Samantha Kool
Certified Oncology Esthetician, LE
What is Oncology Esthetics?
Oncology Esthetics involves advanced education that is designed to provide estheticians with the
knowledge of how to modify skincare/spa treatments to ensure a safe outcome for your skin if you are living
with cancer. Most people look for comfort and relief from the unpleasant side effects associated with cancer
treatments and therapies such as dryness, loss of elasticity and rashes, among other issues.
Oncology Esthetics complements medical oncology treatments and falls under the integrative approach.
Each client has unique circumstances and may respond differently to cancer or cancer treatments.
Estheticians trained in Oncology Esthetics will seek to approach your skincare treatments with a heightened
level of sensitivity based on the conditions you may be dealing with.
Is it safe to have skin care/spa services while in active treatment or recovery?
It is absolutely safe to have skin care services while in active treatment or recovery, if you are going to an
esthetician who is certified in oncology skin care and using a product line that is oncology-approved. The
timing of oncology treatments in relation to skin care services is important and should always be considered.
A release from your doctor is also required.
How are Oncology Esthetics treatments different to traditional spa treatments?
Oncology Esthetic treatments involve an in-depth analysis and understanding of the cancer journey of each
client. As oncology skin care therapists, we are trained to identify and understand the long-term side effects
of cancer on the skin and how to provide treatment modifications that won’t cause reactions that will
further compromise already sensitized skin.
We are going to take all aspects of a client’s situation into consideration before determining the best
treatment for your skin, such as the following:
- Are you experiencing any rashes or irritations due to your treatments?
- Any acne-like symptoms caused by medication?
- Any changes in your skin tone, temperature or texture due to treatment?
- Is there any neuropathy occurring, so we know about appropriate pressure and temperature?
- Have you had any lymph nodes removed, so we know if and how we can offer massage during the
treatment? - Do you have an active port? If so, we have to consider what quadrants of the body can receive massage
services. Also, are there any specific draping requirements?
Once we have a clear understanding of your situation, we can determine what modifications need to be
made during treatment to keep you safe and comfortable.
What are the benefits of Oncology Esthetics?
Our skin is our largest organ. What is happening in and on our body will always reflect through the condition
of our skin. When a cancer diagnosis is given, it is time to prepare the skin for the effects of the treatments
that may lie ahead. Well-prepared skin will be less likely to react and flare as a result of treatment. Once
treatment has begun, we are managing symptoms through skin care services to reduce inflammation,
redness, irritation and dryness, for example. Lastly, in recovery, we are rebuilding and restoring the barrier
function of the skin to promote the growth of new healthy skin cells.
Here are just a few of the modifications that can be made in Oncology Esthetics:
- The exclusive use of oncology-approved skin care lines
- Avoiding excessive heat, pressure or friction during treatment steps
- Avoiding exfoliants such as chemical peels and harsh scrubs
- Limiting the use of stimulating and irritating products
- Modified massage techniques based on ports, edema, surgical sites, etc.
- Customized home care programs to further support the preparation and healing of sensitized skin
How can I be most helpful to you?
Modified esthetic services make sense for anyone living with cancer whether in active treatment or recent
recovery. As specialists, oncology estheticians have a unique level of understanding of the long-term side
effects of cancer treatments. We offer safe, effective and relaxing treatments to anyone with sensitized or
compromised skin due to medical conditions. I am proud to be a part of the integrative team at Cancer
Rehab and Integrative Medicine.
I provide skin care services including gentle facials, hand and foot treatments, scalp treatments and eye
treatments using Hale and Hush Products.
In the near future, I hope to offer therapeutic LED light treatment, DermoTaping® services, and camouflage
makeup.
Pricing and Mobile Services
My list of services and prices can be found on Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine at
https://www.savafaceandbody.com/
Lastly, I do make house calls if you are in need of in-home services. Pricing is modified for in-home services
and available upon request, depending on location and other specific details.
Consultations or Appointments
The best way to reach me is to call 512-608-7760 or email me at sedonasamm@gmail.com. I am happy to
schedule a no-cost consultation by phone or in person prior to booking any service.
Our studio is located inside:
Cancer Rehab and Integrative Medicine
4130 Spicewood Springs Rd, Ste 100
Austin, TX 78759
If you or someone you know is facing breast cancer and could use our support, please visit our website or call our helpline at 512-524-2560.
Consider making a donation to BCRC and give the gift that makes a real difference for the women in Central Texas facing breast cancer right NOW. Visit bcrc.org to learn more about how we can help, or click here if you wish to give back today.
