I have been a skin camouflage practitioner and make-up artist for more then 23 years and see clients regularly for skin camouflage consultations to help with many skin conditions including scarring, Melasma, Rosacea and quite often, Vitiligo.
Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin due to a lack of melanin. It is not fully understood why this happens or what triggers it although it is thought the body’s immune system is attacking and destroying the cells that make melanin which give colour to the skin. Generalised Vitiligo is when symptoms often appear on both sides of the body sometimes as symmetrical white patches. The patches can appear on the backs of hands, around the eyes, on the arms, elbows, knees or feet. Generalised Vitiligo affects 9 in 10 people with Vitiligo. Localised Vitiligo is less common and causes white patches to appear on just one area of the body.
Vitiligo is a long-term condition where pale white patches develop on the skin due to a lack of melanin. It is not fully understood why this happens or what triggers it although it is thought the body’s immune system is attacking and destroying the cells that make melanin which give colour to the skin. Generalised Vitiligo is when symptoms often appear on both sides of the body sometimes as symmetrical white patches. The patches can appear on the backs of hands, around the eyes, on the arms, elbows, knees or feet. Generalised Vitiligo affects 9 in 10 people with Vitiligo. Localised Vitiligo is less common and causes white patches to appear on just one area of the body.
Generalised Vitiligo on the hands - Photo nhs.uk
As a skin camouflage practitioner, I have found skin camouflage creams to be very effective in covering Vitiligo patches and matching them into the surrounding unaffected skin. There are a number of brands of skin camouflage creams and hundreds of shades meaning skin camouflage creams can be used by any gender, age or skin colour. They provide good coverage and are long lasting if applied properly. With the amount of shades available anyone can find a skin match with the help of an experienced practitioner.
Dermacolor is one of many brands of skin camouflage effective at covering Vitiligo patches - Photo uk.kryolan.com
The recurring issue found with using skin camouflage creams to help with covering Vitiligo patches, is using it on the hands. Skin camouflage creams even once powdered and fixed with a spray, are not one hundred percent rub proof. For anyone who washes their hands several times per day (and let’s face it that’s all of us for the foreseeable future!) using skin camouflage creams on the hands is not a suitable option. The creams can come off or transfer to a towel when drying hands which can cause embarrassment if you are in someone else’s home.
Zanderm is a product from the United States which has recently become available in the UK. It differs from skin camouflage creams in that it isn’t actually a cream but more of a skin stain. It comes in 14 shades and has the translucency of skin. And, the big plus, it can remain on the hands after washing. Think beetroot juice but in your skin colour!
Zanderm, now available in the UK
I have now been using Zanderm on clients. My first impression is that it was a little difficult to apply. It either became patchy or disappeared altogether when trying to blend. But with some practise it is I think, a useful product. So far, I have found regular skin camouflage creams to be the winner on the face and body. Easier to find a skin match and definitely easier to apply and get the coverage required very quickly. But as mentioned earlier, this is not the case for the hands. And that is where a combination approach may be your best solution. Zanderm may not give perfect coverage on the hands but it greatly reduces the appearance of Vitiligo patches to the point anyone not knowing you had it, wouldn’t notice without it being pointed out. And that really is the solution most people want. Often clients who have Vitiligo have become accustomed and accepting of their changed appearance but are very conscious of what others may think or assume about the white patches on their skin. A day off from feeling judged or stared at is a welcome relief.
The best Zanderm applicator for the hands is the Precision Applicator. This is very similar in appearance to a felt tip pen. The Zanderm stain is ‘drawn’ on the skin over the white patches and immediately blended with the Zanderm Blender Sponge (or any cosmetic blender sponge) and allowed to dry. Once dry you’re good to go about your day. Because of its handy size the Precision Applicator can be taken out and about so should you have a particularly busy handwashing day, touch ups can be applied. A small amount of the blender sponge could easily be cut off to take out and about with you also.
The best Zanderm applicator for the hands is the Precision Applicator. This is very similar in appearance to a felt tip pen. The Zanderm stain is ‘drawn’ on the skin over the white patches and immediately blended with the Zanderm Blender Sponge (or any cosmetic blender sponge) and allowed to dry. Once dry you’re good to go about your day. Because of its handy size the Precision Applicator can be taken out and about so should you have a particularly busy handwashing day, touch ups can be applied. A small amount of the blender sponge could easily be cut off to take out and about with you also.
Zanderm Precision Applicator - Photo zanderm.com
To find the best combination of products for your Vitiligo it is best to see an experienced practitioner. Solutions depend on the coverage you want, how much time you feel you’ll have each day to apply them, how easy or complex you are prepared for the solution to be and your general lifestyle. Tester kits can be purchased online for both skin camouflage creams and Zanderm but without the knowledge of how to mix and apply this can end up being a more expensive solution with disappointing results.
I provide consultations at Camouflage Consultations in the Clapham and Harley Street areas of London Monday to Friday or Saturday by arrangement. Please contact Phil at skincamuk@outlook.com or call 07970 175514 to discuss and arrange an appointment.
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