Folder with cosmetic creams for burns and birthmarks

Folder with pots of different coloured creams, 'Veil cover cream' by Thomas Blake & Company, Fearby, North Yorkshire, England, used for skin camouflage for burns and birthmarks, 1970-1990

Veil Cover Cream was founded in 1949 by Thomas and Winifred Blake. Thomas provided three skin colour creams to those who were treated by Sir Archibald McIndoe for their burns caused by air incidents during service in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Skin camouflage is described as the application of pigmented creams to mimic a person's skin, prior to accident, illness or injury.

Joan Allsworth worked as Women's Auxiliary Air Force Plotter during the Second World War and had trained as a make-up artist. She worked with Thomas to develop additional colours. On the request of J Wilson, a plastic surgeon consultant at St George's Hospital, London, Joan opened an outpatient clinic. Joan worked on skin camfoulage for over 50 years, training over 1000 people and created the British Association of Skin Camouflage in 1985.

Veil Cover Cream has been available since 1952 and was available on prescription from the NHS in 1975. Between 1959 and 2011, the British Red Cross ran the specialist service and training was provided. Anyone could approach the service directly. Changing Faces now run this service.

Optng for skin camouflage is a personal choice.