Cancer Care

Gentle, effective skincare tips and tools for navigating treatment and beyond.

At By Sarah, we understand from personal experience how cancer treatment can affect your skin, often leaving it dry, sensitive, acne-prone, or dull.

When my sister, Lauren, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, I became her stem cell donor and saved her life. As Lauren recovered, I struggled to find natural yet effective products to soothe and revitalise my sister's cancer ravaged skin. So I decided to develop my own formulas and, with this act of sisterly love, skincare By Sarah was born.

We're here to help you care for your skin and confidence through your cancer journey and recovery.

Sarah & Lauren, Co-founders

What happens to your skin during cancer treatment?

Chemotherapy and radiation can significantly affect your skin. Common issues include dryness, sensitivity, inflammation, thinning, and changes in texture. These concerns can vary from person to person, but most stem from a disrupted skin barrier and reduced cell renewal. Understanding these changes can help you adapt your skincare routine to better protect and soothe your skin throughout treatment and recovery.

How can you care for sensitive skin during and after treatment?

Support your skin with gentle, nourishing, and fragrance-free formulas. Choose products that are Dermatologically Approved and designed for compromised or reactive skin. Look for natural plant oils, prebiotic ingredients, and antioxidants that strengthen the skin barrier, restore hydration, and reduce inflammation. A calming daily ritual can provide both physical comfort and emotional support.

You can take comfort knowing that our By Sarah skincare range is Dermatologically Approved, suitable for sensitive skin and formulated without any ingredients known to cause irritation; free from all fragrance and essential oils.

What ingredients should you avoid and which to look for?

Steer clear of harsh surfactants, drying alcohols, essential oils, synthetic fragrance, and active exfoliants like retinoids or AHAs. Instead, look for soothing, barrier-supportive ingredients like squalane, jojoba and prebiotic inulin. These gentle botanicals and bioactives work with your skin’s natural healing processes to restore balance and resilience during and after treatment.

I purchased the Hero Facial Oil as a gift for my daughter in law when she was diagnosed with cancer. She has been using these products for almost 2 years, and says her skin has never been better.

– Christine, customer

By Sarah Hero Facial Oil — Hero Facial Oil

My experience with By Sarah is amazing. I have been using their products now for about two years ever since my treatment for breast cancer finished as chemo had left my skin in an awful condition. I use all their products and it has definitely turned my skin around and I won’t use anything else now. Keep up the magnificent work ladies and thank you 💚

– Purminderjit, customer

By Sarah Balancer Cream Cleanser — Balancer Cream Cleanser

This product is amazing! I had stage 3 cancer, heart disease, diabetes, as well as being in the menopause since age 38, now I'm 64. It’s changed my skin!! Love it 🥰

– Caroline, customer

Bought this sunscreen for a friend recovering from skin cancer treatment & she loves it!

– Tracey, customer

When I started targeted therapy for cancer, my skin could not tolerate the skincare ingredients of old. I've been using By Sarah for months now, and no breakouts, but rather a return of healthy, glowing skin. I love it!

– Gina, customer

By Sarah Ally Recovery Facial Oil — Ally Recovery Facial Oil

FAQs for cancer care

To calm irritation caused by chemotherapy or radiation, opt for gentle, fragrance-free skincare that supports the skin barrier. Avoid essential oils, synthetic fragrance, and potent actives like retinol. Look for nourishing plant oils and calming botanicals like sweet almond, prebiotic inulin and soothing aloe vera that help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

You can feel confident knowing the full By Sarah skincare range is Dermatologically Approved and formulated for even the most sensitive, compromised skin.

Stay hydrated, get plenty of rest, and eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet as much as you can. Gentle movement and stress reduction can also support skin healing. And don’t forget daily SPF, even when indoors, to protect healing skin from UV damage. Above all, be kind to yourself through such a challenging time. We know from experience that the road ahead is far from easy, but with a little courage every day, you'll get there.