Providing support and promoting respect for everyone with a visible difference

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A skin camouflage practitioner applying skin camouflage to a service-user

What is skin camouflage and what to expect at your appointment

We explain what skin camouflage is and what happens in a Skin Camouflage Service appointment, as well as how to request one.

Skin camouflage is where specialist creams and powders are used on your face or body to reduce the appearance of your scar, mark or condition (a visible difference). The products can be used on all genders and children over the age of five, with shades for all skin tones.

We provide a Skin Camouflage Service because not everyone is comfortable with their visible difference. Our service offers you a choice over your appearance and a sense of control over how you want to look day to day. We know that this can build confidence and help you feel more empowered.

We offer free appointments with trained skin camouflage practitioners across England and Scotland.

Request an appointment

On this page we cover what skin camouflage is and how it may help you, who it is suitable for and what happens during a Skin Camouflage Service appointment.

What is skin camouflage?

Skin camouflage products are highly pigmented creams and powders that provide a heavier coverage than high-street make-up brands and last longer. You apply these products over your scar, mark or non-infectious skin condition to reduce their appearance.

Skin camouflage is long-lasting, waterproof and can be used on your face or body. The products come in an array of shades and colours, so they can be used on all skin tones.

After my first application I felt confidence that I have not felt in years.

Skin Camouflage Service client

Is skin camouflage suitable for me?

Skin camouflage can be used on all genders and anyone over the age of five. The products are suitable for all skin tones and for such a wide range of marks, scars or skin conditions that it isn’t possible to list them all here. The following are just a small number of the conditions that people use it for:

Skin camouflage cannot be applied to infected, inflamed or broken skin. It also cannot level out raised scars, fill in indented scars or alter the skin’s texture – it’s a tool for covering an area of skin with a colour that matches the surrounding area.

If you’re not sure if our service is suitable for you, then please do get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 012 0276.

I have had a lot of people asking me what I have done to my face which has knocked my confidence. Because of the lady helping me, with not only matching my colour but also showing me how to apply, I feel much better about myself.

Skin Camouflage Service client

About the Changing Faces Skin Camouflage Service

We offer face-to-face appointments with trained practitioners at clinics across England and Scotland. We also offer advice sessions online and over the phone. We’ve provided information below about what happens in a skin camouflage appointment and our advice sessions.

What happens in a skin camouflage appointment?

The video below, which was created thanks to a generous grant from the British Association of Dermatologists, talks you through what happens during an appointment. It was made before the pandemic and some of the information relates specifically to face-to-face appointments rather than our online advice sessions. However, it is useful for you whether you are interested in a face-to-face appointment or an online session.

Face-to-face appointments

During your appointment, the practitioner will firstly ask how they can help you and listen to your needs. After that, they will show you the range of products and ask to look at your skin.

With your input, the practitioner will then carry out a colour match. This is when the camouflage creams are applied to your skin in small amounts to see which shades match your skin. When you have found a match that you’re happy with, the practitioner will apply this cream and then add a powder.

During your appointment, the practitioner will demonstrate how to apply the creams and powders. You’ll also have the opportunity to have a go yourself so that you know how to apply the products on your face or body.

You’ll leave the appointment with a list of recommended products to either request a prescription from your GP or buy the products yourself.

The lady was so kind and a great listener with a great sense of humour. She was so lovely and put me at ease straight away. I cannot wait to go out with my camouflage on. Massive thank you for all your advice.

Skin Camouflage Service client

For more information about the products that our practitioners use as well as prescriptions, visit our products and prescriptions page.

We have made sure our face-to-face appointments are COVID-safe. You can read about the measures we take in our Q&A section below.

Online and phone appointments

As in a face-to-face appointment, you will speak to an experienced practitioner to talk about your individual skin camouflage needs. Your confidential session will last about 30 minutes.

While it’s not possible to receive a colour match online, there are other ways your practitioner will support you. You might want to know whether skin camouflage is for you, which application techniques might work best or how to make products last longer.

After the session, your practitioner will email you a summary of what was discussed plus relevant additional advice and support.

What previous clients say about the service

How to request an appointment

Follow the link below to request a Skin Camouflage Service appointment. If you are a healthcare professional, please visit our dedicated page to find out how to refer a patient.

If you have any questions about the service, including whether it is suitable for you, then you can get in touch with the team by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 012 0276.

Skin camouflage products laid out on a table

Request a Skin Camouflage Service appointment

Complete our form if you live in England or Scotland and we will get in touch as soon as appointments become available in your area.

Request an appointment

Frequently asked questions

Where is the service available?

We offer appointments in England and Scotland. Unfortunately, we can’t currently offer appointments to people living in Wales and Northern Ireland. We currently hold clinics in:

  • Aberdeen
  • Birmingham
  • Bristol
  • Cambridge
  • Dunfermline
  • Edinburgh
  • Exeter
  • Glasgow
  • Lanarkshire
  • London
  • Luton
  • Manchester
  • Nottingham
  • Orpington
  • Reading
  • Sheffield

How long will I wait for an appointment?

Waiting times vary between clinic locations, but we aim to offer you an appointment within six to eight months of receiving your request.

IS THE SERVICE SUITABLE FOR UNDER 16S?

Yes! Children and young people between five and 16 years can have an appointment, you just need a parent or guardian to come along too. However, we don’t offer skin camouflage appointments to children under five years old.

Can I swim or play sports while wearing skin camouflage?

Yes, skin camouflage products are longer lasting and more waterproof than normal high-street makeup brands. Lots of people play sports, swim and shower while wearing them.

What changed due to the pandemic?

Your health and safety are our absolute priority, so to protect you and your practitioner we follow enhanced hygiene and safety protocols for our face-to-face appointments.

We continue to practice high standards of hygiene and safety practices in our clinics as well as following government guidelines.

What other support do we offer?

As well as our face-to-face appointments and online/phone support sessions, you can:

  • Access our skin camouflage makeup tutorials to help you apply the products at home.  The videos cover how to prepare your skin, tools and application techniques and how to set your skin camouflage products. While they refer to skin camouflage products specifically, they also contain tips for using high-street make-up. This may be helpful while you are waiting for an appointment.
  • See if any of our wellbeing services might benefit you. These include one-to-one counselling, group support services and our online forum.
  • View our self-help guides which provide advice and guidance across a wide range of topics, from mental health and confidence to coping with other people’s reactions and working with a visible difference.

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