With the approach of Halloween, kids everywhere — and many adults, too — have undoubtedly put a whole lot of thought into choosing what costume they’ll be donning on Saturday. We’ll probably see quite a few princesses and superheroes trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, maybe pop-culture icons like Beyonce and a Kardashian or two, and certainly some more ghoulish get-ups.
Over the years, costumes have gotten far more sophisticated, and one of those trends involves facepainting and the use of heavy makeup. We have some tips for getting that perfectly gruesome — or sparkly, or glowing, or alluring — look while at the same time protecting your skin.
» Do not use any product not intended for use on skin. I can’t stress this enough. Some products, even those made for the skin, have been shown to contain lead, which is a definite no-no. Check the ingredients carefully, and make sure it says that it’s nontoxic.
» All body paint and makeup must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. For further safety, go to the FDA’s website to verify that the product has been approved for use.
» If the product has an unpleasant odor, it may have gone bad and should not be used. Besides, even if it hasn’t, who wants to walk around in a cloud of bad odor all night?
» Follow the directions on the product. If the instructions say not to use it near the eyes, trust them. Don’t use it near the eyes!
» If you’re trying out a product that you’ve never used before, test it by putting a small dab of it on your arm a few days before. This is especially important if you have allergies or sensitive skin.
» At the end of the evening, don’t go to bed with the face and body paint on. This could clog pores and will just not end well.
» Wash the paint off as specified on the product’s instructions. If it says to use soap and water, use soap and water. If it says to use cold cream, use cold cream, etc.
» For people with skin problems and sensitivity, Halloween makeup often contains fragrances, dyes and preservatives that can cause irritation. Be sure to read the labels before using.
» If you are prone to acne breakouts, look for makeup that is noncomedogenic.
The bottom line is Halloween is a wonderful opportunity to be creative with your costume or outfit. However, it’s important to use makeup, body paint and other such products the right way.
Take some time to get to know what’s in the products you’re considering. In doing so, you’ll preserve and protect your skin and will be more than prepared on Halloween to get your spook on!
Ryan Sato, M.D., is a Honolulu dermatologist.
