Build confidence with camouflage cream
Roger Day
If you have a visible birthmark or scar, or your skin is prone to obvious damage, you will know about people staring at you. Such marks leave people with a feeling of low confidence and the subject of ridicule and other forms of bullying.
Do you have to put up with the abuse? The answer is a resounding NO!
After a lifetime of various treatments for a serious skin condition I bruise very easily. When I bruise in a place that is visible (such as the back of my hands) I simply apply some camouflage cream to the affected area. Within five minutes I can walk out with confidence, knowing that people won't notice. I can even go swimming without the cream washing off.
Cosmetic camouflage creams were developed by plastic surgeons during the Second World War to cover up huge ugly burns on fighter pilots. Since then they have been widely used for people with any form of skin mark or discolouration.
The products are not cheap but with care they can be used each day for months or even years to come. As a man the idea of my using anything that looks like women's make up scares me. I have settled with creams in tiny tubes that I can take anywhere and apply with ease and discretion. They don't look or smell like make up so I'm happy.
There are many products on the market. The one I use is known as Christy Keromask Skin Masking Cream in 15 ml tubes. It comes in nine colours. The idea is to find a colour combination that suits your skin type. I have three tubes – brown, white and a reddish colour – and I vary the combination depending on where on my skin the mark has appeared. It is important to discover your skin undertone so it may be worth a one-off visit to a skin camouflage specialist before you buy the products. Alternatively, like me, you can choose two or three colours and experiment.
Start by cleansing the area with a simple skin cleanser and a cotton wool pad. I avoid cleanser with any scent in it. It is also important not to use a combination cleanser/toner.
Once the skin is clean I put a pinhead-size drop of each colour on my hand and start mixing with my finger (my applicator). Once I have the right colour I dab (not rub) it on the affected area. Sometimes two different colour tones work better than one. When it looks acceptable, I sprinkle on some talcuum power (baby powder is best) and pat it in. This stops the cream rubbing off.
One application lasts me all day.
So, whether you are a man, woman, boy or girl, you can go out each day with confidence and a spring in your step. A tiny amount of cream and a little effort can transform your appearance.
Roger Day UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, Certified Play Therapist
Christine Day Diploma in Counselling, European Adult Teaching Certificate
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