Skin and scar camouflage in Birmingham

Your camouflage appointment: FAQs

• Do I need a referral, and who will I see?

  No referral or prior consultation is needed; you can book directly. Your appointment is with Midland Skin’s scar therapist, who provides the clinic’s supportive scar care service. The scar therapist is not a doctor: if your scar has not fully healed, if a mark has not been diagnosed, or if treatment could improve the scar or skin condition itself, a consultant assessment is requiredd.

• How should I prepare for the camouflage session?

  Moisturise the area for a few days beforehand if the skin is dry, including on the morning of your appointment, as well-hydrated skin takes the product more evenly. Arrive with no make-up or skincare on the area; you can bring your usual make-up to put on before you leave. Colour is matched to your skin on the day, so if you use fake tan routinely, apply it as normal, and if you only use it occasionally, leave it off for a few weeks beforehand. If your skin tone changes a lot between summer and winter, book at the time of year you most want to use camouflage. Wear or bring clothing that leaves the area easy to reach, tie long hair back if the area is on the face or neck, and choose lighter clothing, as setting powders can mark dark fabric. If you are unsure about anything, contact us before you come.

• Can someone come with me?

  Yes. A companion can give an honest view of how the camouflage looks and can learn the technique with you, which is useful for areas you cannot easily reach yourself.

• Can children and young people have skin camouflage?

  Yes, provided they want it themselves. For anyone under 16 we need a parent or guardian’s consent, and we also need the young person’s own agreement: the process is explained in language they understand, and their comfort comes first. Camouflage is offered as a choice, never something a child is talked into, and anyone of any age can pause or stop the session at any point.

• Where do I get the products, and do I need to buy them?

  Products are ordered directly from the manufacturers or their suppliers; the clinic does not sell them. You leave with the exact brands and shade codes. Some camouflage creams and powders are listed in the NHS Drug Tariff and a GP may prescribe them at their discretion; primers, brushes and fixing sprays are not available on prescription.

• Can I wear sunscreen and ordinary make-up with camouflage?

  Yes. Apply a broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen first and let it absorb before the camouflage. The SPF in camouflage products is limited, and scars need sun protection, particularly in their first year. Ordinary make-up can be applied over camouflage once it has been set with powder.

• Can I use camouflage while my scar or skin condition is still being treated?

  Only on skin that has fully healed and is not inflamed. After laser, injections or surgery, wait until the area has settled. During treatment for pigmentation or redness, camouflage can usually be applied once your prescribed products have absorbed, but check with your consultant or scar therapist first.

• I would rather not talk about how my scars happened. Is that all right?

  Yes. You are welcome to share as little or as much as you wish. The focus of the session is practical help with the appearance of the scar.

• Are there any alternative methods of obtaining skin camouflage advice?

  A free skin camouflage service is run by the charity Changing Faces, which you can access by self-referral or through your GP. Some NHS Trusts may also offer skin camouflage services to certain groups of patients – you would require a referral from your GP to the relevant NHS Trust for this.