Giving Back Through SideStep Oncology Aesthetics
At About Face Skin Care, were passionate not only helping you look and feel your best, but also about giving back to our communities that support us.
Throughout the year, About Face Skin Care will add small admission fees to events. These funds are allocated to this program exclusively, funded by our clients and matched dollar for dollar at our organization.
Our commitment to a client’s well-being inspired us to create SideStep Oncology Aesthetics, a program dedicated to providing healing skincare and pampering services to those undergoing cancer treatment.
Thanks to ongoing advancements in research and medicine, cancer is becoming more treatable than ever before. But the toll of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical interventions on the body—and spirit—can still be overwhelming. Many of these patients are unable to receive traditional aesthetic treatments, which is why SideStep exists.
Through this program, were honored to offer safe, oncology-friendly services and products that support comfort, restore confidence, and nurture their skin during a difficult time. Our goal is to help our patients feel beautiful, cared for, and seen throughout their journey.
Trained Professionals You Can Trust
About Face Skin Care’s SideStep Oncology Program
A Note from Chrissy Thomas, RN, BSN
Owner, About Face Skin Care
I first began thinking about this program. Back in 2004, in the early days of About Face Skin Care. At the time, I was a one-woman operation with about 250 clients and limited knowledge and resources. But I quickly realized that many of my clients were facing a journey I hadn’t been trained for—cancer treatment.
Sadly, these diagnoses are all too common. But the good news is that medical advancements have made great strides in treating and curing many cancers. Through it all, my clients still wanted to care themselves—and it became my mission to help them do so gently and safely. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery often affect the skin in difficult ways, causing dryness, sensitivity, breakouts, discomfort, and fatigue. On top of that, a compromised immune system and self-esteem challenges must be handled with care and compassion.
Treating clients undergoing cancer therapies requires a deep understanding of their treatment journey, skin needs, and sensitivities. Ingredient safety is essential, and so is maintaining an environment that is calm, clean, and supportive.
At About Face, we take pride in exceeding industry standards for sanitation and safety. For this program, we’re going even further. Our Oncology certified staff are trained to avoid exposing these clients to illness. If a provider has been sick within the previous 48 hours, the appointment will be rescheduled or reassigned. If a client is severely compromised, we will take extra precautions—including mask-wearing. Most importantly, our SideStep clients will be treated in a stress-free, peaceful environment where they can truly relax and feel cared for.
If you or someone you know is currently undergoing cancer therapy, we invite you to learn more about our oncology-certified products and facial treatments. These non-toxic, barrier-reinforcing formulas are gentle enough for even the most sensitive, compromised, skin.
We are proud to offer these services free of charge to patients, made possible by the generous donations from our community. We also partner with several oncology organizations to expand access to safe and effective skincare during treatment. If you would like to support this program or get involved, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you.
~ With gratitude,
Chrissy Thomas, RN, BSN
Owner, About Face Skin Care
SideStep Oncology Facial Program
Supportive Care During Active Cancer Treatment
The SideStep Oncology Facial Program is our way of giving back to individuals whose cancer treatment is currently impacting their daily life. This program offers complimentary, oncology-safe facial treatments designed to support skin health, comfort, and confidence during periods of active treatment.
How to Apply
Clients interested in the SideStep Oncology Facial Program must complete a request form prior to each appointment.
- Visit aboutfaceskin.com
- Navigate to About Us → SideStep Oncology
- Complete the SideStep Oncology Request Form located at the bottom of the page
A new request form is required for each SideStep Oncology facial to ensure continued eligibility and clinical appropriateness.
Program Benefits & Treatment Frequency
Eligible clients may receive:
- Up to three (3) complimentary oncology-safe facial treatments
- Treatments are typically scheduled about once per month, depending on:
- Provider availability
- Client health status
- Clinical appropriateness at the time of service
SideStep Oncology facials are provided at no cost only while eligibility criteria are met.
Request Review & Scheduling Process
All SideStep Oncology requests are carefully reviewed to ensure safety and appropriateness.
- Requests are reviewed by our clinical leadership team
- If eligibility criteria are met:
- The request is forwarded to a certified SideStep Oncology provider
- The provider will contact the client to:
- Introduce themselves
- Explain the SideStep Oncology Program
- Review treatment expectations and limitations
- Schedule the approved facial
Clinical Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the SideStep Oncology Facial Program is based on current treatment status and functional impact, not cancer history alone.
A client may not be clinically eligible for the gifted SideStep Oncology Facial Program if:
- Cancer treatment is not currently impacting daily life or functional capacity
- The client is receiving maintenance-only medications without active chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy
- The client has sufficient medical clearance and functional capacity to safely receive standard aesthetic services without oncology-specific modifications
In these situations:
- A consultation may be offered to discuss appropriate care options
- Services may be provided only with oncologist clearance, when applicable
- These services fall outside the scope of the complimentary SideStep Oncology Facial Program
Provider Health & Safety Commitment
To protect our immunocompromised clients:
- Providers must be symptom-free for at least 48 hours prior to treatment
- If a provider becomes unwell and no alternate qualified provider is available:
- The appointment will be rescheduled
This recommendation helps ensure the highest standard of care and safety.
Completion of the Program & Transition of Care
After:
- Completion of all three (3) SideStep Oncology facial treatments and
- Medical clearance from the client’s oncologist for standard aesthetic services
Clients will transition into SideStep Forward, our Oncology Graduation Program.
SideStep Forward: Oncology Graduation Program
SideStep Forward supports clients as they move beyond active treatment or regain functional capacity.
The program includes:
- 25% courtesy discount on aesthetic services for three months
- Ongoing care aligned with current health status and skin needs
Transitioning into SideStep Forward reflects healing, recovery, and progress—and is considered a successful outcome of the SideStep Oncology Program.
Program Stewardship & Sustainability
SideStep Oncology is a community-supported program with limited resources. Guidelines may be updated periodically to ensure:
- Ethical and responsible use of program funds
- Continued access for those actively impacted by treatment
- Alignment with best practices in oncology aesthetics
All program decisions are guided by medical appropriateness, safety, and community impact.
Our Commitment
SideStep Oncology Aesthetics provides supportive care during periods of active, treatment-related limitation—and thoughtfully transitions clients forward as health, capacity, and medical clearance are restored.
