Currently there are many products available on the market which can be used to conceal vitiligo lesions. Camouflage products can be broadly categorised as:
- Camouflage product – refers to a product that is designed or marketed specially to conceal a skin lesion or condition.
- Cosmetic makeup – refers to commonly used foundation or makeup that may not be specifically designed for camouflage.
- Sunless tanners – refers to fake tan/spray on tanning lotions which gives the skin a tanned like appearance without exposing oneself to the sun.
There is also a form of camouflage called permanent camouflage or micropigmentation/microtattooing which involves the application of tattoos of natural skin tones to mask the white patches.
Each type of camouflage has its advantages and disadvantages and may be more suited for some than others depending on their needs. For example, cream-based camouflage that can be applied on the skin may be useful to conceal vitiligo lesions however if you do a lot of sports and sweat a lot it can cause the product to rub off and sunless tanners in this case may be more suited for you. There are lots of things to consider for camouflage and that’s why the VAA is working on the Camouflage Project which aims to create independent information to help you learn more about different types of camouflage products and assist you choosing the one most suited for you. Once this project is complete, we will be sure to share it with you.
In the past few years, the VAA has hosted numerous free camouflage workshops. In these workshops, passionate camouflage experts volunteer their time to inform about various products available and how to apply use them for seamless camouflage. The VAA will be hosting another camouflage workshop later this year. Be sure to watch out for upcoming news on our facebook or instagram page about it and we would love to see you there!
For more information about camouflage, read here and here.
25/07/2020 - Camouflage workshop 1
XX/XX/XX - Camouflage workshop 2
09/10/2021 - Camouflage workshop 3
References:
- Ongenae K, Dierckxsens L, Brochez L, Van Geel N, Naeyaert JM. Quality of life and stigmatization profile in a cohort of vitiligo patients and effect of the use of camouflage. Dermatology. 2005;210(4):279-85.
- Salsberg JM, Weinstein M, Shear N, Lee M, Pope E. Impact of cosmetic camouflage on the quality of life of children with skin disease and their families. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2016;20(3):211-5.
Dr Jennifer Nguyen - Secretary of the VAA