A Sensitive Skin Moment: Terri’s Fluorouracil Healing Journey
When Terri reached out to us in early May, she was in the middle of a Fluorouracil 5% (5-FU) treatment for precancerous spots developing near her left eye. Just one week in, her skin had become extremely reactive—redness, burning, dryness, and stinging had intensified, all common but uncomfortable side effects of 5-FU therapy.
She was already using Hale & Hush Quiet Wash, NeoGenesis Barrier Renewal Cream, and Tizo 3 sunscreen, but her skin needed more targeted barrier support. Terri contacted us hoping for guidance on how to soothe irritation, protect her skin barrier, and support healing while continuing Fluorouracil.
Step 1: Calming and Strengthening the Barrier
Our first goal was to restore comfort and reduce inflammation so Terri could continue her treatment with less irritation. We introduced two powerful yet gentle tools: Plated Daily Serum for advanced healing support, and the Epicutis Post-Procedure Set, clinically designed for compromised, inflamed skin.
Morning Routine
Cleanse: Epicutis Oil Cleanser — Apply to dry skin, massage, emulsify with wet hands, and remove with a warm AOS Luxe Cloth.
Serum 1: SIV Biome Balancing Serum — Replenishes and stabilizes the skin’s microbiome.
Serum 2: Epicutis Lipid Serum — Calms inflammation and reinforces the skin barrier. (Use up to 4× daily during peak irritation.)
Moisturizer: Epicutis Hyvia Cream — Deeply hydrating, barrier-restoring comfort.
Evening Routine
Cleanse: Epicutis Oil Cleanser (same as morning)
Serum 1: Plated Intense Serum — Accelerates healing and reduces appearance of redness.
Serum 2: Epicutis Lipid Serum
Moisturizer: Epicutis Hyvia Cream
Step 2: Managing Fluorouracil Irritation During Peak Sensitivity
Near the end of her Fluorouracil cycle, Terri’s skin became more reactive—this is common as 5-FU builds up in the skin. To help her stay comfortable and protected, we made a few key adjustment
Paused Hyvia Cream temporarily and replaced it with Vaseline to keep the skin continuously moist and shielded from air exposure.
Increased Plated Intense Serum to twice daily for added healing and calming.
Switched sunscreen to Tizo Ultra Zinc, as her skin had become sensitive to the Tizo 3 formula.
During Fluorouracil treatment, your skin is essentially in “injury mode.” Keeping the skin moist, protected, and never picking or peeling is essential for healthy recovery and reducing the risk of scarring or pigmentation.
Step 3: Preventing Post-Treatment Pigmentation
Once Terri’s skin began to stabilize and could tolerate more hydration again, we reintroduced Epicutis Hyvia Creme and added Epicutis Actigenin Brightening Treatment Brightening Serum to help prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a common after-effect of Fluorouracil.
Updated Recovery Routine:
Cleanse: Epicutis Oil Cleanser & Enzymes
Serum 1: Plated Intense Serum
Serum 2: SIV Biome Balancing Serum
Serum 3: Epicutis Lipid Serum
Treatment: Epicutis Actigenin Brightening Serum
Moisturizer: Epicutis Hyvia Cream
Weekly: Epicutis Lipid Recovery Masks for the eyes, neck, and face
Terri’s progress is a beautiful example of how the right support can help soothe irritation, strengthen the skin barrier, and restore radiance—even during a challenging treatment like Fluorouracil 5%.
As part of our AOS Skincare Check-Up Program, Terri connects with us whenever she completes a product, giving us the opportunity to reevaluate her skin and make subtle updates to support consistent results.
The Takeaway
Terri’s journey is a perfect example of how personalized skincare guidance and high-performing products can transform the healing process — even during the most challenging treatments. With the right support, patience, and protection, your skin can recover stronger, healthier, and more radiant than before.
Fluorouracil 5% Treatment FAQ
Is irritation normal during Fluorouracil 5% treatment?
Yes. Redness, burning, dryness, and stinging are common side effects of Fluorouracil 5% (5-FU) as it targets damaged skin cells. Proper skin barrier support can help reduce discomfort and keep your skin protected.
How can I soothe burning or stinging from Fluorouracil?
Keep your skin consistently moist with healing ointments or lipid-rich serums, avoid picking or peeling, and use calming products such as gentle cleansers, microbiome-supporting serums, and barrier-repair creams. These steps help reduce discomfort and support recovery.
What skincare products are safe to use during Fluorouracil?
Gentle cleansers, lipid-based serums, microbiome-balancing serums, healing support serums like Epicutis Lipid Serum, Plated Intense, zinc-oxide sunscreen, and non-irritating moisturizers are generally safe. Avoid exfoliants, retinoids, scrubs, and strong active ingredients unless cleared by your provider.
How do I protect my skin barrier while using Fluorouracil?
Focus on moisture retention, barrier-repair products, and consistent sun protection. Lipid serums, healing serums, and occlusives like Vaseline during peak irritation can help maintain comfort and reduce the risk of long-term barrier damage.
Can Fluorouracil cause hyperpigmentation after treatment?
Yes. After your skin has calmed, it’s important to use gentle brightening products and daily sunscreen to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Products like Actigenin Brightening Serum can help support even-toned healing.
Looking for expert skincare guidance? Our team of licensed estheticians will help you create or refine a routine that fits your skin’s unique needs — starting with a free skincare checkup.
Author
Jeana LeClerc
Jeana LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the founder and CEO of Art of Skincare . With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the skincare industry, Jeana specializes in regenerative skincare —a powerful, holistic alternative to conventional anti-aging treatments.
Rejecting the pressure of injectables and invasive procedures, Jeana champions science-backed, skin-nourishing solutions that support healthy, youthful skin from the inside out. Her mission is to help clients achieve lasting skin transformation through personalized routines, professional-grade products, and a deep understanding of how the skin functions and regenerates.
At Art of Skincare, Jeana leads a team of expert estheticians dedicated to delivering results-driven skincare, from clearing acne to supporting healthy aging . Her blog and online consultations are trusted resources for those seeking radiant, resilient skin without compromise.
