the BRITISH ASSOCIATION of SKIN CAMOUFLAGE

Facing the world

The British Association of Skin Camouflage was formed in 1985 with a fourfold mission to:

 Benefit people seeking help by providing a network of highly trained skin camouflage practitioners

Actively promote a positive change towards those who have an altered image

Support and train skin camouflage practitioners to the highest of standards

Continue to provide up to date information on products and application techniques through its magazine, The Cover

What is skin camouflage?

Skin camouflage is used to restore appearance to normality with simple but effective techniques.

The products are specially formulated creams and powders which have the necessary covering power, yet require only a thin application to mimic the surrounding and normal skin colour. When correctly applied the camouflage should not be apparent; the application process itself is simple and easily managed within usual daily routines.

Why do I need skin camouflage?

The reasons for needing skin camouflage are individual and various; those seeking help include men, women and children. Some, with congenital disorders may be born with the condition apparent, whilst with others the dermatosis will present at a later stage – and that is usually when it is least welcomed, particularly during puberty. Scarring can be the result of surgical procedures, accident, acts of violence and self-injury. Unwanted tattoos and excessive facial “flushing and blushing” are other reasons for requesting skin camouflage.

Scarring, unwanted tattoos and non-infectious skin conditions (dermatoses) can be broadly grouped into being

• hypopigmented (where there is a loss of skin colour)
• hyperpigmented (when there is darker coloured patches of skin) and
• erythematic (is when the skin becomes reddened)

The psychological benefit achieved by using skin camouflage cannot be over-emphasised. It is an accepted fact that mind and body interact upon each other, when we feel good about ourselves, our attitude is positive – we enjoy social activities, we form relationships and are considered to be part of our community.

When we are not happy with our image, we can begin a downward spiral by losing our confidence and self-esteem – we become anxious and go to great lengths to avoid social situations. Finally we can withdraw and become isolated form our community.

Although the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) protects people in employment and customer service, many people with skin conditions report that at some point they have met with rejection, name-calling, unwarranted comments or verbal abuse. There is further evidence to suggest that those with skin abnormalities experience higher levels of anxiety, depression, difficulties at school and unemployment than those who’s skin is considered to be psycho-socially normal.

The priority of the BASC is to help by advising the skillful use of camouflage products to face the world – with confidence