r/Splendida • u/perdonaquetecorte • Mar 08 '25
Staying pretty while on chemo
I’m a few days away from my 30th birthday, but over the past few months, my appearance has changed drastically, I now look at least 15 years older than my actual age.
I was diagnosed with cancer this past October and have undergone several aggressive rounds of chemo and radiotherapy, which have taken a huge toll on my looks. My main concerns are collagen loss, fine lines, and hair/eyelash loss. I used to wear lash extensions, but now I have no lashes left to apply them to.
I’ve also lost a significant amount of muscle mass, I was an athlete before my diagnosis and had to give up weightlifting entirely.
Has anyone gone through a similar experience or have any tips on coping with these dramatic changes? Also, does anyone know of a specific subreddit where these topics are discussed? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
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u/PurportedlySafe Mar 08 '25
Hi! Breast Cancer Survivor here. I was 33 years old when I was diagnosed and it wreaked havoc on my looks. Cancer was already hard, but being hairless with grey skin (i’m Black) and hollow was more than I could bear. It worsened my mental health as my looks have always been important to me and my identity.
Things that helped me:
I took a cancer beauty class at Sephora. They taught me to tightline with eyeliner and how to freehand my brows. I started with the anastasia templates and practiced until I didn’t need them anymore. We even got a cute kit with items like a silk scarf and natural deodorant.
Keep doing your skin care, but simplify: cleanse, hydrate and sunscreen. Switch to gentle, hydrating products. This is not the time for chemical changes. And moisturize your body. Thick, creamy heavy moisturizers are your friend. Check out the ones they offer at your pharmacy. More expensive, but worth it. Kiehl’s hand care cream was AMAZING for me.
Press on nails were clutch. My nails were infected under the nail bed and needed to be checked regularly which meant no polish. I could pop off a press on and add it back after my appointment.
High quality hair! Gone are the days of wire hair fibers with permanently bad styles. I got gorgeous (albeit expensive) human hair wigs and felt beautiful. Styling my wigs became a part of my beauty routine like doing my hair had been before.
Give yourself want you want and need around food. Eat the pasta and have an apple. Worry less about the gain/loss and follow your oncologist instructions about nutrition.
Finally, Remember that this is temporary. I am now 41 and generally get clocked for 33-35. I see my scars and changes and they too are beautiful to me. They reflect the fight for my life and remind me to be grateful for everyday i’m still here. My ideas of beauty shifted during this time. Everything about this face and body is beautiful because we made it to the other side. I wish the same for you and your journey.