More Than Skincare: How Our SideStep Oncology Program Is Making a Difference in Our Community
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on a program that’s especially close to our hearts.
At About Face Skin Care, we believe skincare is about more than appearance. It’s about confidence, comfort, connection, and feeling cared for—especially during life’s most challenging moments.
As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re highlighting a program that reflects those values: SideStep Oncology Aesthetics, our community-supported initiative providing complimentary oncology-safe facial treatments to individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
And the impact continues to grow.
Since October 2023, About Face Skin Care has provided 203 complimentary SideStep oncology facials—representing nearly $40,000 in skincare services invested back into our community.
Behind every facial is a person navigating a difficult journey, and we’re honored to offer a moment of comfort, relaxation, and personalized care along the way.
A Mission That Began More Than 20 Years Ago
The inspiration behind SideStep dates back to 2004, when About Face Skin Care founder Chrissy Thomas, RN, BSN, was operating the practice independently and caring for approximately 250 clients.
As her relationships with clients grew, Chrissy began noticing something important: many were navigating cancer diagnoses and treatments that significantly affected their skin, confidence, and overall well-being.
These clients still wanted to care for themselves, but traditional aesthetic treatments weren’t always appropriate during chemotherapy, radiation, or recovery.
Chrissy recognized the need for a different approach—one rooted in education, specialized training, safety, and compassion.
What began as a desire to better support her clients eventually helped inspire the SideStep Oncology Aesthetics Program.
Today, that mission continues through specialized oncology skincare services designed to provide comfort and individualized care during cancer treatment.
How Cancer Treatment Can Affect Your Skin
Cancer treatments can bring physical and emotional challenges, including changes to the skin that may make everyday skincare routines uncomfortable or difficult.
Chemotherapy, radiation, and other cancer therapies can contribute to:
- Dryness and dehydration: Skin may feel tight, rough, or uncomfortable.
- Increased sensitivity: Products that were previously well tolerated may suddenly cause irritation.
- Changes in skin texture: Flaking, roughness, and other changes may become more noticeable.
- Skin barrier disruption: The skin may become more vulnerable to irritation and moisture loss.
- Changes in confidence: Visible skin changes, hair loss, and other treatment-related effects can influence how someone feels about their appearance.
Not every patient experiences the same symptoms, which is why personalized care is so important.
Oncology-safe skincare isn’t about aggressive correction or cosmetic transformation. It’s about supporting comfort, protecting sensitive skin, and adapting care to the individual’s needs.
What Is the SideStep Oncology Facial Program?
SideStep is About Face Skin Care’s complimentary oncology facial program, created for individuals actively undergoing cancer treatment.
Through this initiative, eligible patients receive specialized skincare and thoughtful support tailored to their individual needs.
What Does the SideStep Program Include?
One Complimentary Oncology-Safe Facial
A gentle, customized facial performed by an oncology-certified skincare professional. Each treatment is adapted to accommodate the unique sensitivities and health considerations associated with cancer therapy.
A Specially Curated Gift Bag
Each SideStep participant receives a complimentary gift bag as an additional gesture of care and appreciation.
25% Post-Treatment Courtesy Discount
Our support doesn’t have to end when cancer treatment does. Once a patient has completed treatment and received clearance from their physician, they’re eligible for a 25% courtesy discount on their next aesthetic service through our SideStep Forward Oncology Graduation Program.
Our goal is to provide meaningful support throughout different stages of the cancer journey—from active treatment to the next chapter.
A Higher Level of Care, Comfort, and Safety
For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, the skincare environment matters just as much as the products being used.
At About Face Skin Care, our SideStep program incorporates additional precautions to help protect clients whose immune systems may be compromised.
Our protocols include:
Specialized Oncology Skincare Training
Our oncology-certified team members are trained to recognize common treatment-related skin concerns, understand important precautions, and adapt services appropriately.
Thoughtful Sanitation and Illness Precautions
If a provider has been ill within the previous 48 hours, appointments may be reassigned or rescheduled to help minimize potential exposure.
Additional Protective Measures When Appropriate
For clients with significant immune suppression, additional precautions, including mask-wearing, may be implemented based on individual circumstances.
A Peaceful, Personalized Experience
We strive to create a calm, stress-free setting where patients can relax and receive attentive care without pressure or expectations.
Every SideStep experience is centered on the individual, with their comfort, health, and well-being guiding our approach.
203 Facials. Nearly $40,000 in Community Care. One Meaningful Mission.
What began as a desire to help clients navigate the skincare challenges of cancer treatment has grown into an ongoing commitment to our community.
Since October 2023, we’ve proudly provided:
- 203 complimentary oncology-safe facials to individuals undergoing cancer treatment.
- Nearly $40,000 in complimentary skincare services dedicated to supporting members of our community.
- Countless moments of connection and care made possible through our dedicated team and generous supporters.
And we’re just getting started.
These numbers represent more than the value of services provided. They reflect the generosity of our community, the dedication of our oncology-certified professionals, and our belief that everyone deserves to feel cared for during difficult times.
How Our Community Makes SideStep Possible
Throughout the year, About Face Skin Care incorporates small admission fees into select events, with those contributions designated exclusively for the SideStep program.
About Face Skin Care matches these contributions dollar for dollar, helping extend the impact of every donation.
We also collaborate with oncology organizations to help expand awareness of supportive skincare options during treatment.
Every contribution helps us continue a mission that has been part of our practice’s story for more than two decades.
Who Can Participate in the SideStep Program?
The SideStep Oncology Facial Program is designed for individuals currently undergoing cancer treatment who may benefit from specialized, gentle skincare.
Whether you’re experiencing treatment-related dryness, increased sensitivity, or simply hoping for a moment of relaxation, our team would be honored to learn more about your needs.
How to Request Your Complimentary Facial
- Visit our SideStep Oncology Program page.
- Complete the SideStep Oncology Request Form located at the bottom of the page.
- Our team will review your request and help determine the appropriate next steps.
Treatment eligibility and scheduling are based on individual health considerations, provider availability, and applicable safety precautions.
Learn More About SideStep & Complete the Request Form
This October, Help Us Continue Making a Difference
Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of education, community, and supporting those affected by cancer.
But our commitment doesn’t end when October does.
Through SideStep, About Face Skin Care is proud to support individuals navigating all types of cancer treatment throughout the year.
If you know someone who may benefit from our complimentary oncology facial program, we encourage you to share this resource with them.
And if you’re interested in supporting SideStep through donations, community partnerships, or future events, we’d love to connect.
Because sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can offer isn’t a transformation. It’s a moment of comfort, kindness, and care.
With gratitude,
Chrissy Thomas, RN, BSN
Founder & Owner, About Face Skin Care
About Face Skin Care
Serving Snellville, Hamilton Mill/Dacula, and Athens/Bogart, Georgia.
