Psychological distress from dyspigmentation in skin of color is highly prevalent. Disorders of pigmentation such as vitiligo have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. Similarly, in skin of color patients, melasma, acne scars, and post-inflammatory hypo- and hyperpigmentation are often hard to treat.
Skin camouflage is a great way to help patients overcome the distress of their pigmentary disorders. However, I have found in my practice that patients under use these masking products.
Once they are on board, remind patients that there is a big difference between over-the-counter corrective makeup and skin camouflage products. For instance, skin camouflage products are designed to last 8-16 hours and are significantly water resistant. They are also more durable, blend better with natural skin tone, and last longer than OTC corrective makeup.
The products are applied by blending a fine layer of camouflage cream followed by a setting powder.Standard makeup and sunscreen can then be applied over the camouflage products.
Choosing the right brand can be confusing to patients. Several lines of products can be bought at department stores and through mail order. And each brand varies in texture, durability, coverage, sun protection, and color.
In the U.S. many department stores carry skin camouflage brands. Although these products reside in the "cosmetic" section, they are not referred to as makeup, so as not to create distress for patients who do not normally wear cosmetics.
In my experience Dermablend, Covermark, and Dermacolor work well. However, there are several other brands available to experiment with.
I encourage my patients with dyspigmentation to look into these well-developed camouflage products. Often times I encourage testing of the product on their skin by an experienced company representative.
Understanding the art of skin camouflage can help many of our patients cover their skin imperfections and regain their self-confidence.
-Lily Talakoub, M.D.