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Cancer Research

* Put your hands Together

Aveda is supporting the fight by donating $4 from every sale of its limited-edition Aveda Hand Relief. That's worthy of applause; $20, aveda.com.

* Rub-a-dub-dub

Scrub on with Body Systems Pomegranate Sugar Scrub. Twenty percent of the sales will go to the American Cancer Society to benefit breast-cancer research; $12.50, body-systems.net.

* Kiss and spread the good news

One dollar from each sale of Revlon's Kiss for the Cure Super Lustrous Lipstick or Lipgloss will benefit the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund; lipstick, $7.99, and lipgloss, $6.99, drugstores nationwide.

* A scent-sational set

Sephora is donating 100 percent of the net proceed from its three unique beauty kits (skin care, lips and fragrance) to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Sephora Scent Kit (below) includes eight great fragrances from (left to right) Salvatore Ferragamo, Marc Jacobs, Escada, Demeter, Carolina Herrera, Calvin Klein, Sephora (of course) and Ines de la Fressange. Each kit is $25. Visit sephora.com for more information.

* Beauty on a roll

Nurturing Force T-Zone Help Oil Control blotting tissues keep your skin oil-free without disturbing your makeup. The company is contributing 20 percent of the total sales of these blotters to breast-cancer-research organizations; $14, single roll, $25 for a double pack, nurturingforce.com.

Many of us know a sister, a mother, a friend, who's living with breast cancer. In honor of breast-cancer-awareness month and because there's so little information out there regarding the relationship between skin care and treatment, we asked dermatologist Jeannette Graf, M.D., to shed some light on the subject.

Q After chemotherapy or radiation treatments, how should a woman adjust her skin care?

A Before I answer that, I'd like to point out that women shouldn't be embarrassed about addressing their beauty needs at this time. So many of my patients feel guilty about having such concerns. Everyday pleasures should be part of your recovery. They can help your outlook, perhaps even your outcome.

The major skin side effects after chemo or radiation treatments are dryness and sensitivity, so it's very important that you keep your skin and lips well moisturized. For a few weeks some women experience what is known as radiation dermatitis, when the skin is inflamed and sensitive to the touch. Aquaphor is an effective salve for this situation. Generally, you should use products designed for sensitive skin. Avoid exfoliation, microdermabrasion or any other type of skin-resurfacing regimen. It's also a good idea to sleep with your head elevated. This can effectively reduce puffiness in the face, which is often a side effect of chemo or radiation.

A good sun-protection product, one with both UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of 30 or higher, is a must, no matter what the weather. Try: Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 30.

Chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, so you're more prone to infection. Do not share any makeup or skin-care products and tools. Mineral makeup is an excellent choice at this time because it's preservative-free, and bacteria can't exist in a pure mineral environment. Jane Iredale's mineral makeup line is great because it includes lip, face and eye color. Topical antioxidants (they protect the skin against environmental stresses) are also a good idea. Try SkinCeuticals C+E Combination Antioxidant.

Finally, existing skin conditions like rosacea or eczema can get worse during this time, and your dermatologist may have to adjust your prescription to a less irritating formulation. It's also wise to keep some hydrocortisone around in case either of these conditions becomes inflamed.

Skin Saver

Lindi Skin is a skin-care line formulated for those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. At left, Lindi Face Serum and Eyes Hydrator. Visit lindiskin.com for more information.

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