By: Alice Dai
The news article “TikTokers are using calamine lotion as makeup primer. Doctors say: Bad idea” reports on the dangers of putting calamine lotion on your face before using makeup. There is a current trend on TikTok that is promoting the use of this “make-up hack.” The videos instruct you to first place the calamine lotion on your face and apply makeup. Licensed dermatologists that found out about this internet trend are intensely opposed to the idea.
The article states that “others wasted no time, pouring the pink lotion directly onto their face and rubbing it in with their bare hands before applying foundation and other makeup right on top of the thin crust.”
Dermatologists have stated that the lotion is not for facial use and that it can have damaging effects even if the short-term trend seems to yield favorable results. “TikTokers say they are ‘obsessed’ with the discovery and the hashtag #calamineprimer has about 3.5 million views on the platform. But dermatologists and makeup experts are warning that those jumping on the trend could risk worsening skin conditions and long-term damage.”
Dr. Shirazi states, “the pink lotion can damage your skin and make more scars than you had before!” Dr. Shirazi has been using TikTok as a platform to “urge people to consider the ingredients before turning to calamine lotion as a primer, as overuse may lead to ‘severe irritation and worsening of scars.’”
The article also states that “while experts say the lotion can be used to shrink acne lesions and marks left on the skin, especially as a targeted treatment, the American Academy of Dermatology warns that the astringent calamine can worsen skin irritations if not used sparingly.”
Shirazi added that “the product is generally recommended to treat oozing wounds from infections such as chickenpox and monkeypox. The lotion is also used to soothe insect bites, pimples, rashes, and poison ivy.”
It is great that licensed professional doctors like Dr. Shirazi can use social platforms like TikTok to spread health and safety messages concerning trendy skin products. Hopefully, TikTokers will listen to doctors because they know what is right for your health and how to prevent sickness and injury.