The field of dermatology and surgery has vastly helped people improve the appearance of pathological skin conditions. However, despite the fact that medicine has advanced in leaps and bounds in the past century, there are still many people who must live with permanent changes in their appearance. These textural abnormalities and discoloration on the skin negatively impact psychosocial wellbeing.
Fortunately, cosmetic camouflage was developed. First used by surgeons in World War I to conceal the extensive burn marks of fighter jet pilots, this technique has since been used for a wide variety of skin conditions that cannot be resolved with treatment or surgery. It has afforded many people with the opportunity to live their life without calling unwanted attention to their skin.
What is cosmetic camouflage
Cosmetic camouflage is defined as the application of topical products such as creams, liquids, and powders with the goal of concealing pigmentary abnormalities or contour textural irregularities in the face and body.
Dermatologists and surgeons recommend cosmetic camouflage for permanent or long-term skin conditions, including scarring from thermal burns, surgery, or injury, vascular diseases such as rosacea, telangiectasias, and port wine stains, skin pigment abnormalities including s vitiligo and melasma, severe post-acne hyperpigmentation and scarring, and many others. These are meant to be used by patients of any age or sex.
Cosmetic camouflage vs. commercial make-up
Cosmetic camouflage and over-the-counter make-up have the same goal: to hide skin irregularities and achieve evenness in appearance. Just like make-up, there are different formulations, including creams, liquids, and powders.
However, it is important to remember that cosmetic camouflage products are developed specifically for those with permanent skin conditions that stem from pathological causes. The underlying skin is sensitive and may require treatment with topical drugs and specialized skincare products. Therefore, cosmetic camouflage products are designed to be fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and non-photosensitizing. Some are even formulated to provide SPF. These products should not irritate the skin nor react with prescribed medications. For this reason, consultation with a doctor is required before discussing this medical management technique.
Lesions that call for cosmetic camouflage are often attention-grabbing. Regular make-up products and techniques are not sufficient to improve their appearance. As such, cosmetic camouflage products tend to be thicker in consistency and opaque compared to commercial brands.
Cosmetic camouflage products should be convenient to use in order to allow patients to use it as often as they want for the rest of their lives. As such, manufacturers aim to develop natural-looking products that are easy to apply, long-wearing, waterproof, and do not stain clothes.
These important considerations set cosmetic camouflage products apart from regular make-up. The ingredients and formulations are specially designed for pathological skin conditions that affect people for life.
Basic cosmetic camouflage techniques
Concealing, color correction, and contouring are the three basic techniques used in cosmetic camouflage.
The hallmark of a concealing product is its color--it should be as close to skin tone as possible. These come in a wide variety of shades to fit every complexion, but these can be tweaked using color correctors for a perfect match. There are many formulations available depending on the individual patient’s skin type and needs.
Color correction is crucial for lesions that are red, yellow, grey, blue, or any color too far off from that of the surrounding flesh. These are meant to neutralize the color and allow better blending with a concealing product.
Contouring relies on creating light and shadow to diminish the appearance of textural abnormalities. These products are usually a few shades away from the individual’s skin tone. Highlighters help make depressions look more shallow, while contour shadows help make bumps look less raised.
Cosmetic camouflage specialists will suggest products and formulations based on the individual patient’s condition, treatment regimen, skin type, color, lifestyle, and budget.
Conclusion
Cosmetic camouflage has helped many people to manage the psychosocial effects of their skin condition. Hospitals and dermatology clinics may offer cosmetic camouflage services and classes for patients. This consists of a consultation, determination of the proper products to use, and demonstration of application techniques that will provide the best result.
This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Resources:
Antoniou, C., & Stefanaki, C. (2006). Cosmetic camouflage. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 5(4), 297–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2006.00274.x
McMichael L. (2012). Skin camouflage. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 344, d7921. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d7921
https://dermnetnz.org/topics/cosmetic-camouflage
