When Skin Breaks Down: What to Do and When to Return to Your Routine

Jul 10, 2026

Rika is designed for intact skin

Rika was formulated for intact skin—for the dryness, tightness, redness, and sensitivity that many people experience during and after radiation treatment.

Radiation can sometimes cause more significant skin changes, and it's important to recognize the difference between skin that needs gentle support and skin that needs medical attention first.

This guide is not a substitute for your care team's guidance. It's designed to help you understand what you're seeing, know when to call, and feel confident about returning to a gentle skincare routine when the time is right.

Signs your skin needs medical attention before skincare

Contact your oncology care team before applying any skincare product—including Rika—if you notice:

• Open skin—raw tissue is visible.

• Blistering—fluid-filled blisters in the treated area.

• Weeping or oozing—fluid draining from the skin.

• Active skin breakdown—deep cracking, peeling sheets of skin, or raw skin.

• Signs of infection—increasing warmth, swelling, worsening pain, pus, foul odor, or red streaking.

These changes may represent moist desquamation, a more significant radiation skin reaction. Do not apply skincare products until your care team has evaluated the area and tells you it's appropriate.

What your care team may recommend

For open or weeping skin, your care team may recommend specialized wound dressings, prescription treatments, or protective barriers designed for compromised skin. Follow their guidance carefully.

Many patients experience skin reactions during radiation therapy, so don't hesitate to call if you're unsure. Your team would much rather answer a question early than have you worry at home.

When to return to a gentle skincare routine

Once your skin has fully closed and a new surface has formed (a process called re-epithelialization), your care team will let you know when it's appropriate to return to a gentle skincare routine.

• Skin is intact and no longer open, weeping, or draining.

• Dry, tight, or sensitive skin without ongoing breakdown.

• Clearance from your oncology care team.

Begin with a small patch test. If your skin tolerates it well, gradually return to your routine.

Returning to Rika

For skin that is dry, fragile, depleted, or sensitive after treatment, Recover is often a good place to restart. Some people may prefer to begin with Relief if redness or sensitivity remains before gradually transitioning to Recover. Restore can also be reintroduced for barrier support once your care team confirms the skin is ready.

There isn't a fixed timeline. Follow your care team's guidance, listen to your skin, and give yourself permission to go slowly.

Good skincare starts with good timing

Sometimes the most important part of skincare is knowing when to wait. Allow your care team to guide you through the period when your skin needs medical wound care. When your skin is ready, returning gradually to a gentle, supportive routine can help you feel more comfortable as recovery continues