Skin camouflage, vitiligo and you with The Vitiligo Society webinar – Q&A

Our Skin camouflage, vitiligo and you with The Vitiligo Society webinar can be watched on demand here.

The answers below cover both questions asked on the night and those we didn’t have time to address.  In some cases we have summarised the answer, so may differ slightly to the answer given.

Is a long-lasting product such as Zanderm recommended for camouflaging vitiligo around the mouth, as an alternative to makeup?

Zanderm is generally recommended for use around the mouth, as it stays in place. Skin camouflage creams can also work well as long as the skin is prepped properly beforehand: the skin should be free of oil, the camouflage product applied, and powder set on top and left for around 10 minutes. Small, inexpensive pens can be carried along with cotton pads to top up product and powder throughout the day.

What camouflage advice is available for men?

Skin camouflage products are used by people of any gender and are different to make-up, though can feel strange for people who are not used to wearing make-up. CoverMark Foundation, for example, has been used successfully for several years. Since skin tone can shift slightly with the seasons, having a couple of different shades on hand is useful. A powder should be set on top after application. Although the product may be used less often over time, it remains a reliable option.

Are there any drugstore alternatives to specialist camouflage products?

No specific drugstore alternative can be recommended with confidence when it comes to matching pigmentation. Supermarkets and department stores do sell highly pigmented makeup, but it isn’t designed to be waterproof. Going for a waterproof, high-coverage look with general makeup tends to result in a heavy finish similar to television makeup. Fine under studio lighting, but more noticeable in everyday life. Specialist camouflage products remain the better option, as their pigmentation is designed specifically to match skin tones affected by vitiligo. They can be easily purchased online.

What are the recommendations for young, pre-teen skin, for example, an 11-year-old who doesn’t currently use makeup or skincare products and hasn’t asked about camouflage?

Coverage can be built up gradually and doesn’t need to be heavy; a small amount is often enough if only certain areas need covering. As children don’t typically wear makeup and have young skin, it’s best to avoid piling on product. It can also help to wait and see how the child feels about it. Visible differences tend to be noticed less at a younger age and become more noticeable around the transition to secondary school, at which point the option can be revisited. Overall, a lighter approach is recommended over a heavier one. Most importantly, it is vital that the conversation is led by the needs and wishes of the child rather than someone else wanting them to cover up or ‘fit in’.

Is there a product that will stay on well for a child with large white patches on her legs, for situations such as being at the beach or on holiday?

A long-lasting product such as Zanderm is a good option, as it is designed to stay on even with exposure to water. Larger pens can cover a bigger area quickly, and using a sponge for application is recommended rather than fingers, since fingertips can become stained. For extra protection, powder and a fixing spray can be applied on top.

What are the recommendations for using fake tan when a large area of skin has turned white due to vitiligo?

Fake tan can be used successfully, particularly on holiday, because it’s fast-absorbing, it’s very quick, depending on what products you use, it can be streak-free, and it can last two to three days. One example, which some people find useful, is Saint-Tropez purity tanning mousse which could be applied the day before travelling, gives a natural colour, and holds up well in the sun and in swimming pools.

Is there a way to cover two different skin tones, for example, skin that is tanned in some areas and affected by vitiligo in others, so that neither stands out?

When blending two different skin tones, it’s best to start with a lighter shade and build towards a darker one rather than matching straight to the darkest area. Natural or fake tanning tends to affect areas such as the forehead, nose and chin more than areas like the neck, so those spots are often noticeably darker than the rest of the body. Identifying the majority skin tone across the body as a whole, and matching the camouflage product to that shade, generally allows the different tones to blend together more naturally.

How should someone respond when others make repeated, unwanted comments about how different their appearance looks before and after applying camouflage makeup?

Wearing camouflage makeup is a personal choice, and what matters most is that it makes the person wearing it feel good. People will often find something to comment on regardless, whether it relates to skin or something else entirely, so the priority should be doing what feels right for oneself rather than being guided by others’ reactions. You can also watch our recent webinar on dealing with comments from others here.

Have men who use camouflage makeup ever felt self-conscious about doing so?

Self-consciousness is understandable, partly because camouflage makeup isn’t typically associated with what men are expected to wear. One experience that stood out involved a close friend who, despite having known about the vitiligo for years, only asked about it directly after noticing changes on my fingertips. Explaining the condition in that moment turned out to be a valuable and positive conversation, and it highlighted how greater awareness helps people respond more sensitively if they encounter similar situations in future. Education plays an important role here, those living with vitiligo tend to be well informed, but many other people are not, and resources such as social media and support groups can help build wider understanding.

Is camouflage makeup available on prescription?

This is possible in some areas, and is available in Wales, though availability elsewhere in the UK depends on the local health board. Following a consultation, a prescription letter can be provided for a GP by some practitioners. It’s advisable to hand this letter to the GP directly rather than leaving it at reception, as not every area is familiar with this process. Speaking to a GP directly about the available products is a good way to find out what local support may be offered. If you cannot get a prescription or find a local supply, the products can be purchased online for £20-£20 and do last a long time.

How would you advise about covering vertiligo and a darker birthmark against brown skin?

Try using a peach/orange blocker on the darkest area of the birthmark and then put camouflage product on top. You should skin colour match the camouflage product to the darker surrounding skin (not the birthmark) to get a colour to cover vitiligo. This can be added in layers if necessary.

I have vitiligo and alopecia. Could I use this make up for my eyebrows alongside eyeliner?

Yes, you can. A powder setting would give it waterproof longevity and also adding a fixing spray on top to give it even more staying power.

Are there any waterproof camouflage products?

They are all waterproof as long as the powder setting is completed. You should powder for 10 mins and brush off lightly. You can find more information here.