Key Highlights
- Karina Hollo diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2018.
- Cancer diagnosis affected Karina’s self-image and prompted her to invest in a prosthetic cap for beauty and self-esteem.
- Dermatologist Jade Cury emphasizes the importance of maintaining skin care routines during chemotherapy treatments.
- Hydrating products and sun protection are recommended for patients undergoing breast cancer treatment.
Beauty as a Tool: Coping with Breast Cancer Treatment
In June 2018, Karina Hollo’s routine morning was disrupted when she noticed her nipples appeared inverted. This unusual change set off alarm bells and eventually led to the diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 46. “When I received my diagnosis, apart from being concerned about my daughters and my life, I thought about my hair,” shared Karina. “The stigma of going bald is a significant impact on the disease, making it even more real.”
Following her diagnosis, Karina underwent a regimen that included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. During consultations with her oncologist, she was informed that her hair would likely fall out during the first cycles of chemotherapy. To cope with this anticipated change, Karina opted for a prosthetic cap before losing any hair.
Prosthetics and Beauty Rituals
The decision to invest in a prosthetic cap marked the beginning of a new beauty routine that went beyond aesthetics. “During my second chemotherapy cycle, I saw a woman with a colorful scarf and full makeup in the waiting room. This encounter gave me an epiphany: I started using foundation, eyeliner, lipstick, and blush every day,” recalled Karina.
These cosmetic tools helped her keep the diagnosis secret until she felt comfortable sharing it. For other women undergoing similar treatments, these practices offer a sense of normalcy amid a difficult phase. “Treatments can make the skin barrier less intact, so it’s important to avoid potentially allergenic products that might cause dermatitis,” explained dermatologist Jade Cury.
Recommended Skincare Products
To support patients throughout their treatment journey, several skincare items are suggested:
- Hidratante Facial Nutrel Bálsamo Suavizante, Profuse (R$ 87,90)
- Protetor Solar Facial Solar Expertise Efeito Make Up FPS 70, L’Oréal Paris (R$ 59,99)
- Hidratante Calmante Sensibio Defensive, Bioderma (R$ 109)
- Hidratante Corporal Epidrat Corpo Intensivo, Mantecorp (R$ 119,90)
- Óleo de Banho Atoderm Higiene Hidratante Diária, Bioderma (R$ 289,90)
- Shampoo JOHNSON’S Baby de Glicerina (R$ 27,19)
- Shampoo Limpeza Calmante Dercos Sensi Biotic, Vichy (R$ 121,90)
- Batom Vermelho Matte Powerful Red, CARE Natural Beauty (R$ 159)
- Blush Cremoso 3 em 1 FPS 15 FPUVA 5, KIND (R$ 99,90)
“Choosing products that are more permissive can help patients feel as close to normality as possible. If she is used to using a Vitamin C serum and does not experience irritation, there’s no issue in continuing it,” concluded Dr. Cury.
