Why Using Calamine Lotion as Primer Can Irritate and Clog Pores, Dermatologists Warn

The Rise of Calamine Lotion as a Makeup Primer

In recent years, calamine lotion has emerged as a popular hack for use as a makeup primer. This trend began on TikTok, with influencers and everyday users touting calamine lotion as an affordable, accessible primer option. The videos rake in millions of views, with commenters sharing their own experiences and tips for using calamine lotion under makeup.

This DIY beauty hack has gained traction for several purported benefits. Calamine lotion is known for its skin-soothing properties and ability to mattify shine. As such, many claim it blurs pores, controls oil, and creates a smooth canvas for foundation application. It's also budget-friendly, costing just a few dollars per bottle. With celebrity makeup artists and dermatologists alike weighing in, calamine lotion primer has captured the attention of beauty lovers everywhere.

How Did This Trend Originate?

While calamine lotion has long been used to relieve skin irritations, its use as a cosmetic primer seems to trace back to TikTok user @mikaylanogueira. In August 2020, she posted a video demonstrating calamine lotion as an oil-controlling makeup primer for her oily skin. The video went viral, amassing 4.5 million views and sparking a steady stream of videos exploring this hack.

Since then, the #calaminelotionprimer tag has over 25 million views on TikTok. The hashtag #calamineprimer has 5.2 million views. Both tags continue growing daily, with popular beauty influencers like @mikaylanogueira and @zoewithab both creating their own videos on the subject. Even dermatologists like @dermdoctor have joined in on the conversation.

What Are the Purported Benefits?

What is it about calamine lotion that sends it viral as a makeup primer? TikTok users cite several advantages to using this drugstore staple under makeup:

• Mattifies oily skin and controls shine throughout the day
• Blurs the look of large pores for a smooth canvas
• Helps makeup grip to the skin and last longer
• Provides oil control for mask wearers and humid climates
• Soothes and calms acne breakouts and redness
• Affordable and accessible as a drugstore product

In a time where makeup wearers are looking for longer-lasting complexion products, calamine appears to help control oils and enhance makeup. For those struggling with maskne acne, calamine also seems to temporarily soothe and calm breakouts. Overall, its skincare-makeup hybrid status makes it intriguing to beauty lovers seeking multifunctional products.

What Are Dermatologists Saying?

Some dermatologists have weighed in on the calamine lotion primer trend. Dr. Shereene Idriss, cosmetic dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology, shares both pros and cons to using this DIY primer hack.

On the plus side, Dr. Idriss says calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, an ingredient often found in oil-controlling primers. This can help absorb excess oil and temporarily tighten pores. She adds that calamine's pink tint can also visually color-correct redness.

However, Dr. Idriss cautions that calamine lotion lacks the silicone components found in most cosmetic primers. This means it likely won't blur pores or fill in lines as effectively as a true primer. It also contains other ingredients like mineral oil, lanolin, and phenol that come with risks if applied daily under makeup.

While occasional use on healthy skin may be fine, Dr. Idriss advises avoiding calamine primer if you have sensitivities. She concludes, "A dermatologist-approved primer designed specifically for the face may be a better option in the long run."

Potential Drawbacks of Using Calamine Lotion as Primer

Despite the hype surrounding this viral beauty trend, several potential drawbacks exist when using calamine lotion as a makeup primer:

1. Risk of Irritation

Calamine lotion contains zinc oxide, an ingredient that dries out the skin. Long-term daily use could cause irritation, dryness, and inflammation for some skin types. People with sensitive skin may experience worsened redness and breakouts.

2. Poor Longevity

While calamine may initially help control oil, most dermatologists agree it won't keep skin matte as long as a true oil-controlling primer. Silicone-based primers help makeup adhere better throughout the day. Without those gripping agents, calamine primer may lead to faster makeup breakdown.

3. Less Blurring Effect

Silicones in cosmetic primers help fill in lines and blur the look of pores. Calamine lotion lacks these smoothing ingredients, meaning it likely won't blur imperfections as seamlessly. Users may not achieve the soft, filtered complexion finish a primer provides.

4. Maskne Concerns

Some users apply calamine primer to help soothe maskne breakouts. However, calamine contains comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil and lanolin. Applying these under a face mask regularly could worsen clogged pores and acne.

5. Not Moisturizing

While calamine mattifies, it doesn't contain any hydrating ingredients. Users with dry skin may experience more flaking, peeling, irritation, and textural issues from a zinc-based product without sufficient moisture.

Expert Tips for Using Calamine Lotion as Makeup Primer

For those interested in testing calamine lotion as a primer, dermatologists share best practices to get the most benefit:

Pick Your Formula Carefully

"Avoid creamy calamine formulas with mineral oil, lanolin, or other irritating ingredients. Opt for a basic, zinc oxide-based calamine without extra additives." - Dr. Angelo Landriscina, board-certified dermatologist.

Do a Patch Test First

"Try calamine primer on a small area of skin first to watch for any adverse reactions before applying all over the face. Stop use immediately if irritation occurs." - Dr. Shirley Chi, board-certified dermatologist.

Mix with Moisturizer

"Calamine alone may be drying. For dry skin types, mix a pea-sized amount with your regular facial moisturizer before applying." - Dr. Joyce Park, board-certified dermatologist.

Use Sparingly

"A little calamine goes a long way. Use a very thin layer just on oily areas like the t-zone to avoid over-drying your skin." - Dr. Lindsey Zubritsky, board-certified dermatologist.

Opt for Gel-Cream Formulas

"Gel-cream calamine formulas provide a nice hybrid of oil control from the zinc oxide plus hydration from the cream base." - Dr. Whitney Bowe, board-certified dermatologist.

The Bottom Line

Calamine lotion can offer temporary oil control and pore minimization when used sparingly as a primer on healthy skin. However, it lacks the pore-blurring and longevity benefits of traditional silicone primers.

Dermatologists caution against daily use, as calamine contains ingredients that may irritate or clog pores. Those with dry or sensitive skin may experience more harm than good.

While the occasional calamine primer use on normal to oily skin is likely fine, those with sensitivities or dryness should opt for a traditional makeup primer. Using a moisturizer with SPF underneath will provide smoother, longer-lasting makeup with sun protection.

For optimal complexion perfection, consult your dermatologist about cosmetic primers tailored to your skin type. With the right primers and prep, you can achieve stunning makeup looks that last.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.