No matter how confident you are, cancer rarely leaves you feeling sexy. But do we really need to feel hairy too? Despite the long list of negative side effects that can impact self image during cancer treatments, many women continue shaving or waxing so they can feel as groomed and gorgeous as before. Many men, as well, keep up their usual shaving habits. It’s important, however, to take some precautions. (Read our post on The Tough Guy’s Guide to Shave During Treatment.) Even after you’ve learned how to be safe, there may be a few habits you’ll need to change during treatment.

For many patients, hair loss is a natural consequence of treatment. An article from the Mayo Clinic explains: “Chemotherapy may cause hair loss all over your body—not just on your scalp. Sometimes your eyelash, eyebrow, armpit, pubic and other body hair falls out.” If you’re actively undergoing chemotherapy- or radiation-related treatments, it’s best to stop waxing and shaving altogether, and take proper care of the skin with toxin-free moisturizers. (Read about the benefits of organic creams here.) For example, if radiation therapy causes your skin to become red, irritated or inflamed, resist the urge to wax or shave until the skin is completely healed.

As long as your skin has not been negatively affected, proceed with hair-removal techniques, using caution. Some patients find that they don’t have to shave at all during treatment since they have lost most of their body hair anyway, or since it has dramatically thinned out. Now that’s a bonus if you are a woman! If you’re not that “lucky,” however, make sure you’re watching out for infection. As the article “Beauty Treatment Therapies For Cancer Patients” states, “Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy are at a higher risk of infection because the treatments suppress the body’s immune system.” Use tools that have been properly sanitized and sterilized—preferably disposable razors that should be tossed after each use. Lather the skin with toxin-free shaving products like fragrance-free formulas by Avalon Organics (specifically made for sensitive skin) or Hok2′s organic shaving cream with aloe vera and green tea. If waxing, avoid salons or spas that may put you at risk for additional germs.

If your body or muscles are increasingly sore from cancer treatments and fatigue, skip procedures that will increase sensitivity, like waxing or plucking. Remember to always moisturize to prevent additional cracks or rashes. Try a toxin-free product like California Baby Calming Botanical Moisturizing Cream, and always protect exposed skin with toxin-free mineral sunscreen like Solar RX Broad Spectrum SPF.

An article about chemotherapy recently explained the importance of using caution during hair removal, by avoiding cuts and scrapes (which can lead to infection), using electric razors instead of standard blades whenever possible, or even wearing gloves. If you’re preparing to shave your head in preparation for impending hair loss (or the fitting of a new wig), remember that the experience can be different for everyone. As the blogger from “Breast Cancer and Me” explained (after publicly shaving her head), “I opened my eyes and cried…But in that instant, a funny thing happened. I opened my eyes and expected to see a stranger… but I didn’t. I saw me. It was me looking back from the mirror.” Although shaving and waxing your body during cancer should always be handled with care and caution, dealing with cancer on a daily basis is truly different for everyone.

* Let Us Know: Did you shave, wax or pluck when dealing with cancer? How did your protect your skin and body during hair removal?

Photo Coutresy of Snap Village

Okay, guys, we know how tough you are, but if you’re going through chemotherapy or radiation, your skin is not. Cancer treatments tend to dry skin and increase its fragility, so that means you need to be a little more careful during your morning shave.

“During treatment,” says Cancerpage.com, “or even weeks after it’s over, you might develop skin changes, including rashes or bumps, tingling, loss of feeling or heightened sensitivity, swelling or even open wounds.”

Even if you can’t see the affects on your skin, rest assured it’s just not going to be as strong as it usually is, which could make you more vulnerable to nicks, cuts, infections, and sores. Healthline advises, “Chemotherapy…reduces the number of platelets (clotting agents) in your blood. As a result, your risk of bruising and bleeding increases.” They recommend using an electric shaver instead of a razor.

“Take steps to prevent cuts or scrapes,” says Chemotherapy.com, “as these provide entry points for infection.” So if you haven’t already done so, pull out the old Braun or Remington or Norelco or whichever brand you prefer. You just don’t need the increased risk of infection right now. And do yourself a favor—take your time. Going gentle on your skin will save you the aggravation of dealing with pain or bruising.

Next, before and after your shave, take a few precautions. First, when washing, use tepid—not hot—water. Hot water can increase itching. Pat, don’t rub, your skin dry. Since most shaving products are made with harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by the skin, strongly consider organic brands. Seriously, they’re made with more natural, less harsh ingredients that are better for compromised skin. Opt for formulas that are mild and labeled “sensitive.” Miessence has a great organic shaving cream (which was rated a “0” for toxicity in the Cosmetic Database), and Avalon Organics has a fragrance-free, aloe formula enriched with beta glucan to repair wounds and irritation.

You can also take Scott Hamilton’s Chemotherapy Care advice and take a break from shaving now and then (over the weekend?) to let your face rest. You needed a good excuse to go stubbly, right?

As for after shaves, steer clear of perfumed and alcohol-based brands. They can be highly irritating and drying. Again, look for organic brands that say  “fragrance-free” or “for sensitive skin.” (Try Miessence or Organic Grooming.)

You may not be using a moisturizer (men’s skin tends to be oilier), but during treatment you’ll probably notice your skin drying out. To help prevent cuts and bring a little life back to your face, invest in something with wholesome ingredients that won’t further irritate your skin. (Try California Baby Calming Moisturizer.) And don’t forget a good sunblock when you head outside, as treatment increases photosensitivity. Go for a chemical-free product with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. (A couple good ones full of natural ingredients: Solar Rx Broad Spectrum SPF 30+, or Badger Sunscreen.)

Finally, if you’re undergoing treatment near the area where you shave, it might be best to avoid frequent shaving. But most of the time, with a few precautions, you can still look clean-cut and enjoy the refreshed feeling shaving can give you.

Have some helpful ideas on shaving during treatment? Send them over!

Photo courtesy of Snap Village