Most of the entertainers and artists in the business of bringing smiles and laughs to the children across the United States will not be delighted today when they read this. I feel it is necessary for parents to be informed about the issues at hand when it comes to face painting. In the name of good fun it is possible that our children’s health can be compromised. In today’s world where safety is key, we are putting our children in front of strangers in the name of fun to be painted. In the name of evoked imagination and lead toys being pulled off shelves, a health hazard is running rampid in an unmonitored environment.
Face painting artists around other parts of the world and in the United States can be a delight. With good pay and enjoyable hours also comes a far bigger responsibility. A responsibility that should be offered to the clients that they serve. Germ passing prevention and cleanliness should be the name of the game. The following are some suggestions that any parent should investigate before they put their child in front of the paint brush once more. While Face Painting can be great fun, let the fun continue without the jeopardy of health being at stake. Unfortunately, as a childhood entertainer, I have watched this go on around me. The industry in whole is making little effort to setting acceptable standards. Hopefully, concern will be brought to the forefront and recommendations will now soon be required.
The right kind of Paint: You might have heard the rumor of Buddy Ebsen, the tin man, getting sick from silver paint used on the set of The Wizard of Oz. I am not sure if that rumor is true but many paints out on the market are dangerous and not all are intended for younger skin. Not every face paint is FDA approved. This type of paint can get in youngsters eyes, on their hands and then digested. Skin is a porous surface and absorbs some of these things that we put on it. Watch the paint condition of the paints. Almost all paints are mixed with water. Paints that contain left over water can become murky and I imagine could be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Glitter: One of Disney’s most precious ingredients in the recipe of princess fun is glitter as in any other vendor providing girl fun. Glitter intended and approved to be used in makeup is considerably small and not as widely sold as normal sized glitter. This is a matter of convenience to the artist. The only glitter that is safe and FDA approved for cosmetics are made from polyester.
Brushes: At times, while I am out at a festival playing the role of parenthood, I cringe when face painters are opening up there paint kits. Brushes must be washed. Realize that it is very uneconomical that those serving you will buy a brush for you and throw it away. The person in front of you, and behind you will be painted by the same paint brush as you and the rest of the line. Is the water clean? The artist that is an experienced painter will need minimal water. The water should be clean and not muddy.Does this painter have standards? Will she paint over open sores and cuts? The answer should always be no. Tons of undercover investigations have been done on Nail saloons and their unsanitary utensils. I feel undercover face painters would be an alike story.
Germs: Any prevention in between children is good prevention. At the very least antibacterial gel should be used in between customers. Watch for lice, face painters touch a lot of faces and above their faces is a head of hair where lice love to rome.
This is a time when cleaning is going green. Chemicals are being discovered in our makeup and are a concern. Would we ask anything less from what we are putting on our young children’s skin? This is a time when vaccinations are being questioned and organic food is being consumed. Why are we, the parents, letting this slip by?
Elizabeth Norton is a writer and contributer for www.PartyPlanningProfessors.com. She has had experience in the party entertainment field and wants you to enjoy what she knows and use it to your benifit.
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Bravo, Elizabeth! Great article. What goes on our skin is easily absorbed and chemicals for our little ones is unacceptable. I also liked your little comment at the end, “This is a time when vaccinations are being questioned.” I raised my children without vaccinations and they are healthy as horses. I researched greatly and found out vaccinations are nowhere near as safe as the Chemical Companies would have you believe.
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