By: Josalin Wang

The internet is filled with various ‘life hacks’ and ‘pro tips,’ and the latest is this: using calamine lotion as primer for makeup. All over TikTok, people are trying this viral hack which is supposed to prevent oily skin, heal acne scars, and keep makeup in place.

TikTokers aren’t hesitating to jump on the bandwagon; beauty guru accounts post numerous ‘review’ videos, and the tag #calaminelotion already has 20.5 million views as of July 25. One TikToker claimed it made her makeup “super matte.” This cheap makeup alternative definitely has its appeal. Makeup primers from Sephora average $30, and calamine lotion is just a couple bucks.

Dermatologists and experts, however, disapprove of this ‘hack’, stating that excessive use of calamine lotion can dry out skin and even cause long-term damage.

Azadeh Shirazi, a dermatologist who dedicates her TikTok account to raising awareness about false beauty hacks and trends like this one, urges people to research the ingredients in calamine lotion before rubbing it all over their face.

Although calamine lotion has many beneficial qualities for your skin, such as temporarily relieving and treating wounds and itchiness, its ingredients (including zinc oxide, ferric oxide, and phenol) are not meant for extended use. Shirazi said, simply: It’s a no from me.”

Experts like Kourtney Hammet, a makeup artist, corroborate Shirazi’s information, saying the lotion’s drying nature may cause premature wrinkles. Unfortunately, many people failed to do proper research before believing the internet, and they will reap the consequences.

A collateral effect of this trend is a newfound shortage of calamine lotion in the United Kingdom and the United States. People who use the lotion to treat real conditions like lupus and chickenpox are unable to find it in stores.

Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2022/07/24/tik-tok-calamine-lotion-primer-beauty-trend/