After receiving a cancer diagnosis, the last thing on your mind is your hair and skin. However, hair loss and skin changes are a very real and emotion-filled part of cancer treatment for most women. Women who think ahead and plan for these changes may find themselves less stressed and surprised than those who are not prepared. Follow the tips below to stay ahead of the wave and keep your hair and skin healthy.

Revitalize your skincare routine. The American Cancer Society discusses the possible skin changes that may occur during treatment, which include color changes, redness, itching, peeling, dryness, rashes, and acne. In light of these changes to your skin, your skin care routine should shift accordingly. Chemocare.com suggests staying away from perfumed products, bubble baths, and lanolin-based creams and lotions. These ingredients dry out your skin. Check the ingredients of the products you currently use. If one of your favorite products contains ingredients that may further irritate your skin, don't throw it away! Just place the products aside until your cancer treatment is over. Temporarily replace these products with more gentle scrubs and cleansers. Substances that keep your skin hydrated include petroleum and mineral oil. Use bath oils instead of soap to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy on a daily basis

Choose a hair care expert. Do your research before heading to any old store to purchase a wig. It’s important to find a professional hair loss expert in your area who will take the time to consider the options with you. Jan Ping, Emmy-winning TV cosmetologist, hairstylist and cancer survivor, says, “going to a professional experienced in hair loss and hair replacement is important because they can help you and guide you through all the stages of hair loss. Trusting someone else can be a relief when you’re not feeling well.

Choose a wig early. When it comes to selecting a hairpiece, it’s best to take care of as much as you can pre-treatment. Women who visit a hair loss professional before losing their hair will find it much easier to select a hair loss solution that matches the color and style of their natural hair. Also, making decisions when you’re feeling healthy is much easier than choosing a wig or hair prosthesis during cancer treatment, after you have already begun to lose your hair. Your skin color and tone may look different during treatment, which may call for a hair color adjustment that may be slightly lighter or darker than your natural color. When you meet with a hair loss professional whom you trust, you can speak candidly with that person about exactly how you’d like for your hair to look.

Caring for your skin and hair is caring for yourself. Many women have kept the same skin and hair care routine for years. Even though shifting a pattern is difficult, it is essential to change your routine when your skin and hair undergo changes. If you’re coping with symptoms that are expected during cancer care, remain patient with the process and treat yourself gently.

American Cancer Society. Understanding Chemotherapy. A Guide for Patients and Families. http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/treatmenttypes/chemotherapy/understandingchemotherapyaguideforpatientsandfamilies/understanding-chemotherapy-more-side-effects-skin-and-nail-changes

National Cancer Institute. Managing Chemotherapy Side Effects. Skin and Nail Changes. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemo-side-effects/skin-and-nail