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Dryness during cancer treatment isn't just uncomfortable—it's a complex side effect that impacts both body and mind. Alex Huffman, Director of Supportive Care and Integrative Oncology at UT Southwestern Cancer Center, reveals why addressing this common challenge requires a holistic approach that nurtures the whole person.

Discover the surprising connection between hydration and mental health as Alex explains how proper moisture levels help transport crucial neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine through the body. "We know that staying hydrated helps move neurotransmitters," she shares, highlighting how this simple practice directly impacts depression and anxiety—critical concerns during cancer treatment.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when discussing the psychological impact of cancer on body image. "A common reaction to going through a life-altering diagnosis that some may consider traumatic is to disconnect from the body," Alex notes. Learn how transforming skincare from mundane routine into meaningful ritual can help patients rebuild their relationship with bodies that feel unfamiliar or betraying. The podcast offers practical recommendations for creating these healing rituals, from ingredient selections to application techniques.

Perhaps most moving is the discussion about how touch becomes essential when words fail. Gentle massage with appropriate moisturizers provides "caring touch, supportive touch, grounding touch" that can transform the treatment experience while strengthening connections between patients and caregivers. As Alex beautifully puts it, "Sometimes touch is the most universal language we can lean on."

Ready to transform your understanding of skincare during cancer treatment? Subscribe to the Oncology Aesthetics Podcast for more expert insights that merge the science of skincare with the art of holistic healing during the cancer journey.

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