The Rise Of Beauty Treatments For Cancer Patients

Recently there’s been a lot of talk about beauty treatments for people living with, or recovering from, cancer – and the positive effects these kinds of treatments can have on a person’s self esteem.

Cancer treatments such as chemo and radiation therapy can have harsh physical effects on the patient’s body. Many of these physical symptoms include dry and fragile skin, nausea, vomiting hair loss and many more – side effects that can cause the patients to not only physically feel sick, but also low, disconnected from themselves, and in need of a pick me up.

There are many beauty treatments specialised to suit the needs of cancer patients. And they’re only growing in popularity. In fact, a recent study carried out by L’Oréal Foundation “demonstrated the benefits of beauty and wellness therapy for patients’ quality of life.”

Dr Emma Cunningham, whose aesthetic clinics specialise in non-invasive and personalised treatments, says, “A person’s worth is never defined by their skin, hair, or any physical aspect. [We want to] honour their entire being—mind, body, and soul—without pressure or pretence.”

Dr Emma recently launched ‘Beyond Skin Deep’ in her Newry clinic, a new wellness cancer initiative providing patients with free facials to help them feel like themselves again. She tells us the new treatments are: “Unlike traditional facials, which may involve more active ingredients or advanced technologies. Our cancer wellness facial prioritises calming, hydrating, and barrier-repairing formulations that support the skin’s healing process.”

The initiative is a form of cancer touch therapy, aiming to restore and relax clients. “Cancer is already an overwhelming and vulnerable journey, and for many, stepping into a beauty or wellness space can feel intimidating,” says Dr Emma. “I wanted to remove any sense of judgment or expectation and instead offer a sanctuary where clients feel completely accepted, supported, and nurtured.”

And what about other forms of cancer touch therapies? “Yes, absolutely!” says Dr Emma. “I believe in a holistic approach to wellness, and incorporating additional touch therapies like reflexology, scalp massage, and gentle back treatments could further support our clients’ relaxation and healing. Expanding these offerings is definitely something I’d love to explore to provide an even more comprehensive, nurturing experience.”

Complementary treatments

It’s important to note that beauty treatments like these are are, as advised by the Irish Cancer Society, “complementary therapies” and are not alternative therapies to medical treatments. They are meant to be used alongside your standard medical treatments to help provide a better, more relaxing quality of life.

The majority of holistic cancer treatments fall under the category of ‘cancer touch therapy’ which involves qualified therapists conducting spa treatments that are catered to cancer patient’s needs. Cancer touch therapy aims to allow the patient to enter a meditative state and reach full relaxation. This type of therapy has many benefits such as moisturising skin, relieving muscle atrophy and pain, relieving tension in the body, and more.

There are many different types of beauty cancer treatments so it is important to find a therapist and a treatment that is best suited to your individual needs. There are many oncology massages and facial treatments that are specialised to each person’s needs that contain ingredients that will reduce inflammation, increase the skin barrier and also help lymphatic drainage. Alongside the physical benefits of these treatments, there are also many mental benefits such as providing the patient with relaxation and rejuvenation.

There are some semi-permanent beauty treatments for cancer patients that are purely for aesthetic purposes. Many brow technicians offer microblading, sometimes for free, for anyone who is undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing hair loss. Microblading is a safe treatment for anyone who is yet to have chemotherapy, anyone currently on chemotherapy and also anyone who has completed therapy.

Another treatment popular within the cancer community is reflexology, which involves a therapist applying gentle pressure to the client’s feet and hands. Reflexology is similar to acupressure and acupuncture as it works on energy pathways throughout the body and aims to relax the client, and ease any tension.

There are many clinics around Ireland that specialise in these kind of treatments such as the Rainforest Spa in Co. Wicklow, who were the first spa in Ireland to be certified as ‘Cancer Aware’ by a global spa directory.

“Cancer patients often feel isolated and disconnected from their own body as they go through these treatments,” they tell us. “We wanted to create a space where they could come for comfort, healing, and restoration, a place where they felt safe and understood. Our goal is to create an environment where anyone dealing with cancer can find peace and feel nurtured—helping them regain their sense of self and offering an experience that promotes healing, both inside and out.”

Rainforest Spa offer Cancer Care Sessions at their Enniskerry location for a fixed price, which include oncology massages, facials, and other bespoke spa treatments. They say that patients experiencing disconnects due to cancer treatment often benefit from gentle body treatments and restoring facials, “designed to hydrate and calm the skin. These treatments focus on reconnecting with the body in a soothing, low-stress way. Additionally, providing a personalised aromatherapy experience can help clients feel emotionally nurtured and at peace with their changing body.”

What treatment to choose? 

It is incredibly important that when looking for an additional cancer treatment that you consult with a medical professional first to fully ensure the treatment is suited to you. The Irish Cancer Society urges that you “talk to your doctor if you’re thinking of using a complementary therapy”.

It is also vital you discuss your condition and specific needs with your chosen therapist, so they are aware of how to treat you with the upmost care. For example, if you have had surgery, the therapist would need to be aware if they were conducting reflexology so they would not massage too hard on those specific areas.

Some of the factors that Dr Emma considers when deciding which treatment would be suitable for each client includes: “Skin sensitivity, current treatments and medications, emotional and physical comfort and holistic wellness needs.”

“Every client’s experience with cancer is different, so personalisation is key,” she says. “Everything is tailored to the individual, ensuring that the experience is both safe and deeply beneficial.”

You can find out more about complimentary cancer therapies and beauty treatments here.