Many people enjoy painting their bodies as part of their Halloween costumes. Body painting is an art form in and of itself, and is something that people have been doing for centuries upon centuries. However, it’s important to keep your skin and general health in mind when body painting. Not all paints are good for your skin, and prolonged use of body paint can lead to adverse reactions.
Here is what you need to know about painting your body for Halloween and how to keep your skin and health safe while dabbling in body paint. Let’s get into it!
Not All Paints Are Created Equal
It’s quite common for people who want to paint their bodies for Halloween to wonder if they can use standard paints for their costumes, like acrylics. However, if you’re going to paint your body, you want to use paint that is specifically made to be skin-safe and that has been approved for cosmetic use. Just because a paint is non-toxic, like acrylics often are, does not mean that they’re safe to use for body painting.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it’s important that you take care of it. While you can certainly partake in body painting, be careful to take proper care of your skin before and after painting it and only use paints that are specifically made for painting your body. There are many different risks associated with using normal paints for painting your body.
The Risks Of Painting Your Body
Before getting ready for Halloween, ensure that you patch-test the paint you want to use on your skin a few days beforehand. This way, you can determine whether or not you will have any adverse reactions before taking the leap and painting your body.
Some of the risks of painting your body include:
- Skin irritation
- Rashes
- Allergic reactions
- Burns
- Acne
- Skin-staining
- Absorption of and exposure to harmful substances
Whenever you are painting your body, always ensure that the paint you use is specifically skin-safe and approved for cosmetic use. Keep it away from your eyes and mucous membranes. Ensure that you remove it at the end of the night – not just for the sake of your sheets, but also for the sake of your skin.
Is Painting Your Body Safe?
You’ve likely heard horror stories about the actress in Goldfinger dying on set after being painted gold, the same as her character. While you breathe through your nose and your mouth so skin asphyxiation like this is not a concern, whether or not painting your body is safe comes down to the type of paint used.
For instance, in the Wizard Of Oz, the original actor for the Tin Man had to be hospitalized because they painted him silver with aluminum dust. This made him sick because the paint poisoned him. His replacement actor got an eye infection from the body paint. The actress who played the Wicked Witch of the West was burned by her body paint and it had to quickly be removed before it got the chance to seep into her injuries and become toxic.
Paints that are not specifically make for cosmetic use can cause many different adverse reactions, from chemical burns, like the Wicked Witch of the West’s actress, to allergic reactions, to poisoning, like the actor for the Tin Man. Some paints have harmful chemicals that can absorb into your skin. Certain paints can clog your pores, resulting in acne and overheating. So, if you use a type of paint that is not skin-safe, no, painting your body is not safe.
However, there are many different types of professional body paints that are indeed safe to use. Professional body painters are careful to mind the health and safety of their models and take great care to exercise caution in order to create a safe environment. If you want to paint your body for Halloween, ensure that you use proper body paint for it. That way, you can both look cool and ensure that you’re keeping your skin safe.
How To Safely Paint Your Body For Halloween
Before using any body paint, treat it the same way you would a new makeup or skincare product, by patch-testing it before committing to it. Water-based body paints are easier to remove than oil-based paints, and are less likely to cause skin irritation. Ensure that the paint you use is specifically designed for body painting and is non-toxic.
You likely won’t be able to find cosmetic-grade paints at your local arts and crafts stores, so ensure that you purchase them from a reputable retailer. Professional body painters will typically list their favorite paints and what paints they advise you to steer clear of.
Do not paint over any damaged, irritated, or infected skin. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, ensure that you consult with your doctor prior to painting your body.
Ensure that you properly clean and dry your skin prior to using the paint. Use an applicator that won’t push the paint into your skin. Some people like to use primers or other barriers to keep the paint further away from their skin. Be sure to remove it completely at the end of the night and conduct your normal skincare routine.
If you experience any adverse reactions to painting your body, a doctor or a dermatologist can help you.
Allen-Taintor Dermatology can help you with many different skin conditions from rashes to skin infections and more. Contact us today to schedule your dermatology appointment and let us help you take care of your skin.
