A new makeup trend on Tik-Tok recommends that women use calamine lotion as a makeup primer, claiming that the effects are even better than expensive makeup primers. However, doctors warn that using heavy amounts of calamine lotion daily for makeup can cause more damage than benefits for your skin health. Although many experts have warned, people are still obsessed with following the trend, thus causing a shortage of calamine lotion in stores worldwide. This trend could jeopardize people with medical conditions needing the lotion, like chickenpox victims in the UK.
Calamine lotion is usually used for medical purposes, mildly treating rashes and other skin irritations and reducing itchiness. Now, TikTokers are gushing over the surprising effects of calamine lotion on their skin after applying thick amounts onto their faces using brushes, sponges, and even directly pouring it on. A TikToker said, “I cannot see my pores anywhere,” commenting that her skin became “super matte.” Others say that the lotion can cover acne scars and treat oily skin. Moreover, the lotion is said to sustain makeup for up to twelve hours, even in the sweltering sun. Calamine lotion costs under $5 compared to makeup primers, which can cost $20-$64.
Maybe the lotion can provide some temporary miracles for your face, but is it worth it? Many medical professionals have commented that suitable amounts of calamine lotion can help heal scars on the skin, but the new trend doesn’t consist of safe quantities. A prominent TikToker, San Diego dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi (skinbydrazi), was one of the medical experts that spoke out against the trend exposing its cons after people tagged her on the issue. She warned that large amounts of calamine lotion could cause “severe irritation and worsening of scars” on the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology also stated that overuse of the product could worsen skin irritations.
Shirazi added, “It just doesn’t make sense to use calamine lotion and risk drying out the skin and damaging the skin barrier.” The dermatologist explained, “Calamine lotion is made up of zinc oxide, ferric oxide, and phenol. Zinc oxide is an astringent that can help absorb excess oil and have a mattifying effect. Ferric oxide helps with itching, and the phenol is also a powerful exfoliant. Combining phenol with an astringent as in calamine lotion can be very drying and irritating, leading to a damaged skin barrier. It can worsen skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and dermatitis.”
Furthermore, calamine lotion won’t work the same for every person. “Much like anything else related to skincare, the potential risks depend on your skin type so it’s best to always check with your dermatologist first,” Shirazi said. She addressed her 1.8 million followers on TikTok, stating, “It’s a no from me.”
Meanwhile, makeup experts also spoke about the issue and addressed that makeup primers are helpful, but calamine lotion may not be the best choice. Kourtney Hammett, a makeup artist from Essex, England, claimed that the “drying” product could even result in fine lines and wrinkles in the future. She strongly emphasized that “you should be using makeup suitable for your skin type” by sticking to standard makeup primers and moisturizers. Also, she suggested that the lotion shouldn’t be used daily.
Unfortunately, the trend seems to harm not only the people that use the lotion for makeup but also many other sick people worldwide. Many have reported not being able to find calamine lotion anymore after the trend went viral. For example, parents of children with chickenpox in the UK have said they can’t get the lotion to treat their kids properly. Another person commented on TikTok, “I have to use this when my lupus flares up; now it’s sold out in Walmart.” The trend is still spreading fast and could cause even more health problems in the future if not stopped.
Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/24/tik-tok-calamine-lotion-primer-beauty-trend/
Calamine lotion is usually used for medical purposes, mildly treating rashes and other skin irritations and reducing itchiness. Now, TikTokers are gushing over the surprising effects of calamine lotion on their skin after applying thick amounts onto their faces using brushes, sponges, and even directly pouring it on. A TikToker said, “I cannot see my pores anywhere,” commenting that her skin became “super matte.” Others say that the lotion can cover acne scars and treat oily skin. Moreover, the lotion is said to sustain makeup for up to twelve hours, even in the sweltering sun. Calamine lotion costs under $5 compared to makeup primers, which can cost $20-$64.
Maybe the lotion can provide some temporary miracles for your face, but is it worth it? Many medical professionals have commented that suitable amounts of calamine lotion can help heal scars on the skin, but the new trend doesn’t consist of safe quantities. A prominent TikToker, San Diego dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi (skinbydrazi), was one of the medical experts that spoke out against the trend exposing its cons after people tagged her on the issue. She warned that large amounts of calamine lotion could cause “severe irritation and worsening of scars” on the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology also stated that overuse of the product could worsen skin irritations.
Shirazi added, “It just doesn’t make sense to use calamine lotion and risk drying out the skin and damaging the skin barrier.” The dermatologist explained, “Calamine lotion is made up of zinc oxide, ferric oxide, and phenol. Zinc oxide is an astringent that can help absorb excess oil and have a mattifying effect. Ferric oxide helps with itching, and the phenol is also a powerful exfoliant. Combining phenol with an astringent as in calamine lotion can be very drying and irritating, leading to a damaged skin barrier. It can worsen skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and dermatitis.”
Furthermore, calamine lotion won’t work the same for every person. “Much like anything else related to skincare, the potential risks depend on your skin type so it’s best to always check with your dermatologist first,” Shirazi said. She addressed her 1.8 million followers on TikTok, stating, “It’s a no from me.”
Meanwhile, makeup experts also spoke about the issue and addressed that makeup primers are helpful, but calamine lotion may not be the best choice. Kourtney Hammett, a makeup artist from Essex, England, claimed that the “drying” product could even result in fine lines and wrinkles in the future. She strongly emphasized that “you should be using makeup suitable for your skin type” by sticking to standard makeup primers and moisturizers. Also, she suggested that the lotion shouldn’t be used daily.
Unfortunately, the trend seems to harm not only the people that use the lotion for makeup but also many other sick people worldwide. Many have reported not being able to find calamine lotion anymore after the trend went viral. For example, parents of children with chickenpox in the UK have said they can’t get the lotion to treat their kids properly. Another person commented on TikTok, “I have to use this when my lupus flares up; now it’s sold out in Walmart.” The trend is still spreading fast and could cause even more health problems in the future if not stopped.
Sources: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/24/tik-tok-calamine-lotion-primer-beauty-trend/
