than just make-up

Skin Camouflage: IT’S MORE THAN JUST MAKE-UP

SKIN CAMOUFLARGE IS THE TECHNICAL TERM FOR SPECIALIST PRODUCTS THAT CONCEAL ANY DISCOLOURATION OF THE SKIN ON THE FACE AND/ OR BODY. LESLEY WOOLNOUGH, A QUALIFIED SKIN CAMOUFLAGE PRACTITIONER HIGHLIGHTS JUST HOW LIFE CHANGING THIS TREATMENT CAN BE.

The application of specialist creams and powders, which can be used to reduce the appearance of a mark, scar or skin condition.

“I had a birthmark which caused me lots of embarrassment & distress. I was shown how to cover my mark as if it wasn’t there. I was so happy. Skin Camouflage has changed my life and given me so much confidence” Lisa, aged 20 years. Skin Camouflage can help with any of the conditions listed below, and many more… • Acne • Birthmarks - port wine stain • Burns & Self-Harm scars • Vitiligo or loss of pigmentation • Rosacea & Psoriasis • Hyperpigmentation ie melasma/chloasma

OBTAINING HELP

Changing Faces is the UK’s leading charity supporting and representing children, young people and adults who have conditions which affect their appearance. Their team of Skin Camouflage Practitioners run 5 main ‘Hub’ clinics across just England and Scotland and offer advice, information & emotional support. You can self-refer on-line to this free service or talk to your GP or Dermatologist and ask for a referral – www.changingfaces.org.uk Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all charity and private clinics have paused their Skin Camouflage Services until further notice.

Skin Camouflage Practitioners

You can also find private practice Skin Camouflage Practitioners throughout the UK. A paid for consultation takes approximately 2 hours where you talk about your condition and expectations. You will then be taken through the skin matching process to identify the most suitable product and colour. Once this has been agreed you will be taught: • How to apply the camouflage cream and powder • How to manage it during wear • How to remove to cleanse skin • Where to obtain your camouflage products

Vitiligo before and after Skin Camouflage

In most cases one visit is all you need. You will walk away with the skills and confidence to apply the products yourself. Choose products that: • Mimic your skin colour as closely as possible • Waterproof - suitable for showering, swimming & sports • Going to last through the day • Non-comedogenic • Non-allergenic • Ranges include Keromask, Covermark, Dermacolour, Veil.

HELPING YOU FEEL MORE CONFIDENT ABOUT YOUR SKIN

Skin Camouflage is the technical term for specialist products that conceal any discolouration of the skin on the face and/or body. Skin Camouflage can be used to cover up anything at all that makes part of your skin look different to the rest, however, it cannot be used on broken, inflamed or infected skin. All of the products used are very highly pigmented, are specifically formulated to last all day, to be water and sweat proof, and they will not aggravate your condition.

Skin Camouflage can be used by men, women and children (over the age of 5) and on all skin colours and types. Skin Camouflage creams and finishing powders come in a vast array of shades and colours so they can be matched to an individual’s skin tone. Once applied correctly it will not look heavy or caked-on but give you a natural finish. People will focus on you and not your skin condition, birthmark or scar.

Before, during and after applying Skin Camouflage on acne

SKIN CAMOUFLAGE CAN IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE

If a birthmark or other skin condition causes a young person to feel self-conscious, covering it up with specialist products may help according to 2 studies* of 5-18 year olds. A skin condition can make children and young people feel anxious, depressed, embarrassed or withdrawn, however, when a Skin Camouflage Practitioner applied camouflage products, they felt much better and self-confidence improved. Researchers found that coveringup skin conditions with these products is not always the right solution for every child. Some found it difficult to apply well but all of them said that knowing that this was an option (something in their tool box) left the child feeling more confident. Using these products is always a personal choice, but in this day of social media dominance Skin Camouflage can often help people feel more comfortable in their skin.

FINDING THE RIGHT PRODUCTS IS ESSENTIAL

Do not be tempted to buy a cover-up stick or shop bought make-up it just doesn’t work effectively. The right products make all the difference. A birthmark called a port-wine stain requires a different coloured product undertone than a birth mark known as cafe au lai spot. It is also important that you (or your child) learn how to apply the products so it looks like your own skin and not make-up. The products can be applied and removed quickly and so it’s up to you how and when you use them. Once correctly applied they can last all day.

Acne scarring before & after Skin Camouflage

Facial scars from a dog bite

About Lesley...

Lesley Woolnough - I am a qualified Skin Camouflage Practitioner and a member of the BASC and hold a CPD accreditation from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). My passion for Skin Camouflage follows years of personal use for a skin condition. My endorsement of Skin Camouflage and its effectiveness comes safe in the knowledge I have tried and tested this treatment on many NHS and private patients in the East Midlands for over 8 years.

Leg scarring from a car accident

Images with thanks to skincamouflageservices.co.uk

References:

Ramien ML, Sandra Ondrejchak S, et al. “Quality of life in pediatric patients before and after cosmetic camouflage of visible skin conditions.” J Am Acad Dermatol 2014;71:935-40. Tedeschi A, Dall’Oglio F, et al. “Corrective camouflage in pediatric dermatology.” Cutis 2007;79(2):110-2.

More information

British Association of Skin Camouflage (BASC) www.skin-camouflage.net British Association of Dermatologists see https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk Skin Camouflage UK - Independent Skin Camouflage Practitioners skincamouflageuk.uk