The holiday season has a way of stirring up all kinds of emotions—joy, nostalgia, and sometimes deep longing.

For me, it’s a bittersweet time, as I find myself missing my mother even more. Her grace, her resilience, her glow—it all stayed with her, even as she faced a lung cancer diagnosis head-on. Watching her navigate that journey reminded me just how profoundly a diagnosis can affect not just the person receiving it but everyone who loves them. 

When the words “chronic illness” enter your life—be it type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or cancer—it’s a moment that changes everything. It doesn’t just touch your body; it reaches your mind, your spirit, and yes, even your skin. Stress, treatments, and the emotional toll can take a visible and invisible impact. But here’s what I’ve learned from my mother’s journey and my own: you are not alone. This road can be managed with love, the right support, and the tools to take care of yourself holistically.

Understanding the Diagnosis: The First Emotional Blow

When the doctor says, “You have…” it’s natural for a flood of emotions to take over. Shock, disbelief, anger, and fear are common reactions, and they’re perfectly valid. For many of us, these diagnoses feel like a life sentence, and the initial shock is overwhelming. But acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward managing what comes next.

With illnesses like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even certain cancers, we’re often dealing with the result of prolonged stresses on our bodies—stress from lifestyle, genetics, or sometimes factors we can’t even identify. Recognizing these diagnoses as signals to make changes, rather than as dead ends, is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

Skin Deep: How Chronic Illness Affects Our Largest Organ

One of the first places these chronic illnesses show up is on our skin, a reflection of what’s happening internally. High blood pressure, diabetes, and medications can dry out the skin, cause dark spots, and accelerate aging. Let’s break down the skin impacts of some common diagnoses:

• Type 2 Diabetes: This condition can cause darkened patches, particularly around the neck, armpits, and other skin folds, due to insulin resistance. It also leads to dehydration, making the skin more prone to infection and slower to heal. Moreover, diabetic neuropathy can result in reduced sensation, especially in the feet, which increases vulnerability to injuries and infections.
• High Cholesterol and Heart Disease: High cholesterol can restrict blood flow, which prevents oxygen from reaching the skin effectively. This leads to dull, ashen skin, especially noticeable in extremities. The buildup of plaque in the arteries reduces circulation, which, over time, leads to sagging, wrinkles, and an uneven skin tone.
• Cancer and Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy treatments are notorious for their effects on the skin. Dryness, sensitivity, and pigment changes are common, along with the more extreme effects of hair loss and brittle nails. The skin can also become very sensitive to sunlight and certain topical products, making it essential to use gentle, nourishing skincare during this time.

I witnessed this firsthand with my mother when she was battling lung cancer, which metastasized to her brain. Even as she lost her hair, she remained resilient, upbeat, and dedicated to her skin care. No matter what else was going on, she took time to nurture her skin, a routine that provided a sense of normalcy and control. Her skin remained glowing and supple, a reminder to everyone around her of her inner strength and beauty. She never let the illness define her appearance or her spirit—she wore her resilience on her face.

 

The Emotional Toll: How Diagnoses Affect Mental Health

A chronic illness diagnosis doesn’t just impact your physical health; it changes your mental and emotional landscape. The idea that you’ll be managing this disease for life, coupled with the potential side effects of medications, can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation.
 
Medication side effects can intensify this toll, as many chronic illness drugs have their own list of mental and emotional effects. For instance, certain blood pressure medications can lead to fatigue, while steroids and some chemotherapy drugs may increase anxiety or cause mood swings.
 
Dealing with the psychological effects requires a multi-layered approach:

• Therapy and Counseling: Seeing a counselor or therapist can help you process these new challenges and provide coping mechanisms. Even a few sessions can make a significant difference.
• Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Mindfulness practices like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can reduce stress, which in turn helps manage symptoms and side effects. Chronic stress exacerbates inflammation, which is detrimental to both physical and mental health.
• Support Groups: Sometimes, talking to people who understand what you’re going through provides relief that friends and family can’t always offer. There are many online and in-person support groups for nearly every chronic condition, making it easier than ever to find community. 

Physical Impact: When Your Body Is Fighting Itself

Living with a chronic illness often feels like you’re waging a silent war with your own body. This tension affects your energy levels, sleep, and even your self-image. Many chronic diseases and medications have a direct impact on muscle tone, weight, and physical stamina, which can be difficult to manage if you’re accustomed to a certain level of fitness or appearance.
 
For instance:

• Type 2 Diabetes and Weight Management: Insulin resistance and certain diabetes medications can lead to weight gain, and high blood sugar damages blood vessels, affecting circulation and wound healing. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and careful monitoring can help manage these physical changes.
• Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation are notorious for depleting energy. Muscle mass can diminish, fatigue becomes frequent, and the body’s natural energy levels dip as it channels all resources toward fighting the illness. Building in gentle exercises and a protein-rich diet can be helpful to regain some strength.
• Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure: These conditions often come with dietary restrictions and an increased focus on exercise, which can initially feel limiting. Adjusting to a heart-healthy lifestyle, with more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and exercise, requires time but can eventually lead to more sustained energy and resilience.

Maintaining physical health through manageable exercise, balanced nutrition, and, when needed, physical therapy can help mitigate these side effects and promote a more positive body image.

Building a Supportive Skincare and Wellness Routine

Managing chronic illness requires a holistic approach—mind, body, and soul all play a role. When it comes to skincare, it’s about finding products and routines that support the changes in your body without adding unnecessary chemicals or irritants.

1. Keep Hydration a Priority: Chronic illness and medications can lead to dehydration, which affects both the skin and energy levels. Drink plenty of water, use hydrating face products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and glycerin, and consider adding a humidifier to your home, especially in dry seasons.
2. Incorporate Antioxidants: Free radicals can accelerate aging, especially when the body is under stress from chronic illness. A serum with antioxidants like vitamin C, ferulic acid, and vitamin E such as my GLOW BOOSTER+ Vitamin C Serum protects against oxidative stress and help keep skin looking vibrant.
3. Opt for Gentle Exfoliation: Illnesses like diabetes and treatments like chemotherapy can cause skin sensitivity, so it’s best to avoid harsh exfoliants. Look for gentle enzyme powder cleansers like ME FIRST Plum Enzyme Powder Cleanser or mild AHA/BHA exfoliants, which remove dead skin without causing irritation.
4. Sunscreen, Always: Many chronic conditions and their treatments make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) or a moisturizer cream with sunscreen, i.e. VERY NECESSARY. SPF 40 Moisturizer, is essential. Try to use a physical sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for less irritation.
5. Restorative Ingredients: Hydrating ingredients like shea butter, neroli oil, and mango butter are fantastic for nurturing compromised skin. My IMMERSE Neroli Oil hydrating toner and R4 hydrating moisturizer for face give skin nourishment that help protect the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and are gentle enough for sensitive skin. 

Finding Balance: The Key to Thriving Beyond the Diagnosis

Learning to live with a chronic illness is a marathon, not a sprint. Alongside your physical and mental health, spiritual practices or reflective routines can make a world of difference. This may be prayer, meditation, journaling, or simply taking moments throughout the day to center yourself.

Becoming Your Own Advocate

An essential part of navigating chronic illness is learning to advocate for yourself. No one knows your body better than you, so if a treatment or medication doesn’t feel right, speak up. Partner with your healthcare team, ask questions, and seek second opinions if needed.

Embracing the New Normal

Receiving a diagnosis changes your life, but it doesn’t have to diminish your joy, purpose, or self-worth. Accepting the changes and committing to proactive self-care can give you a sense of control over your life again. The goal isn’t to “overcome” the illness, but to integrate it into a lifestyle that allows you to thrive. 

Moving Forward with Grace and Resilience

The road ahead may be challenging, but it’s also full of opportunities to rediscover your strength and enjoy life—even on new terms. Like my mother, whose spirit and resilience shone even in the most difficult moments, you can find beauty, strength, and resilience in this journey.

At IKNOW Skincare, we honor the power of self-care—because when you nurture your skin, you’re nurturing your soul. Let this season be a reminder to cherish the moments, take care of yourself, and hold your loved ones close. Remember, you are not alone; we are in this together.