ABSTRACT
The primary cause of skin dyspigmentation is melanin production in response to sun exposure resulting in the tanning response. The most valuable cosmetic for camouflaging is facial foundation. Facial foundations for camouflaging must possess a variety of qualities. They must cover the underlying skin to a greater or lesser degree, a quality known as coverage. There are four basic facial foundation formulations: oil-based, water-based, oil-free, and water-free forms. Each of these formulations will be discussed in the context of pigmentation abnormality camouflage. The colouring agents in all facial foundations are based on titanium dioxide with iron oxides, occasionally in combination with ultramarine blue. Camouflage cosmetics are designed to cover underlying pigmentation abnormalities, but they are not able to duplicate the appearance of a freshly washed, unadorned face. Camouflaging cosmetics are much more likely to be acnegenic than comedogenic. Allergic contact dermatitis to camouflage cosmetics is rare since the formulation is generally fragrance-free with a low preservative concentration.
