Winter Care for Chemo-Treated Skin : When “Normal” Skin Feels Out of Reach

Winter Care for Chemo-Treated Skin : When “Normal” Skin Feels Out of Reach

Ladies, if you’ve ever gone through chemotherapy — or you’re still on that journey — you already know your skin tells its own story. It becomes fragile, reactive, unpredictable. You touch your face and think, “When will I feel like me again?”

And then winter hits. ❄️
Suddenly, every gust of wind feels like sandpaper, the air inside is dry as dust, and no matter how much cream you use — it’s never enough.

But here’s what I want you to hear loud and clear… Your skin isn’t broken. It’s rebuilding. It just needs skincare that knows how to nurture it — not fight it.


💗 Born from Healing — Marlene’s Story

Gleem Beauty was created by Marlene Wallach, a breast cancer survivor who spent five years in treatment. Through it all, her skin changed. Nothing felt right — until one thing did: pure, healing aloe vera.

That simple, soothing ingredient became her comfort. And years later, it became her mission — to design skincare that helps every woman feel safe, comfortable, and beautiful in her own skin again.

That’s what Gleem stands for. 💖


What Happens to Skin During and After Chemo

Chemotherapy doesn’t just affect what’s happening inside — it affects your skin’s renewal process, too. The outer layer that once locked in hydration and kept irritants out becomes thinner and more vulnerable.

You might notice:

  • Your skin feels tight, itchy, or easily irritated

  • You see more dryness and flaking than usual

  • Even “clean” products start to sting

  • Redness and inflammation flare up easily

And that’s because your barrier — your skin’s invisible armor — is asking for help.

(Dreno et al., Supportive Care in Cancer, 2020)


❄️ How to Support Chemo-Treated Skin in Winter

Now, here’s where Gleem comes in — products made for skin that’s been through life, not just beauty routines. Let's walk through the winter recovery ritual — because the right steps make all the difference.

  1. Start with barrier-friendly cleansing.
    Your cleanser shouldn’t leave your skin squeaky or tight. The Super Nourishing Cleanser is pH-balanced and infused with Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Cucumber Extract. It melts away impurities while keeping that delicate barrier calm and comfortable.

  2. Follow with hydration that repairs.
    The Super Nourishing Toner and Microbiome Nourishing Moisturizer are like a reset button for your skin. They bring back hydration, calm irritation, and strengthen your microbiome — your skin’s invisible ecosystem that keeps everything balanced.

    (Prescott et al., Front. Microbiol., 2017)

  3. Lock in moisture overnight.
    Think of the Soft Immersion Night Moisturizer as your overnight barrier therapy. Ceramides, Collagen, and Hyaluronic Acid create a cocoon of moisture so you wake up to softer, more resilient skin by morning.

    (Draelos, J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2018)

  4. Protect by day, without irritation.
    The One & Done Moisturizer + SPF 30 gives you everything — mineral sun protection, hydration, and brightening — all in one step. It’s non-nano Zinc Oxide for clean SPF, and soothing Aloe Vera so your skin feels comforted, not coated.


💫 A Gentle Reminder

Healing doesn’t happen overnight — and that’s okay.
Your skin’s rebuilding itself just like you did: one day, one layer, one breath at a time.

So instead of chasing “normal,” let’s aim for nourished, balanced, and comfortable.
That’s the Gleem way — skincare that’s not just effective, but empathetic.


Your Winter Skin Recovery Routine

Step 1: Super Nourishing Cleanser
Imagine washing your face without that squeaky, stripped feeling. This cleanser is pH-balanced with Aloe Vera, Chamomile, and Cucumber Extract — it melts away dryness and leaves you calm, not tight.

Step 2: Super Nourishing Toner
Think of this as your skin’s deep breath. It refreshes, rebalances, and preps your skin so every next step feels like a hug.

Step 3: Microbiome Nourishing Moisturizer
Here’s where the magic happens. Pre- and post-biotics rebuild your skin’s microbiome — the natural ecosystem that keeps irritation away. You’re strengthening your skin from the inside out.

Step 4: Soft Immersion Night Moisturizer
This is your recovery blanket in a jar. Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid seal in moisture while you sleep, so you wake up to softness — not tightness.

Step 5: One & Done Day Moisturizer + SPF 30
During the day, protect that fresh new skin with gentle, mineral SPF. Non-nano Zinc Oxide and Vitamin C beads shield, brighten, and soothe — no sting, no heaviness, just comfort and glow.

Shop Barrier Repair Focused Products
💖 For every winter that feels too harsh, there’s Gleem — skincare created from survival, made to soothe, and inspired by healing.


🧠 Scientific References

  1. Dreno, B. et al. (2020). Supportive Care in Cancer – Chemotherapy-induced barrier dysfunction.

  2. Surjushe, A. et al. (2008). Indian J Dermatol – Aloe vera: A short review of its therapeutic properties.

  3. Prescott, S. et al. (2017). Frontiers in Microbiology – Microbiome modulation for skin health.

  4. Draelos, Z.D. (2018). J Clin Aesthet Dermatol – Ceramide-containing products for barrier repair.

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