Face painting can be a fun activity for both the painter and the paintee. Other than being a fun activity, it is also a rewarding business. Whether you are a professional body painter or just like to body pain, your favorite type of paint product would definitely be acrylic, right? And why wouldn’t it be? They are quick to dry and insoluble in water when dried up.
But despite these desirable quirks, a question lingers; is it safe to use on human skin and especially on your face? Let’s find out.
Can You Put Acrylic Paint On Your Face?
You should not use any type of acrylic paint on your face or the skin in general, as it is not safe at all. It can have some very undesirable side effects like skin irritation, redness, or even worse; acne!
Our face is really sensitive that even shaving or waxing can sometimes lead to acne. Yes, acrylic can do wonders on a canvas and even the skin but on a canvas, it is not at all as much toxic as it is on the skin.
This only means that its chemical content is at its minimum level and is not toxic when you are using it for acrylic painting purposes.
You may be wondering why did I use the word toxic when, in fact, the containers of all the acrylic paints say it is “non-toxic.” Well, firstly, non-toxic does not at all mean that it is safe for the skin. Secondly, acrylic paint is not FDA-approved.
Physical contact with acrylic paint can also cause more than just an upset stomach.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; solvent-based acrylics contain turpentine, xylene, toluene, and methyl ethyl ketone, which could be toxic when inhaled.
Tips For Using Acrylic Paint On Skin
Okay, now, even if you have to use acrylic paint on your skin, here are some tips that you can follow to avoid damage to your skin as much as you can.
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Make sure to test it out
Apply a small portion of the paint on your skin and observe any adverse effects like skin irritation.
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Only use acrylic paint in a very well-ventilated area
Formaldehyde is used as a preservative that prolongs the shelf life of acrylic paints; however, it is a carcinogen that can be harmful to your health. So make sure you only use acrylic paints in a very well-ventilated area as the air can dry formaldehyde and reduce its potential side effects.
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Use a Barrier Spray
When this spray is applied, it creates a barrier between you and the paint. Apply it and let it dry and it will be your best protection. I found Mehron Makeup Barrier Spray to be very useful for this purpose.
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Don’t use acrylic paint close to your nose and mouth
The paint is harmful when ingested or inhaled, so that’s why make sure you don’t apply it near your mouth or nose.
Make sure to check the ingredients
I suggest you choose an acrylic paint that comes with less than 1% formaldehyde to use on the skin.
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Only use clean sponges or brushes
How To Turn Acrylic Paint Into Face Paint?
The best alternative to this problem can be turning acrylic paint into face paint. You will get all the quirks, and it will also be safe to use.
You would need the following for turning acrylic paint into face paint,
- Acrylic Paints
- Body Lotion (Any Type)
Follow the following steps to prepare your face paint,
- Pour one part of acrylic paint into a bowl.
- Pour one part of the body lotion into the same bowl.
- Mix them thoroughly until it turn to one smooth color
Tada! Now you have acrylic paint that you can safely use on your skin without having to worry about damaging your skin.
How To Get Acrylic Paint Off Skin?
Use a lot of water and skin-friendly solutions to wash off acrylic paint from your skin.
Removing acrylic paint from any part of your skin can be a nasty piece of work. Acrylic is impossible to wash when dried and when you are trying to wash off acrylic paint from your skin, you have to peel it off, which can be a painful experience in itself. Other than that, the hair also peels along with healthy skin cells.
Warning: Don’t apply other paint removal material as that might be dangerous for your skin.
Check out our article to see how you can remove acrylic from different surfaces.
What Kind Of Paint Can You Use On Your Face?
We should only use paint that has been specifically designed for the face. Acrylic paint isn’t a specific face-friendly product. Its use should be strictly limited to what it is made for. There is a range of different face paints out there. So how can you make an informed decision about which one to choose? A wrong decision can be damaging to your skin. Well, go for water-based face paint as it can be easily taken off after you have no use for the paint. You can use this professional water-based face paint on Amazon that you may find suitable.
FINAL VERDICT
So is acrylic paint safe for the skin? Acrylic paints pose some health hazards to the skin. However the risk of these hazards is relatively small.
As a safety precaution, always find out the components of the product you wish to buy. Many of them carry warning signs. Read the warning signs to be more informed of the safety measures to take while using them.
It is important to note that acrylic paints, whether labeled ‘toxic’ or ‘non-toxic,’ are not supposed to be rubbed on the skin. If you do not wish to take any risks, you can use water-based or cosmetic paints, which are regarded as skin-safe paints.
Beatrix Ainsley (Bea to her friends) is an abstract artist who was heavily inspired in her twenties by the abstract expressionist movement of the 1940s. Since then Bea has acquired three degrees in Science, Education and most importantly Fine Art. Her art works showcase exploring emotion and introspection of self. To achieve this – the use of bold, sweeping, intricate layers of color, and spontaneity of form is enhanced by reflecting on decades of life experiences. Bea has amassed a vast knowledge of art in all its forms, and hopes to pass it on with her contributions here.
