By: Joshua Wang
Using calamine lotion as a cheaper replacement for makeup primer has become a recent viral trend on the social media site TikTok. However, the lotion, intended to help relive minor skin irritations, is raising huge concerns with doctors and dermatologists due to its adverse effects on long term skin health.
The trend, which has appeared fairly recently, has taken the makeup and beauty field of TikTok by storm. Makeup enthusiasts on the platform have said that calamine lotion acts like a primer, helping their makeup stay put through the summer sun and long days.
“I cannot see my pores anywhere,” on TikToker said in approval, claiming the product made her skin appear “super matte.”
An increase in user interest of budget-friendly makeup alternatives and many popular influences jumping on to the trend have led to an estimated 3.5 million views on the hashtag #calamineprimer. However, seeing many people applying the lotion in large amounts directly to the face and sensitive skin areas in heavy amounts concerns many.
“It just doesn’t make sense to use calamine lotion and risk drying out the skin and damaging the skin barrier,” said Azadeh Shirazi, a practicing dermatologist in the San Diego area. Shirazi has tried to spread awareness about the negative effects of using calamine lotion as a primer, as overuse may lead to “severe irritation and worsening of scars.”
The American Academy of Dermatology also released a statement warning that the astringent calamine can worsen skin irritations if not used sparingly. “Calamine lotion can be very drying and irritating, leading to a damaged skin barrier. It can worsen skin conditions such as acne, rosea, and dermatitis,” said Shirazi.
The trend also coincides with reports that calamine lotion is becoming more and more scarce. In the United Kingdom, some parents report in recent months that they are struggling to purchase the lotion to treat children suffering from chickenpox and other conditions.
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