Jojoba and The Cancer Patient: Essential Facts for Glowing Skin with Geralyn O’Brien

An Interview by Marianne Woods Cirone, MS, MFA, CYT-500 with Geralyn O’Brien, a licensed esthetician with several advanced certifications in oncology skin care. As a two-time cancer survivor, Geralyn knows firsthand the effects that cancer treatments can have on skin, hair and nails.

Geralyn works as an oncology-trained esthetician at two cancer centers and specializes in helping people diagnosed with cancer to find safe, effective and affordable products that help skin to glow without causing irritation.

Choosing Safe Skin Care Products During and After Cancer Treatment

When choosing products suitable for the cancer patient, we take into account sensitivities caused by medications, chemotherapy, surgeries and radiation. In addition, we have to consider any known allergies and focus on eliminating the ingredients most likely to irritate fragile skin.

Fragrances can be a big irritant to fragile skin. The number one skin irritant is synthetic fragrance (which may be listed on labels as fragrance, perfume or parfum). Because of so-called trade secrets, companies do not have to list the contents of chemicals comprising the “fragrance.” Hundreds of synthetic chemicals can fall under this one heading.

Another misconception is the use of the word “unscented,” which could contain masking agents added to cover up the fragrance. Products scented with natural fragrances, such as essential oils, do not fall under this category, but we need to use caution with essential oils, as these too can be too irritating on fragile skin.

Jojoba: A Safe and Effective Product Choice

Choosing a plant-based product such as jojoba is a great way to simplify your routine and replace many products you may be using with one product. Jojoba (pronounced ho-ho-ba) is the liquid produced from the seed of the simmondisia chinensis plant. Jojoba is very similar to the sebum (oil) we produce in our own skin, making jojoba perfectly safe for a range of skin types, from oily to sensitive. Jojoba is also one of the most stable “oils” and does not go rancid as quickly as other oils. Jojoba is non-toxic, non comedogenic (meaning does not clog pores) and non-allergenic.

After radiation ends, jojoba is a good choice to use to keep skin from drying out. Skin becomes more fragile after radiation, so you want to avoid any irritating products in this area. Many patients continue to have skin issues in radiated areas even after treatment ends. By identifying the detergents, cleansers and lotions they are currently using, we can remove the products that are most likely the culprits causing their skin issues. And of course, most importantly always bring up concerns with your physician. In addition, check with your physician before using any oils or lotions to radiated or surgical sites.

Other Ways to Use Jojoba Oil during and after Cancer Treatment

As a massage oil – I use jojoba for removing make-up and for my facial massage. After cleansing and a gentle exfoliant with a product suitable for the cancer patient, I then apply jojoba oil. Jojoba is easily absorbed and very little is needed because of the high quality of the oil I use. I love the glow it brings to skin that is dull, dry and dehydrated from treatment.
For scars and radiated sites (after radiation ends) – It’s a great choice for keeping areas well moisturized and for avoiding dry, cracked skin, which is very important for those at risk for lymphedema. (Read more on lymphedema risk here.) It also helps to soothe, condition and restore skin.
As a make-up remover – Put it on a cotton pad and remove eye and facial make-up. It’s also a great lash conditioner when lashes start to grow back.
As an all-over body moisturizer – Apply after showering while skin is still damp.
On dry, cracked cuticles – This is a very common side effect of cancer treatment. Warm some jojoba and soak dry, cracked hands.
Nourish the scalp – Jojoba is a wonderful scalp conditioner after losing your hair.
Relief from dry skin…you want to avoid skin becoming dry and dehydrated as this becomes and entry for bacteria and viruses to enter.
For shaving… I love Bob from the Original Jojoba Company’s suggestion to add Jojoba under aloe gel for shaving. So many men’s shaving products are filled with irritating ingredients like alcohol. You can also use jojoba as an after shave moisturizer, and it’s good for beards too.

What to Look For in a Jojoba Product

When choosing a jojoba oil, you want one free of fillers, fragrance, dyes and synthetics. My choice for a good quality oil is from the Original Jojoba Company, because it is a pure and affordable product. Visit The Jojoba Company for 101 uses for jojoba. See the Q&A with Bob Butler of the Original Jojoba Company for valuable information on the origins of jojoba and its measures of purity.

Don’t forget to order yourself a bottle… it’s safe for the little ones too.

I created a creamy whipped body butter recipe that people love and that you can make at home:

Whipped Jojoba & Coconut Body Butter

1/4 cup jojoba
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup shea butter

Whip all three ingredients together for 7 to 10 minutes with a hand mixer. Place in a sterilized jar. Try different amounts of above ingredients to find your desired consistency. If you want more scent, add few drops of your favorite essential oil.

At the cancer centers I do not add any scent, as many cancer patients are sensitive to smells.

About Geralyn O’Brien

Geralyn O’Brien is a licensed esthetician who specializes in oncology-focused skincare. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Geralyn saw firsthand the effects that cancer, chemotherapy and other medical treatments had on the skin, including the appearance of aging. Spending many years supporting other breast cancer patients as a Reach to Recovery volunteer with American Cancer Society, she found that cancer patients lacked knowledge about the impact of cancer treatment and how to safely address concerns. Hoping to fill this gap, she completed her Esthetician training with Dr. Natalie Doran at International Skin Beauty Academy in Schaumburg, Illinois. In addition, Geralyn took several oncology-focused esthetics training programs to expand her knowledge base.

In 2011, Geralyn started the oncology skincare program at LivingWell Cancer Resource Center in Geneva, Illinois, serving as Lead Esthetician, creating protocols for the entire esthetics team. In 2016, Geralyn launched the skincare program at Waterford Place Cancer Resource Center in Aurora, Illinois. In 2018, it was there that she helped to design and implement a pilot program called “Simply Beautiful” which educates women on safe skincare, makeup and hair loss while enhancing each woman’s natural beauty.

Along with providing oncology facials and skincare consultations at Waterford Place, Geralyn helps organize spa days and teaches fun interactive classes for cancer patients. She is also an Ambassador with Oncology Spa Solutions where she helps to bring oncology awareness to local esthetic schools and estheticians in Illinois and serves as a contributor to the Integrative Cancer Review online journal.

Geralyn is passionate about helping others cope with the physical, emotional and financial effects of cancer. It is her philosophy that ongoing education and mentorship will continue to bring much needed awareness to important aspects of cancer care that too many people go without. Geralyn works to empower those impacted by cancer and continues to advocate on their behalf. She says healing is a journey and she constantly sees the benefits that wellness programs provide to cancer patients and their families.