Camouflage Cosmetics

Treatment with camouflage cosmetics involves the application of special creams and powders to congenital or acquired disfigurements of the face. Typically, these disfigurements are untreatable with surgery.

Camouflage cosmetics are also effective for use on scars from plastic surgery procedures. Occasionally, surgical approaches such as dermabrasion, chemical peels and even laser treatments will leave unattractive scarring that can, luckily, be easily hidden by concealing, contouring, shading and lighting the area with creams and powders.

During treatment, an aesthetician will teach you how to apply cosmetics in a way that minimize the appearance of your scars or other skin defects.

Indications for Cosmetic Camouflage

Camouflage therapy may be used to treat the appearance of defects stemming from a multitude of conditions including, but not limited to:

  • Rosacea
  • Varicose veins
  • Pigmentary disorders
  • Nevi
  • Dark circles of the eyes
  • Tattoos
  • Scars 

Cosmetic camouflage is most often considered when it is clear that surgery or another treatment cannot resolve or improve these conditions.

Cosmetic Camouflage Techniques

First the skin is thoroughly cleaned and moisturized. Depending on the scar being treated it may be essential to neutralize the color of the defect by applying an opposite color. For pink or red discoloration, green-colored corrector is used. Lavender-colored correctors help to neutralize yellowish scars, and gold is helpful to correct grey discoloration.

The cover cream is selected depending on the patient’s skin color. Consideration is taken to match the color of the skin surrounding the scar as well as the patient’s face and neck color.

Once the color corrector and cover cream have dried for five minutes, the area is waterproofed and a power is applied. Lighting and shading techniques are used to disguise scars. For depressed scars that appear darker than the surrounding skin, a lighter powder is used to cover the scar. Elevated scars are treated with a darker powder.

For individuals with oily skin, the powder is left to dry for about 8-10 minutes; for those with drier skin, the cover cream should also be left to dry for about 8-10 minutes. Excess powder is then removed, and makeup is then applied to the other half of the face to create a uniform appearance.

Camouflage Removal

Camouflage makeup can only be removed with a water-in-oil-based cleansing solution. Methods to remove most conventional makeup forms are ineffective. After removal, it is recommended that you wash your face with water and soap.

If you are curious about how camouflage cosmetics might benefit you, or if you have any questions regarding the cost of the procedure, please contact us at the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Kansas. Our surgeons are eager to take your questions and help guide you through your decision-making process.