How I got my glow back after four months of chemo By Alice Smellie Published: 20:41 EDT, 4 August 2024 | Updated: 20:41 EDT, 4 August 2024 e-mail View comments Thick skin? I'd love one. Thinning skin is one of the biggest signifiers of age, thanks to UV, hormones, stress, illness and – of course – actual ageing, where cells stop functioning as they did. After four months of chemotherapy for breast cancer , I can testify that illness does destroy skin.
At the end of my treatment, mine was sensitive, wrinkled, grey and as fragile-looking as loo roll. Desperate for a solution, I was invited to test a new range called Vital Assist Skincare. It had its work cut out, but after five months of use – spoiler alert – my skin has never looked better.
A lot of talk around chemo is about hair loss – but the drugs used in cancer treatment aren't exactly fantastic for your complexion either. Back in October, my skin was reasonably fresh and unlined. I was taking collagen supplements, using systemic HRT and had Botox around my eyes.
Since my diagnosis I've given up HRT on medical advice and made a personal decision not to take supplements (except Vitamin D). In pictures taken earlier this year, I look grey, hollow-eyed, and generally as though my face has caved in on itself. Alice Smellie says a surprising compliment that she's heard over the last few weeks has been: 'You look so well' A lot of talk around chemo is about hair loss - but the drugs used in cancer treatment aren't exa.