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In its widest sense, camouflage is something animals, and later humans, have used to disguise themselves by blending into their surroundings. Think of stick insects, which look like a part of whatever plant they are sitting on when they stay very still, some of the big jungle cats, whose colourings help them to blend into the shadows of the trees, or members of the armed forces - who might stand out on a city street when they are wearing brown and green clothing and face camouflage, but can become almost invisible in a landscape.

One of the most remarkable creatures on this planet is a chameleon, which actually changes its colour to blend in with its surroundings. In a different context, camouflage products are widely used by boys and girls who want particular parts of their faces or bodies (like scars or birth marks) to blend in with the rest of them. Camouflage products are not make-up, like the kind you see in shops all over the place. They are products designed specially to conceal scars, birthmarks and other areas that look different to the rest of a person, and even to add colour to areas where there isn't enough - some people use camouflage to cover a lack of pigmentation or to even out the shape of their lips.

Some children, teenagers and adults born with clefts choose to use camouflage to cover lip surgery scars or scars from a bone graft. Some choose to use it often, others only sometimes. It's something that some people like to be able to do if they want to, while others are not interested in covering up any part of themselves.

This article will give you some information about camouflage and ideas about how to find out more so that you can choosewhether it's something you're interested in for yourself or not.

What's so special about camouflage products?

Camouflage products are not like the kind of make-up you can get in chemists and department stores. They are designed to be able to match a person's skin tone, to have excellent coverage, and to be very hard wearing. What exactly are these special products?

Camouflage products are in the form of creams in different shades of colour, which must be applied to clean, un-moisturised skin and then set with a powder (a bit like stage make-up). The powder is important, since it is what makes the camouflage stay on. When applied correctly, camouflaged area blends in with the surrounding skin. Camouflage products are made by a number of different companies, so there are variations in how products are packaged, their consistency and colour ranges.

How long do they stay on?

Camouflage products are designed to be long lasting. Camouflage applied to the body (to cover a scar from a bone graft for instance) can last for up to several days. Once it has been applied correctly it is water and sweat resistant, which means that you could go swimming or bathe (without using bubble bath) without worrying that it will come off. It will come off if you use soap or oil, or if you rub it with a towel. You should therefore be careful to pat any camouflaged part of your body dry after swimming, and avoid using any soapy or oily products. If you are in the sun, you should be sure to use an oil-free sunscreen under camouflage. Most camouflage products have an average of SPF 16.

Camouflage applied to the face should be taken off at the end of the day for basic hygiene reasons - though it could be re-applied again immediately. If it is being used on the lips (tomake them seem fuller or to even up a lip-line), they will probably not last as long, since our lips get so much action (eating, drinking, talking, kissing(!)), and might need to be re-applied after some hours.

Is it difficult to apply? It can take a short while to get used to putting it on, but after practising a few times it isn't hardto use. It could be that you need to mix a couple of colours together to get your exact skin tone, and you need to get used to the consistency of the cream.

Is it difficult to take off?

It comes off with soap, though it's probably better to use a cleansing cream on your face. Can other people notice it?

Well, they'll notice if they know you and you've camouflaged a part of you that they're used to seeing, but the products themselves are not noticeable.

What does it feel like?

It won't feel any different! It's not a thick layer and settles into the skin within an hour. You forget it's there - the only difference is when you look in a mirror.

Why should I camouflage any part of my face or body?

There's no reason why you should. On the other hand, there's no reason why you shouldn't.Everyone has their own opinion on whether they want to disguise any part of themselves, and it's up to you to decide what you want. Some people only use camouflage very rarely, like for a party, others use it every day, others never use it at all.

Are there limits to what I can camouflage?

Yes. As with many products, it does what it's designed to do very well, but cannot be guaranteed to do more than that. Camouflage will successfully even out discolouration in theskin, so will cover any redness or other markings. It will not smooth the skin, or change the shape of a scar. There are other products available to treat raised or keloid scars.

Where can I get camouflage products?

Though some department stores have camouflage products available, and you can order them from a pharmacist , they can be quite expensive. Several makes are also available on prescription. At the time of writing this, these makes are: Covermark, Dermablend, Dermacolour, Keramask and Veil.

If you would like to find out more about camouflage products, Left Clip recommends making an appointment with someone trained in camouflage. There are a number of reasons for this:

If you are eligible, you will be able to get camouflage products on prescription in this way.

There are different camouflage products available, and you will be able to find out which one works best for you. Different makes have slightly different textures and have different coloursin their ranges - it is important to find the right make for you.

You will receive help in finding a good colour match for your skin. This is very important, because camouflage does not look quite right if you have not made an exact match. You might need to mix a couple of colours together to get an exact match for your skin, and you will be shown how to do this.

You will be shown how to apply camouflage and how best to remove it. Any questions you have will be answered.

How can I get to see a camouflage expert?

There are a few options:

• You can ask your GP or Cleft Team for a referral to the Red Cross Skin Camouflage Service. It could be that you'll need to see a dermatologist first. The Red Cross has a number of skin camouflage experts across the UK who provide a free service. For more information, telephone 020 7235 5454.
• The British Association of Skin Camouflage (BASC) has skin camouflage experts across the UK. You may have to pay a fee for an appointment, so it is worth finding out beforehand whether you do and, if so, how much. For more information and to find out about practitioners in your area telephone 01625 267 880.
• The Skin Camouflage Network also has skin camouflage experts across the UK, and you might also have to pay a fee for an appointment - again, it's worth finding out about this beforehand. For more information and to find out about practitioners in your area telephone 0161 485 1196. http://www.skincamouflagenetwork.co.uk/