Nature's Minerals - Make-up That's Good For Your Skin?

1 of the hottest trends in make-up right now is loose-powder mineral cosmetics. With brand names like "naked", "bare" and "pure", 1 would feel that mineral makeup is one of the preferred items for your skin. To a point that's accurate. Mainly because lots of of the regular additives in cosmetics - fragrance, filler, binders, synthetic dyes and preservatives - are not a part of mineral makeup, these new, "natural" cosmetics are less difficult on the skin, but don't be fooled. According to WebMD, the major mineral components in this trendy new make-up "have been the basis of most makeup foundations for decades." What's much more, a number of of the ingredients are essentially synthetically formulated, which takes "nature" perfect out of the picture, in a manner of speaking.

Here's the lowdown on the 4 most common "minerals" located in today's hottest cosmetics:

Iron Oxide. Extra typically known as rust, specific isotopes of iron oxide have been applied since prehistoric times as pigments, paints and dyes. Distinctive chemical configurations create different colors, most often red, brown, yellow and black tones. There is a huge concentration of iron oxide on Mars, therefore giving it the red hue, and the nickname "the red planet". According to Wikipedia, nonetheless: "Iron oxides graded secure for cosmetic use are produced synthetically in order to stay away from the inclusion of ferrous or ferric oxides, and impurities typically identified in naturally occurring iron oxides."

Nature's minerals getting replicated in a lab? Doesn't sound extremely "natural" to me!

Titanium Dioxide. From paint, to sunscreen to food coloring, this naturally occurring substance has also been utilized in cosmetics for decades - primarily as a thickener and, even more recently, for the SPF protection that it supplies. Most dermatologists would agree, nonetheless that no matter the SPF, mineral makeup by itself is not enough sun protection for the skin of your face. Dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF rating of 25 for face protection. And in no way tuck your self in at night without having washing your face. No makeup is pure sufficient "to sleep in it". Plus the current concerns over the current classification of titanium dioxide as a "group 2B carcinogen" have consumers reexamining the benefits of the mineral. This classification indicates that the mineral could be potentially carcinogenic to humans, as it has been found to cause cancer in rats that inhaled the particles.

As most mineral makeups are in a loose, powder form, it is unclear at this point if it will pose a future threat to humans. 1 of the greatest complaints relating to mineral makeup is the loose powder spillage and dispersion in the air during application. According to WebMD, on the other hand, the fine particulate matter of the makeup could pose other concerns. "Minerals like zinc and titanium are secure when applied to wholesome skin but in a micronized nanoparticle form, there remains a concern, especially when applied to damaged skin, or when inhaled".

Mica. Though to be derived from an ancient word for "glitter", mica's light diffusing properties have created it a component in eye colors for decades. Extremely heat resistant, mica has been prized for centuries and is the predominant component of the sun pyramid just outside of Mexico City. In mineral makeup, mica is utilized to reflect light, make a shimmering impact or to support disguise fine lines by "bending" light. Mica was highly rare and prized throughout Europe for the duration of the 19th century. Now, mica is very easily refined and is 1 of the really natural minerals in cosmetics currently.

Kaolin/ Kaolinite. This earthy clay hardens to a soft, chalk-like substance. This practically white mineral is prevalent around the globe, and is an additional true mineral in mineral cosmetics. Because of the absorbent nature of clay, it adheres additional uniformly to the contours of facial skin and holds its position superior than most liquid foundations. It is kaolin and other clays like it (some businesses are making use of "Mediterranean" clay, generally known as illite, which is a cousin to kaolinite) that provides mineral make-up the long lasting coverage for which it is common.

So if you have to pick out, mineral make-up is quite possibly the lesser of all cosmetic evils, and even a good choice for persons with acne-prone skin. The clay helps to absorb excess oils, and provides a "flawless" professional finish with even coverage. 1 mineral to steer clear of, on the other hand is bismuth oxychloride. Though this element is technically a mineral, it does not occur naturally, and "Bismuth is a byproduct of lead and copper processing" according to the authorities at WebMD. It is strongly cautioned that consumers with sensitive skin, rosacea or chronic acne keep away from this ingredient, as it "is considered a skin irritant and can cause itching and rashes and in substantial amounts it can cause cystic acne."

For typical to oily skin, nature's minerals are a blessing, but for dry/sensitive skin, heavy applications of mineral makeup can be too drying on the skin, emphasizing fine lines and "weighing down" the skin's appearance. A simple trick to improve the coverage without applying a second coat? Mist your face to add a bit of moisture just before applying the makeup, and contemplate using a less diffuse applicator brush. The smaller the brush, the heavier and even more direct the coverage. As technologies and testing catches up with this cosmetic trend, watch for mineral makeup that is actually proven suitable for sensitive skin. It's only a matter of time.