DOH recommends face painting to relieve stress

MANILA, Philippines — As a means to relieve stress and promote mental health among employees, the Department of Health (DOH) recommends face painting.

Eduardo Janairo, DOH-Calabarzon director, said face painting not only helps develop an employee’s creativity, but also bolsters emotional growth and stimulates an optimistic attitude.

“At least 45 minutes of creative activity significantly reduces stresses in the body, regardless of artistic talent or experience,” Janairo noted. “Finding an emotional release from rigorous work like painting allows the mind to relax and liberate it from all the troubles that provide high level of stress.”

Aside from relieving stress, he said, face painting can also provide additional income – from P50 to P100 per face – for some people.

Face painting is the act of applying cosmetic paint to a person’s face for entertainment, theatrical or symbolic purpose.

But Janairo reminded those who are interested to take up face painting to observe precautionary measures such as safety of the materials to be used.

Paulina Calo, Calabarzon Regional Mental Health coordinator, said paints must be hypoallergenic and the materials properly used in terms of application, especially to children.        

“Dirty painting tools like sponge and brushes and contaminated materials due to lack of sterilization can cause allergic reaction to the skin and eyes,” she explained.

She also advised painters to check first if the person is allergic to the material by applying a small amount to the skin, preferably at the back of the hand, prior to face painting.                 

DOH-Calabarzon is currently conducting “Face Painting Workshop” for its employees.