As we all know, the skin is the largest tactile organ on the human body. It's exposed to the world 24/7. In this day and age, with modern pollution and our chemically intoxicated world, it's not an over exaggeration to say that about 40-50 percent of the clients a body painter will come across will have sensitive skin. Studies show 50 to 90 percent of the population claim to have sensitive skin. However, only about 15 to 20 percent have it clinically diagnosed.

In short, it's important to know anything and everything about the product(s) you are using at all times. Knowing what you are using, knowing how to keep it clean in a safe and effective way and labeling everything is a good way to start.

Here are a few suggestions on health and safety with your models in mind.

ONE:

Always do a patch test of the makeup being used on your chosen model before beginning the painting, if not during the initial interview. It's quick and easy; will take about 5 minutes . . . tops.

1. Sanitize your hands and the patch test area on your model (right inside the elbow is a perfect spot.)
2. Mix makeup being usued for the body painting. (Doesn't need to be a large amount. It's just a test. No need to waste product.)
3. Apply one brush stroke to patch test area and let sit up to 5 minutes.
4. Remove with damp towel after about 5 minutes.

If the are is normal (no bumps, redness, or any sign of allergic reaction occurs) than it is safe to use the chosen product on the model without risk of an allergic reaction. It's also a good idea to do a patch test with makeup that contains a high amount of pigment (such as reds and yellows) due to the fact they tend to stain the skin. No, not forever . . . it'll just look like a pretty rash for a couple days.

Keep in mind, our body changes as we get older and what doesn't effect us one year, may start to cause irritation a year later. Even if you work with the model on a regular basis, you should do a patch test periodically. Just to stay safe.

TWO:

CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES AFTER EVERY GIG! Even after a patch test. Sanitize, sanitize, sanitize. It can take up a good chunk of time if you are doing it efficiently, that's okay! You want to stay safe!

Things you'll need:

- Towels!
-All make up brushes needing sanitation (Note: It makes life easier if you have a bin JUST for clean brushes, and a separate one JUST for soiled brushes.)
-Regular shampoo

What to do:

1. Run bristles of makeup brushes under warm water
2. Apply small amount of shampoo to bristles and work into a lather
3. Rinse under warm water until water runs clear (this may take awhile depending on how built up the makeup is on the brush)
4. Place it on a clean dry towel until completely air dry
5. Store properly.

*Optional: after rinsing is complete from shampoo wash, it may be a good idea to let te brushes sit in a tub of 70% rubbing alcohol to 30% warm water for about 10 minutes. This is essential after a big gig of painting multiple people. Rinse thoroughly after the soak.

*Note: NEVER USE BLEACH TO SANITIZE YOUR IMPLEMENTS! It may seem like common sense, but there is nothing common about common sense. Bleach is one of the most potent chemicals you can use and is very, very dangerous. Just the chance of it mixing with other chemicals is a bad idea. I know we all want our brushes to look pretty and shiny new . . . but you don't want them to be eaten away either. As I said before . . .

know anything and everything about all products being used! That includes what is okay and isn't okay to mix; even accidentally.

THREE:

An immense amount of body painters now are using an airbrush. (For more information on Airbrush pros and cons go: he re.) Even though the airbrush does not physically touch the model, it is important to properly know how to sanitize the implement. This will cause it from clogging, mixing paints that are undesired, etc.

There is "Airbrush Cleaner" on the market, but that's just an extra cost that isn't really needed. The cleaning process can be tedious, but if you stick with water based paints . . . it can be a bit less time consuming with the same effect.

Airbrush cleaning made easy:

1. Pull the bottle/cup our of the airbrush
2. Replace/Fill it with the appropriate cleaning solution (Windex or rubbing alcohol works just fine.)
3. Spray until bottle/cup is empty or until the airbrush sprays clear. (Note: Safest to spray into towel to avoid enhaling solution into your lungs.)
4. Pull out the bottle of cleaning solution
5. Spray until dry.

*DO NOT USE SOLUTIONS THAT CONTAIN AMMONIA!

Also, its a good idea to do a "deep cleaning" about once a week (depending on how often the airbrush is used) in order to avoid clogging of the makeup/airbrush paint or worse. [Deep cleaning: taking it apart piece by piece. Just don't forget how you do it so you can put it back together ;) ]

As a side note . . . also a good idea to do a test spray on a piece of paper before working on the model. Don't want a glop of purple to burst out and ruin the masterpiece at the tail end of the session. Definitely no ones idea of a good time.

Keep in mind, this was just the basics. Keep yourself informed and stay on top of the health and safety of everyone involved. That should be at the top of the list.

Now all this talk of painting has my hands itching for a brush . . .

Happy painting!