I created this brand specifically for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea. Now I want to help you figure out how to make these products work for you.

Do you struggle with skin traumatized by chemotherapy treatments? Are you pregnant and concerned about safe skin care? Following are eight questions and answers to help you find solutions to these issues and more. If you have other questions, please add them below in our comment section!

1. I have psoriasis, and so far not much is helping. Do you have any tips?

• Be sure to avoid products that dry out your skin, or that have potentially drying ingredients like sulfates and mineral oil. You do want, however, to exfoliate a little bit—enough to slough off dead skin cells—and get rid of any bacteria that may exacerbate your psoriasis.
• Try a non-toxic cleanser, pat dry, then apply Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp on the face, or Repair Body Lotion on the body. These products nourish skin with goodies like aloe vera, oat extract, St. John’s wort, calendula, and more, and contain no harsh chemicals or preservatives.
• For extra dry patches, try nourishing Restorative Skin Balm, which has a trio of plant antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins to help soften severely dry, rough areas.

2. I’m going through chemotherapy and my skin is breaking out in an acne-like rash. What should I do?

• First of all, don’t use harsh acne products on your skin. Though your rash may look like acne, most likely it’s a reaction to the chemo drugs, which means acne products will only make it worse and could put you at risk of permanent scarring.
• Instead, start with Rescue and Relief Spray on freshly cleansed skin. Its unique Tri-Rescue Complex has anti-inflammatory properties that will help soothe and calm your skin without potentially harmful chemicals.
• Follow with Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp, which has cooling aloe and redness-reducing oat extract.
• Oatmeal baths and masks can also help soothe the rash and reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Don’t forget to use a safe, non-toxic sunscreen every day!

3. I’m going through chemotherapy treatments and my doctor says I have hand and foot syndrome. My hands and feet are red and sore. Is there anything that will help?

• First of all, avoid hot water. Wash your skin in lukewarm or cool water, then apply Rescue + Relief Spray for instant cooling and calming effects. This product has no fragrances, parabens, or other toxic ingredients to worry about, but it does have water lily and comfrey to help tone down inflammation. Tip: If you keep it in the refrigerator, it will be even more cooling on hot hands and feet.
• Hand and foot syndrome can also create cracking and peeling, so make sure you’re moisturizing regularly. Try Body Repair Lotion, which is deeply hydrating, and then use the Restorative Skin Balm for extra dry, rough areas like on the heels, knuckles, and palms

4. I’m a cancer survivor and I have scars from the incisions made during surgery. Any recommendations that will help soften them up?

• Scars from surgery are often full of fibrous tissue that makes them tough and stiff. Some can even interfere with movement.
• Try Restorative Skin Balm. This deep-penetrating salve helps soften scars, but it’s completely safe to use—no synthetic fragrances, parabens, or other potentially harmful ingredients. Calendula and sea buckthorn oil help skin regenerate itself, and vitamin E encourages wound healing.

5. I’m a teacher so I’m constantly washing my hands all day to avoid all the germs. Unfortunately, that makes them really dry and now they’re starting to chap and flake. I’m putting moisturizer on whenever I can—do you have other tips?

• Your skin needs some deeply nourishing therapy at night. Try Restorative Skin Balm before you go to bed. Apply this penetrating salve all over your hands before you go to sleep, then cover with some soft, cotton gloves. When you wake up in the morning, your skin will be soft and smooth—recovered and ready to face another day!

6. I have extremely sensitive skin. I can’t use a lot of products out there because they make me break out in a rash or they make my skin itch. Any suggestions?

• Most people with sensitive skin are actually sensitive to the harsh chemicals in most skin care products. The solution is to find products that avoid these chemicals and use safer ingredients instead.
• Try CV Skinlabs. This new line of safe skin care avoids potentially harmful ingredients like synthetic fragrances and dyes, parabens, phthalates, petroleum products, sulfates, and hormone-altering ingredients.
• Instead, the products contain aloe, chamomile, bee’s wax, vitamins, cucumber, and other natural goodies, and are formulated specifically for people with chemical sensitivities, or who have skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

7. I wanted to get a tan, but I ended up staying out in the sun way too long. What’s the best way to cool down this burn?

• First, spritz Rescue + Relief Spray directly on the burned area. The chamomile and cucumber in this product helps to speed calming relief to your inflamed skin. Tip: Keep it in the refrigerator for extra cooling.
• Follow with Body Repair Lotion, which has calendula and aloe to calm and soothe inflamed skin.

8. I’m breastfeeding and I have to say, my nipples are sore! This is such a tender area, and I don’t want to use anything that may harm my baby. Is there anything I can use so it doesn’t hurt so much?

• First of all, realize that many things can cause nipple soreness, including using a breast pump improperly, friction or suction from a poor or shallow latch, a thrush infection, or contact dermatitis—a reaction to other nipple creams or medications. Be sure to check with your doctor or dermatologist right away so you can find the cause of the issue.
• Next, rinse the nipple after each feeding with water, then spray with Rescue + Relief Spray, which is 100% free of synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other potentially harmful chemicals and safe for your tender skin. This product also includes calming chamomile and cucumber to deliver cooling and softening benefits.
• Finally, apply Restorative Skin Balm at least once a day, which is an advanced therapy for wounded and irritated skin. It includes U.S. Pharmacopoeia lanolin—a recommended deep-moisturizer for breastfeeding mothers—as well as vitamin E, bee’s wax, and calendula to help heal and safeguard the skin.

Have you tried these SOS skin solutions? Let us know what you think! And let us know if you have other questions about how to use CV Skinlabs.

I created this brand specifically for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, extremely dry skin and more, who want to use products free of irritants and potentially harmful chemicals. These products work together to form your family’s new SOS kit—the perfect in-home solution for skin issues that need some rescue, relief and TLC. You may be wondering, though, exactly how to use these products for certain issues. If so, I have answers for you below.

Following are eight questions and answers to help you find solutions to your most common skin issues. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, don’t worry—I’ll post on this topic again in the next couple weeks! Or you can always contact us with any questions you may have here.

1. I went skiing over the weekend and now my cheeks are all sunburned. What’s the best way to avoid peeling and scarring?

• First, spritz CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray directly on the burned area. The chamomile and cucumber in this product helps to speed calming relief to your inflamed skin. Tip: Keep it in the refrigerator for extra cooling.
• Follow with CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp. The Tri-Rescue Complex provides anti-inflammatory properties to help calm the burn and encourage faster healing, without potentially harmful chemicals. Apply frequently throughout the day to avoid peeling.
• For sunburns on the body, try nourishing CV Skinlabs Body Repair Lotion.

2. My friend and I took a hike in the woods and I accidently stepped into poison ivy. Help!

• First, wash the affected skin as soon as you can. Use a gentle cleanser and cool water.
• If your skin is itching, take an over-the-counter antihistamine, and wash all the clothes you were wearing on the outing in hot water.
• If you’re experiencing a rash, spray on CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray, which has a unique Tri-Rescue Complex for anti-inflammatory and antihistamine benefits.
• If your skin is still uncomfortable, try a paste of 3 tablespoons baking soda and 1 tablespoon water.
• Once your skin calms down, apply CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm, which uses calendula and arnica to help heal and regenerate wounded skin, and has no potentially harmful chemicals or preservatives.

3. I’m going through radiation treatments and my skin is starting to burn. What do I do?

• Check with your oncologist, as he or she may have restrictions what you can apply to your skin before treatment.
• Use cooling compresses, and try CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray directly on the burned area. Key ingredients like water lily and comfrey provide instant cooling and calming relief while helping to support skin healing. Plus this product contains no potentially harmful chemicals or preservatives.
• As long as you don’t have weeping sores, follow with CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm, which provides advanced therapy for burned, wounded, and irritated skin.

4. I’m going through chemotherapy and my skin is dull, fragile, and paper-thin. Is there anything that will help?

• Chemotherapy kills fast-growing cells, which means your skin can’t regenerate itself as quickly as it normally does. The key is gentle, tender care.
• Moisturize often with a safe, non-toxic product like CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck, & Scalp, and CV Skinlabs Body Repair Lotion. Both are made for compromised skin, contain no potentially harmful chemicals, and deliver the unique Tri-Rescue Complex, which provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
• Use CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm for those areas where your skin is super dry and needing extra care. The Carnauba and bee’s wax safeguard the moisture barrier so your skin can recover.

5. I’ve got eczema on my hands, so they’re always red, dry and itchy. I’m embarrassed by how they look. Any tips?

• Eczemic skin is crying out for nourishing moisture. Try CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp, along with the Body Repair Lotion. Both contain the unique Tri-Rescue Complex, which provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to skin, helping to soothe and soften without harmful chemicals.
• Follow with CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm on places like your knuckles, cuticles, elbows, heels, and other areas that are super dry and rough. A trio of fat-soluble vitamins and plant ingredients provide healing and skin-regeneration properties.

6. My skin is always dry. I moisturize and moisturize, but nothing works. Help!

• Dry skin sometimes needs more than hydration. Often the outer layer has been damaged, which makes it much more difficult for skin to hold onto any moisture it may have.
• Avoid potentially harmful chemicals, sulfates, and parabens. Try safe CV Skinlabs Restorative Skin Balm—a nourishing salve that helps protect and instantly soften severely dry, rough, and chapped skin. It’s got carnauba and bee’s wax to help safeguard that moisture barrier, along with vitamin E, which aids in wound healing. Yet it’s free of any potential harmful chemicals, so your skin will be able to recover without having to defend itself from irritants.

7. I’m going through cancer treatments and I lost my hair, so I’m wearing a wig, but it makes my scalp itch. Can you help?

• CV Skinlabs has a new Rescue + Relief Spray made specifically to soothe itching, burning skin such as that caused by wearing a wig. Formulated with a unique Tri-Rescue Complex, it provides anti-inflammatory and antihistamine properties to calm itching and irritation. Plus it’s free of potentially harmful ingredients like fragrances, parabens, and mineral oil, so you can feel safe putting it on your tender scalp.
• Tip: Carry a bottle with you for a quick mid-day refresher. Just take off the wig, spritz your scalp, let it dry for a few minutes, then put the wig back on.
• If your skin is dry, follow with nourishing CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp.

8. I have rosacea, so I’m always battling with redness. I use makeup to cover it up, but are there any other solutions?

• Rosacea can flare up at the most inconvenient times. Try carrying CV Skinlabs Rescue + Relief Spray with you. This cooling product is made with chamomile and cucumber to soothe and cool hot, flushed skin.
• Next, moisturize regularly with CV Skinlabs Calming Moisture for Face, Neck & Scalp. It’s got aloe vera and oat extract—two of the most effective cooling and redness-reducing ingredients available. Plus it has no potentially harmful chemicals, so you can use it as often as you want.
• Try an oatmeal mask at night. Just mix up some fine-grade oatmeal with water or yogurt and leave on your face for 5-10 minutes.
• Don’t forget to use a safe sunscreen every day!

Have you tried these SOS skin solutions? Let us know what you think! And let us know if you have other questions about how to use CV Skinlabs.

In chapter 7 of my book, When Cancer Hits, I help you understand how these treatments affect different parts of your body, and what you can do to help soothe and comfort those areas.

Create Loving Energy

One thing most people are not used to doing is being slow and gentle with themselves. During cancer treatments, your body is crying out for your loving attention. I show you how to deal with fear and replace it with love instead.

Change Bathing and Showering Habits

If you continue to hurry through your morning shower, your skin and nails will suffer. Instead, I give you tips for creating a new bathing and showering routine that will be kinder to your skin, and may help you avoid itching and scratching all day long.

Dealing with Side Effects

Nausea, radiation burns, bruising, dermatitis, injection site wounds, metal taste, dry mouth, mouth sores, itchy eyes, night sweats, fatigue, joint pain, and more—this chapter covers them all. For example, did you know that your regular toothpaste could be making your mouth sores worse? Or that your eyes could benefit from hydrating goggles you can wear at night? Find more tips like these in this chapter. There’s always something you can do to help yourself feel better!

Redirecting Your Thoughts

Do you find yourself overwhelmed sometimes with uncomfortable side effects? Does it seem as if it all is never going to end? I share with you some ways to deal with the emotions that come up as your body struggles to heal itself. You may feel like treatments will never end, but they will, and in the meantime, it helps to set goals for yourself that refocus your mind and help you keep the faith.

Caring for your body while you’re going through cancer is one of the best things you can do for yourself. In chapter 7, I help you find ways to soothe the hurts at home, while giving you tools to help handle the emotional challenges as well. The more you can ease the pain and encourage yourself, the more you’re helping your body to get well.

(When Cancer Hits is available now—click here.)

Have you experienced difficult side effects because of cancer treatments? Please share your tips for recovery.

To prevent severe damage to skin tissue, we suggest taking care of the affected areas prior to surgery and radiation, as well as in between radiation therapies. (Click here to read our post on natural product suggestions for radiation dermatitis.)

Continue to use the healing creams you used after surgery or during radiation treatments. You may need to add more concentrated products like all natural, non-toxic vitamin E to keep the area hydrated and supple. According to a Natural and Organic Ingredient listing, other products like Aloe Vera juice (shown to accelerate cell re-growth in skin), carrot oil (also high in vitamin E), pure honey, or olive oil can help moisturize and protect the affected area, helping it to heal.

A majority of patients and physicians suggest using transverse friction massage for a year after surgery (a form of massage to strengthen healing skin), and strongly advise avoiding the sun for at least 3 years. Never allow the scar to become sunburned after it’s healed. Protect, protect!

Remember that the severity of your cancer-related scar can also depend on where the surgery or procedure was performed. A reader from the E-health Skin Cancer forum says, “Since there was no body fat on my face (the area where the cancer was removed), the skin had to stretch in order to cover the missing tissue,” leaving the patient with a noticeable scar. It can be very therapeutic for some cancer patients to take time to feel angry or emotional about their scars (both mental and physical), like the mother and blogger of “Cancer Scars.” Another fighter believes, “The scars fade over time and there are treatments that can be used to help the process along, but I have never had a problem with my scars showing.” In fact, many survivors advocate displaying cancer scars proudly (as a sign of the journey they have taken), or even taking artistic photographs of their scars to help see themselves as beautiful.

* Do you see your scars as beautiful? How do you prevent or treat radiation- and surgery-related scars? Please recommend products, share your tips, or express your opinions!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village

Let’s address the difficult problem of radiation burns. The skin is so fragile, tender and inflamed, that even clothing rubbing against it can be too painful. Radiation burns (or radiation dermatitis) can range from very mild to serious, and involve damage to the outer layer of skin (or occasionally, the inner tissue) due to the high frequency energy of ionizing radiotherapy used for cancer treatment.

The medical and diagnostic usage of X-rays or radiation actually causes skin cells to die, and therefore leads to red areas of skin that resemble a sunburn, and sometimes develop blisters or open sores that can be oozing and gooey. Burns can become increasingly severe depending upon the repeated frequency of radiation treatment, or the amount targeted at a specific area of the body.

Here are a few things you can do to try to minimize the amount of damage to irradiated areas. To begin with, try preparing for radiation treatment weeks in advance by moisturizing. (We like natural formulas like Burt’s Bees Honey and Shea Body Butter.) Target areas 2–3 weeks ahead of time, and hydrate your body (and skin) by drinking plenty of water. Damage to the skin from radiation treatment typically occurs 1–2 weeks after treatment begins, and usually resolves itself 2 weeks after radiation ends. While undergoing radiation, the treated area may start to get pink or red, dry and irritated, or start looking like a burn or suntan.

Remember the following tips when undergoing your treatment (provided by the National Cancer Institute): Take lukewarm showers or baths, avoid activities that rub the skin, and never using anything on the skin that is extremely hot or cold (like heating pads or ice packs). Wear loose, light-weight clothing that allows plenty of room for air to reach the affected area, and avoid scratching or touching the region whenever possible.

Some women who have radiation for breast cancer following a lumpectomy may find that cotton bras are the most comfortable. (For more information on dressing your body after surgery or treatments, please read “Fashion After Breast Cancer.“) It’s especially crucial to avoid sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and use a chemical-free, mineral-based sunblock on radiation burns. (For some sun-block suggestions, please read our post “Photosensitivity: How Can We Protect Ourselves During Chemotherapy?,” or click here for Dr. Weil’s advice on treating serious burns.) To read our post on our top toxin-free products to help you cool and soothe radiation burns, click here.

* Please share your experiences with radiation treatments and what you have used to alleviate the pain from the burns.

Photo Courtesy of Preston Hunt’s Hodgkins Journal.

Radiation dermatitis can be an extremely painful and debilitating condition, yet recent studies have shown that negative side effects can be diminished by ingesting curry-containing foods prior to treatment. The article “Curry Spice Takes Burn Out of Radiation” explains that the anti-inflammatory properties found in curry (known as curcumin) “work in ways similar to the popular Cox-2 inhibiting drugs, including aspirin and Celebrex,” while still being an entirely natural substance. (We love it!)

The University of Rochester Medical Center recently revealed a connection between patients who ate meals high in curry and those who had a decreased likelihood of burning after radiation. “Curcumin, the substance that gives turmeric its yellow color, is a natural anti-inflammatory compound and scientists have already shown that it can suppress tumor blood-vessel growth.” Although the test has only been conducted on mice, researchers believe there is a positive connection between the ingestion of anti-inflammatory foods during radiation treatment (like curry), and the lowered likelihood of extreme burning.

In the fight against cancer, researchers have continued to search for links among nutritional supplements, dietary habits, and lifestyle changes to improve the results of radiotherapy treatments. Try reducing your own internal inflammation by creating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, including unprocessed whole grains, colorful produce, lean proteins (white meats instead of red), and plenty of healthy fats. Choose items that are rich in natural Omega-3 fatty acids like unsalted nuts or organic fish (always choose wild over farmed), and pick deep, dark colors of produce. (They’re high in cancer-fighting antioxidants.)

Start avoiding foods that can increase inflammation, such as fried foods, preservatives, white flours, refined sugars, and saturated fats (found in full-fat dairy products, butters, or fatty meats like bacon). Remember to drink plenty of water or herbal teas (we love antioxidant-rich green tea) throughout the day, instead of caffeine or sugary sodas. Find out more by researching Dr. Weil’s Anti-Inflammatory Diet here. We also fell in love with Dr. Perricone’s philosophy, which discusses the connection between diet and skin inflammation. By choosing foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties, we’ll help lessen the severe cancer-related side effects on our hair, skin and nails.

* Let us know if you’ve used any of these nutritional tips and found them helpful in coping with side effects.

Photo courtesy of Flickr

Calendula has been proven to help with radiation-induced dermatitis.

You’re so desperate for relief from pain and itching, you may be tempted to apply anything from your bathroom cupboard…but wait! Never use anything on the irritated site without discussing it first with your healthcare provider (whether the product is natural or not). Most doctors suggest skipping all skincare products for at least 4 hours before treatment, but recommend using moisturizers or cooling gels the day after. (Click here for additional specifications.)

Your healthcare provider may recommend helpful emollients or creams (like Aquaphor) for you to apply consistently to the treated area. However, as you know, we’re not thrilled about the mineral oil and petro-chemicals in many of these ointments. A recent study explained that, “Chronic exposure to poorly refined base oils has the potential to cause skin cancer…,” because they are deleterious to product performance and are potentially carcinogenic. A cancer fighter at Cancer Compasselaborated, “I tried Aquaphor and found it sticky, and my skin actually felt itchier after I applied it.” Another added, “I am worried about the petroleum base and the chemicals applied to such a tender area.” (Click here to read our top 21 ingredients to avoid and the here to read more about the dangers and alternatives to petroleum-based products.)

Luckily, most cancer fighters agree on a few simple tips for easing discomfort: use ice on the area for short periods of time, apply a cooling spray to numb the pain (especially if it’s too tender to use cream), or apply Aloe-Vera-based gels that have been cooled in the refrigerator. In addition, many patients have used a combination of water, salt and baking soda for open sores, or calendula-based creams. (See article, “Calendula May Help Radiation-Related Skin Pain.”) You may even try something as simple as applying a cool, wet wash cloth to bring relief, but make sure to only use clean washcloths, and launder them after each use to prevent bacteria from forming.

To treat affected areas, physicians generally suggest using Biafine and Silvadene creams or Damboro soaks (as well as products like Benadryl) to relieve any itching. While those variations may work for severe cases, we recommend trying natural gels or creams that are void of toxins first, as many patients have found they sometimes work better than what the doctor recommends. Choose creams or gels that contain calendula, Aloe Vera, vitamin E, and honey, and keep them in the refrigerator for extra cooling benefits. (We like Jurlique’s Calendula Cream or the calming California Baby Calendula Cream.)

For areas that are too tender to touch, choose sunburn cooling sprays (like California Baby Soothing and Healing Spray). Although the numbing ingredient lidocaine is often used for post-surgical and radiation pain relief, try calming and soothing the afflicted areas with products that use Melaluca oil instead (it’s used in most burn-aiding products). For other herbal-remedy suggestions, please click here. When in doubt, always make sure to read the labels thoroughly, and avoid toxic ingredients like parabens, synthetic fragrances, and dyes at all costs.

* Have you ever dealt with radiation burns? Have any advice to help others? Please share with us!

Photo courtesy of Flickr