| |
Should You Use Mineral Makeup?
Advertisements for mineral makeup often claim that it ‘is so pure that you can sleep in it.’ Many cosmetic companies also assert that it heals damaged skin, contains natural sunscreen, and that it is suitable for sensitive skin. The makeup is also supposed to have deeper and richer colors. How true are these claims?
The ingredients of mineral makeup are naturally occurring minerals, such as zinc oxide, ultramarine, and titanium dioxide. These are mined from the earth and ground up into very fine powders. It is true that mineral makeup is natural. Unfortunately many consumers don’t realise that some cosmetic companies still include artificial ingredients such as fragrances, dyes or preservatives in the mixtures but they still advertise their makeup as ‘natural’. It is best to buy mineral makeup without synthetics if you want truly natural products.
Can Mineral Makeup Heal Skin?
Many of the minerals used in this type of makeup have anti-inflammatory properties so it can calm and soothe the skin. It is especially good for rosacea and acne.
There are worries about two minerals which are often included in mineral makeup: mica and bismuth oxycloride. Mica may cause micro tears in the skin and can be irritating to extremely sensitive skin. Bismuth, which is used to add a ‘shimmery’ effect to some products, can cause itching and rashes. If bismuth is used in large amounts it may even cause acne.
Sun Protection Claims
Some of the minerals used in mineral makeup do have a natural sunscreen. However, these minerals don’t provide enough protection from the sun unless they are used in very large quantities so skin cancer experts recommend using a regular sunscreen as well.
Richer Color
Mineral makeup became popular in the 1990’s when many women had laser treatments. These caused the skin to redden for a considerable length of time so women started using mineral makeup to camouflage the redness. The natural pigments of the makeup provide color that is deeper, richer, and longer-lasting than dyes. Women who have skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, and broken capillaries usually prefer mineral makeup because of its camouflaging effects.
On the other hand, this kind of makeup can look heavy and cakey if it isn’t applied properly.
Mineral makeup certainly does have many advantages so it is worth considering. It is important to choose which brand to buy very carefully and to learn how to apply the makeup carefully.
|
|
