Camouflage and coverage products have been a viable and popular option for many of us with vitiligo at some stage in life. Whether you’re deciding to explore treatment or have a preference for something less invasive, camouflage products are often recommended to those with vitiligo as a safe, easy and sustainable option to disguise your patches if you wish to do so. 

Until a few years ago, camouflage products got a pretty bad rep! Often described as thick, heavy on the skin and time-consuming to apply, the market for these products was pretty limited. Thankfully, things have changed and we now have brands investing and bringing out viable products that are lighter in texture and coverage, making it so much easier for us to cover our skin with confidence. 

Vitiligo Vanquish is one of those brands that has helped so many people with vitiligo, both male and female. Produced by leading brand Fake Bake, VV (as it is also known) is a fantastic alternative to makeup and looks very similar to your own skin and comes highly recommended by Dermatologists, and as the creator of VV and a long-term user myself, I can honestly vouch for how easy it is to use and the great coverage it gives me. In this feature, we speak to Jackie to find out her top tips for applying camouflage and how to feel comfortable doing so.

1.  Feeling confident in your choice to use camouflage is important.  It’s exciting to see that, in many parts of the world, vitiligo is being embraced and admired!  However, each individual lives their own unique experience with their depigmentation.  Some are not bothered by it while others long to have their original pigment colour return and just don’t feel like themselves anymore.  Others fall somewhere in between.  The desire to camouflage might be simply for a special occasion, a wedding or a job interview perhaps.  Sometimes individuals desire a solution that would be easy enough to wear all the time.  No matter how you feel about your vitiligo, your feelings are valid and real and the choice to cover or not cover is yours alone. No one can tell you how to feel. So begin by standing confident in your decision.

2.  Resolve to get the very best results from whichever product you choose.  Each product and method of camouflaging is somewhat unique.  Know that the very 1st application will likely not look as flawless as your 5th, 10th and so on. Practice improves your comfort level, techniques and speed of use.  DO take advantage of the manufacturer’s instruction guides, videos and customer service.  Reach out if you have any questions.  If you feel the product looks ok but could look better, there is a good chance you’ll just need a few tips to get the best from your purchase.

3.  Prepare your skin.  Follow directions, but for the most part, it is always best to begin with clean, exfoliated skin.  This creates the perfect canvas for any product to last longest and look its best.  Camouflages can be very satisfying to apply as, with practice and a good colour match, it can be like watching your vitiligo disappear and seeing your old skin come back!  And, the more you understand your product, the faster and easier it becomes!

4.  Enjoy the peace it brings.  Whether you use your camouflage regularly or just have it there for occasions, your product brings a sense of having control over your skin back!  One of the most difficult things about having vitiligo is not knowing when or if it’s going to spread.  Personally, I have found having an excellent camouflage alleviates my ‘new-spot’ stress 100% and I fully believe having less stress has helped slow the spreading itself!

5.  Why did I create VV and why you might like to try it?  A few years after being diagnosed with vitiligo I accidentally spilled some furniture stain on a vitiligo spot.  When I wiped it off, it looked as if my depigmentation had completely vanished!  Over the next 20 years, I set out to create something non-toxic that would accomplish this same stain-like outcome.  I ordered every ingredient I could think of. Finally, I began working with Fake Bake to create my dream product, Vitiligo Vanquish.  It comes with 6 oz. of a neutral base colour and black droppers for those who wish to darken and blue drops for those who wish to tone out any warm tones they don’t need.  It’s also simple to lighten by diluting with water drops!  Each kit also contains 1 large and 1 small brush, a glass dipping and storage jar and a soft blotter to perfect the finish.  We have created videos and colour keys with plenty of one on one customer service for anyone who would like a little extra guidance.  Over the past 9 years of using VV, I have felt as if I simply don’t notice my vitiligo anymore.  I only have to apply it twice a week.  Each hand takes me 2 – 3 minutes and my full head-to-toe takes a total of 20 minutes.   So for 40 total minutes of fun and satisfying painting a week, my vitiligo no longer controls my thoughts or causes any unwanted distractions.

Having been diagnosed at 32 years old, it has been very satisfying to feel like my old self again. There are many options to choose from when shopping for camouflage products.  Obviously, I am most partial to VV but I hope the above tips will help you on your vitiligo journey no matter your personal choice.

Feel free to reach out via email if you have any questions. I’m happy to help! jackie@fakebake.com

VV is sold in the UK here: https://fake-bake.com/search?q=vitiligo+vanquish&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

And from the US here: https://fakebake.com/collections/vitiligo-vanquish