off any nail polish instead of a drying one. Oily nail polish remover can usually be found in health food stores.

Also, always alert your doctor if you notice signs of inflammation or infection, such as dark or lifted nail beds.

For more tips on nail care you can check out: Look Good Feel Better at http://lookgoodfeelbetter.org/beauty-guide/nail-care