# Cosmeceuticals and Thalassotherapy: Recovering the Skin and Well-Being after Cancer Therapies
## 3 Cosmeceuticals for Skin Care of Oncologic Patient  
When providing care to the cancer patient, it is necessary to distinguish the different phases, since the cosmetic products (and aesthetic care) that can be applied will vary in each of them. Thus, in the phases prior to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, there are fewer limitations since it is a matter of preparing the skin to minimize side effects, but during the treatment itself, the actions and cosmetics will be limited. Therefore, preventative strategies are recommended, including topical barrier-protecting agents, moisturizers, and sunscreen protection [29]. Once medical treatment is finished, the objective is to aid recovery of the skin and its adnex in the shortest possible time.  
There is scarce scientific evidence to support the use of cosmetics for skin care of an oncologic patient. Most of the guidelines of the cancer treatment centers indicate that hydration and embolience are necessary. The treatment must always be personalized and adapted to each specific case. Recently, [PERSON] et al. developed an algorithm focused on general measures and skin care to prevent or reduce the severity of cutaneous adverse events. The skin care regimen, including hygiene, moisturizing and sun care products should be safe and effective in helping to minimize these events and improve skin conditions such as xerosis, pruritus, erythema and photosensitivity [30]. In 2021, the Nordic European Cutaneous Oncodermatology Management (NECOM) project developed five consensus statements--Evidence and Opinion-Based Best Practices Recommendations--for skin care in cancer patients. The statements included: (1) Dermatologic toxicities associated with cancer treatment are common and can significantly impact QoL and disrupt cancer treatment; (2) Early education and appropriate skin care, including cleansing, hydration and photoproduction, may improve quality of life and prevent severe skin side effects for cancer patients an survivors; (3) Effective skin care for cutaneous toxicities should be based on evidence; it should be safe, effective, non-sensitizing, and a have a pH close to that of the skin surface; (4) Effective management of dermatologic toxicities associated with cancer treatment is a multidisciplinary effort requiring the participation of dermatolgists, oncologists, primary care physicians, and other HCPs involved in cancer treatment; (5) Camouflage can mitigate some of the stigmas of cancer and contribute to a better quality of life [31].  
According to European regulations, cosmetics are considered \"any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odors\". Cosmeceuticals, although a term not officially recognized, are defined as \"cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical or drug-like benefits\" [32].  
Three main groups of skin care cosmetics can be established: cleansers, moisturizing and maintenance products, and sun-screens. In addition, hair cleansers (shampoos) and cosmetics are used to repair the hair structure and to maintain the scalp. For nails, embilient products are used; for the maintenance of the nail plate, and in post-oncological care, toxic-free decorative cosmetics could be included.  
There are no specific active ingredients for the skin care of the cancer patient; those that repair the skin barrier will be used, respecting the natural cycle of epidermal renewal, with little or no toxicity, and high quality and purity.