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Why Using Calamine Lotion as a Makeup Primer Is a Bad Idea, Dermatologists Say

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Bhaswati Mukherjee

Calamine lotion is made using ingredients like calamine, iron oxide, phenol, and zinc oxide. The itchiness, soreness, and suffering brought on by insect bites, chickenpox, poisonous plants, heat rashes, and other mild skin irritations can be treated over the counter with calamine lotion. Although it may cause skin irritation in some people and is typically only advised for mild cases, it is generally considered safe.

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Can Calamine lotion work as a makeup primer?

Calamine lotion will pull out oils from the skin to create a smooth canvas due to its drying characteristics. While it might be acceptable for occasional usage on normal and oily skin, it shouldn't be used frequently as a makeup primer. There is always a risk when using items for purposes other than those intended. Calamine lotion is a potent topical medication that can damage the top layers of your skin over time due to its strength. Your skin will lose its natural moisture as a result, making it sensitive and inflamed.

Calamine lotion shouldn't be used as a primer by people with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin. It is due to the likelihood that prolonged use on the entire face will further aggravate or swell these skin types.

Can Calamine lotion help treat acne scars?

As reported on a popular social media platform, we will all love to believe that the tried-andtrue pink stuff helps treat acne scars, but experts say that is yet another misconception that is being spread about the product. Except for phenol, there are no ingredients in calamine lotion that might aid in the healing of acne scarring. Phenol is a chemical peeling agent that effectively lessens scarring.

Nevertheless, doctors do not advise taking phenol daily. Usage of this over an extended period on people with sensitive or dry skin is not advised. Experts recommend that Phenol should not be used for extended periods and is not recommended for usage when nursing or pregnant.

Doctors advise using caution when using calamine lotion if you already have a skin issue. Phenol is a powerful peeling agent and it might worsen psoriasis, rosacea, and other skin diseases.

Is the Calamine lotion a good SPF product?

Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, an active element in most sunscreens, which is the source of the rumor on the social media platform that it can provide SPF protection. Calamine contains zinc oxide, which may offer some UV protection, albeit it hasn't been evaluated for a specific SPF. Even though testing has not been performed yet, iron oxides may assist in guarding against high-energy visible light damage.

Is using Calamine lotion as a makeup primer a safe choice?

The use of calamine lotion as a primer has some safety concerns. Calamine lotion has many chemicals that dry the skin and has a strong scent. Applying this product close to the eyes is not advised. Calamine lotion may easily irritate and possibly harm the mucosa of the eye, which is the soft, inner lining that protects your eyes, in addition to the fact that the skin here is thinner and more prone to irritation than in other locations.

Calamine lotion has phenol, a powerful exfoliator, and a powerful and irritating smell. That means it could aggravate skin disorders like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema and be exceedingly drying and irritating.

Never put it on an open cut, next to the nose, or just next to the mouth. If you accidentally get calamine lotion in your eyes, quickly rinse them with water. Do not rub your eyes.

What is the alternative to Calamine lotion?

There is no doubting the affordability of calamine lotion. Numerous primers have been particularly tested to minimize oily skin, though, if you have some financial flexibility. Start by looking for ones that have dimethicone. It is frequently used as a blurring and smoothing agent to avoid an oily breakout glow.

Research has demonstrated that retinoids can successfully remove acne blemish stains and acne scars. The best products for fading acne scars are those with 0.3 percent adapalene and 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide. Vitamin A is the source of retinoids, which may, among other things, help clear your pores and promote the formation of collagen.

Consult your dermatologist if you require additional assistance. Peels, energy-based devices, microneedling, lasers, lights, and even fillers are just a few of the various alternatives available in-office for treating acne scars.

Finally, it's advisable to look elsewhere than calamine lotion to protect your skin from damaging UVB and UVA radiation. Although there are claims that zinc oxide will provide UV protection, calamine lotion has not undergone SPF testing and should not be utilized in this regard.

Skin Cycling

One can also opt for a method known as skin cycling to get glowing skin. The steps include −

Exfoliation- As the first step of the "skin cycle," you should cleanse and follow with an exfoliating product. The product must contain ingredients like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. It will help remove dead skin cells and help increase shine.

Using retinoid- Take a tiny pea-sized amount of retinoid, dab it all over your face, and rub it in to help generate collagen and reduce fine wrinkles. It will benefit texture, fine lines, and wrinkles.

The recovery process- To help nourish and repair the skin barrier, cleanse your face and use a product containing components like a hyaluronic serum.

It is crucial to use a moisturizer with components like squalane, ceramides, and sunflower seed oil to nourish and restore the skin barrier.

Conclusion

It is better not to use calamine lotion as a makeup primer even though it might be safe to use occasionally and may work as a primer for some. It is because there are so many other makeup products available at a variety of price points that are designed to lock makeup in place without harming your skin's delicate barrier. In light of this, it is wise to keep your calamine lotion on hand for bothersome bug bites and rashes.

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