How to Care for Radiation-Sensitive Skin

Skin Care for Chemotherapy
and Radiation Treatment

Evidence-Based Skin Care Guidance During Radiation Therapy

By Mark Brown, RN | Oncology Nurse & Co-Founder of Dermavitality

By Mark Brown, RN | Oncology Nurse &
Co-Founder of Dermavitality

Understanding Radiation-Induced Skin Changes

Radiation therapy is an essential part of cancer treatment, but it can also affect the skin in the treatment area. Many patients experience redness, dryness, itching, tenderness, or peeling as the skin barrier becomes compromised during therapy.

With proper daily care and early intervention, discomfort can often be reduced and the skin better supported throughout treatment. The goal of radiation skin care is to protect the skin barrier, minimize irritation, and promote comfort during recovery.

Common reactions include:

• Redness or darkening similar to a sunburn
• Dry, flaky, or peeling skin
• Tenderness, warmth, or itching
• In some cases, blistering or open sores

Although these effects are common, proper care can reduce discomfort, speed recovery, and protect against more severe irritation.

What Is Radiation-Sensitive Skin (Radiodermatitis)?

Radiation-sensitive skin, also known as radiodermatitis, refers to skin changes that occur during or after radiation therapy. These changes result from damage to rapidly dividing skin cells and weakening of the skin’s natural protective barrier.

Common symptoms include redness, dryness, itching, flaking, tenderness, warmth, and, in some cases, blistering or open areas. Severity varies based on treatment location, dose, and individual skin response

The Emotional Side of Skin Changes

Skin reactions aren’t just physical—they can be emotional. Many patients have told me they feel discouraged when their skin changes or painful when something as simple as wearing clothing becomes difficult.

It’s okay to feel that way. These emotions are part of healing. As nurses, we’ve learned that caring for the skin is also caring for the spirit. Every soothing touch or cooling spray is an act of comfort—a reminder that you deserve ease and care, even in the hardest moments.

What to Avoid During Radiation Therapy

• Fragranced or scented products
• Alcohol-based lotions or cleansers
• Scrubbing, exfoliating, or rubbing the treated area
• Applying products immediately before radiation sessions
• Hot water, heating pads, or direct sun exposure
• Tight or abrasive clothing over treated skin

How Botanical Ingredients Are Used in Supportive Skin Care

Botanical ingredients have long been used in supportive skin care for sensitive or compromised skin. Many patients find comfort in plant-based formulations designed to soothe, hydrate, and support the skin barrier during radiation therapy.

Together, these botanicals form a synergistic blend that cools, hydrates, and restores—free from synthetic fragrance, parabens, and harsh chemicals.

Small Daily Habits That Support Healing

• Stay hydrated. Water supports skin cell repair and overall health.
• Eat nutrient-rich foods. Include antioxidants and healthy fats to nourish from within.
• Avoid friction. Choose soft fabrics and loose clothing.
• Protect from sunlight. Cover treated areas when outdoors.
• Rest and restore. Healing takes energy—listen to your body and allow time to recover.

Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but these small daily actions build strength and comfort over time.

A Nurse’s Perspective on Caring for Radiation-Sensitive Skin

As an oncology nurse, I’ve cared for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Every person brings courage, vulnerability, and a deep desire to feel normal in the middle of an overwhelming experience. What many don’t expect is how significantly radiation affects the skin—and how deeply those changes can influence comfort, confidence, and quality of life.

Redness, itching, tightness, and tenderness are extremely common. As treatment progresses, skin can become dry, inflamed, and hypersensitive to even the slightest touch. To someone on the outside, these reactions may look like simple irritation, but for the person experiencing them, they can feel painful, emotional, and exhausting.

Two Ways to Soothe: Cream and Spray

Our Radiation Relief Cream offers deep, lasting hydration ideal for dry or peeling skin. It absorbs quickly to form a light, protective barrier while delivering botanical nutrients that help calm inflammation and support renewal.

When skin is too tender for touch, the Radiation Relief Spray provides instant, hands-free cooling. A light mist of Aloe, Calendula, Chamomile, and Arnica brings comfort without friction—perfect for post-treatment care or quick relief throughout the day.

Both were created with one goal: to give patients natural, nurse-approved comfort through every step of radiation therapy.

Caring for the Whole Person

Radiation care isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, spiritual, and human. Taking a few moments each day to care for your skin is also caring for your heart. Many patients tell me that using the cream or mist becomes a ritual of hope—a reminder that healing is happening, even when it’s hard to see.

At Dermavitality, we believe that love, faith, and science can work hand in hand. That’s why we continue to create products that honor both your health and your humanity.

You are not alone in this. Every nurse who helped create these formulas understands what you’re facing.

A Gentle, Natural Approach: Nurse-Formulated Care

When creating the Dermavitality line, we wanted more than a product. We wanted a promise—that everything touching the skin of a patient in treatment would be pure, safe, and supportive.

Instead of synthetic chemicals or artificial fragrance, our formulas rely on organic botanicals that nurses and herbalists have trusted for generations. The skin’s natural barrier is already compromised during radiation; it doesn’t need anything harsh. What it needs is calm.

That’s where our Radiation Relief Cream and Radiation Relief Spray come in. Each combines carefully selected plant extracts that soothe inflammation, replenish hydration, and nurture the skin back toward balance.

Conclusion: Supporting Skin Health During Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy places unique stress on the skin, but gentle daily care can help reduce discomfort and support recovery. Using mild cleansing, consistent moisturizing, avoiding irritation, and following oncology guidance can make a meaningful difference throughout treatment.

Patients should always consult their care team with questions about skin changes or product use during radiation therapy.