Butt cream! Who would have thought? Once relegated to fixing the rashes on your baby’s bum, nappy rash cream has now entered the adult skincare group chat. Apparently, the internet and dermatologists agree on this one trend called face basting–a skincare trend popular for locking in moisture and treating skin ailments like dry skin. This fad requires using a zinc oxide nappy rash cream on your face overnight, and by morning, you’ll be greeted with soft, supple skin. And guess what? It isn’t a pore-clogging disaster. Sounds like magic, right?
Proponents of face basting praise it for its non-irritating and non-comedogenic nature, making it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Although it sounds just like skin slugging, the main difference between the two is the abundance of zinc oxide. Zinc oxide is a sun-protecting agent that helps the skin retain moisture and plum, which lends a hand in preventing premature aging.
What is face basting?
Face basting with nappy rash cream is a beauty trend where diaper rash cream is used as an overnight mask to treat and soothe irritated skin. Diaper rash creams often contain ingredients like zinc oxide, which provides a protective barrier and calming effect on the skin.
How to use nappy rash cream for face basting
- Cleanse: A clean face is the ideal canvas. Begin with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your face.
- Tone (optional): Apply a hydrating toner to prepare your skin for the treatment.
- Use your cream: Apply a thin, even layer of nappy rash cream to your face, focusing on areas with irritation, redness, or dryness. Be careful to avoid the eye area.
- Leave overnight: Leave the cream on your face overnight to allow the ingredients to work on healing and soothing the skin.
- Wash off: In the morning, wash your face with a gentle cleanser to remove the cream, then follow your usual skincare routine.
Tips for using nappy rash cream on the face
- Before applying the cream to your entire face, test a little paste on a small area of your skin to ensure you don’t have an adverse reaction.
- Use a nappy rash cream with simple ingredients, primarily zinc oxide, and free from fragrances and other potential irritants.
- Use this treatment sparingly, perhaps once or twice a week, as overuse can lead to clogged pores or other issues.
- Make sure your skin is adequately hydrated before applying the cream, as nappy rash creams are not moisturizing and primarily serve as a barrier and healing agent.
Benefits of face basting
- The zinc oxide in nappy rash cream helps soothe and calm irritated skin.
- It also reduces redness and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Zinc oxide promotes skin healing, making it useful for minor skin issues and irritations.
- It has healing properties that can help with minor cuts, scrapes, or blemishes on the face. It can also speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of scarring.
- Nappy rash creams often contain ingredients like zinc oxide, calendula, or aloe vera known for their soothing properties. These ingredients can help calm irritated or inflamed facial skin, especially if you’re dealing with redness, rashes, or sensitivity.
- The primary function of nappy rash creams is to create a barrier that protects the skin from irritants. When applied to the face, this barrier can help protect against environmental factors like cold weather, wind, or pollution, which can be especially beneficial for those with compromised skin barriers or dry skin conditions.
- The occlusive properties of nappy rash creams can help prevent moisture loss from the skin, keeping it hydrated and preventing dryness.
- Some nappy rash creams contain mild antibacterial ingredients, which can help prevent infection in small cuts or blemishes.
- For those with extremely dry or chapped skin, face basting can provide intense hydration and help heal dry patches. This can be especially useful during the winter months or in very dry climates.
- Zinc oxide is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne.
- Some people use nappy rash cream as a spot treatment to calm inflamed pimples or acne.
- People with conditions like eczema or dermatitis may find relief from itching and irritation when using nappy rash cream, as it can help soothe and protect the affected areas.
- Nappy rash creams are designed to be gentle enough for a baby’s skin, making them a good option for individuals with sensitive or reactive facial skin. They are often free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that could irritate.
The downsides
- Heavy creams can potentially clog pores, especially if used too frequently or if you have oily or acne-prone skin.
- Nappy rash creams are not designed to provide hydration, it’s important to maintain a good moisturizing routine.
- Some people might experience sensitivity or reactions to the ingredients, so it’s essential to patch test first.
- Using nappy rash cream as part of a face basting routine can offer relief and healing for irritated skin, but it should be used cautiously and as part of a broader skincare regimen.
What dermatologists say
@shereeneidriss She doesn’t always get sponsored when she does it’s with…a diaper rash brand 😂 The fact is I love this hack for an irritated skin barrier and I’ve recorded a few videos over the past few years using @Triple Paste for Face Basting. So when they approached me to work together I decided to combine some of my all time faves into one: voilà 🤌❤️ Who said dreams can’t come true 🥲#TriplePastePartner #ad #zincoxide #skinbarrierrepair #dryskin #skinbarrier #dryskintips #skinhacks #dermatologist #shereeneidriss #dridriss @ShereeneIdriss
As social media, especially TikTok, is raving about face basting, dermatologists are giving the trend a thumbs up! (Yes, for the first time, social media and science agree). On TikTok, Dr. Shereene Idriss, 40, an NYC board-certified dermatologist, recommended slathering your face with diaper rash cream. “I do this at night when I’m in a very dry climate or my skin is super dry and parched, and I do it after washing my face,” she said. “Then I go to sleep, and when I wake up the next morning, my face is as soft as my baby’s butt.”
Interestingly, per Yahoo! Life, research published in 2023 found that “applying a face mask containing a zinc-oxide-based cream for 10 minutes helped restore hydration after a patient underwent laser treatment for acne scars.”
The dermatologists agree, go on and splatter away!
Featured image: Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock
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