Mineral Makeup And Your Skin: What You Should Know

Just like all types of commercial products, mineral makeup has its own share of avid supporters and harsh critics. Those who feel that mineral makeup is one of the best things going in the cosmetic world are drawn to the products’ light and seemingly natural glow that cannot be achieved by other types of makeup and lasts a lot longer as well. However, the detractors of mineral makeup do not like its tendency to dry out and irritate the skin, or its tendency to emphasize existing wrinkles. It is this last effect of mineral makeup that causes so many people to shy away from mineral makeup, since it can actually make the user look older than she is. In addition, mineral makeup can cause the skin to take on an ashen hue, which is quite unflattering particularly for users of certain skin tones.

The “health” appeal of mineral makeup

In spite of the few complaints about mineral makeup’s aesthetic effects, its staunchest supporters are drawn to the makeup’s reputed health benefits to the skin. In particular, the mineral makeup that are labeled as being of the “pure” variety, tend to be more favorable for skin that is prone to breakouts associated with acne or rosacea.

The truth behind the marketing

Some experts in the cosmetics industry feel that mineral makeup is little more than a new take on an old formula. For instance, a lot of the ingredients found in mineral makeup actually exist in many other types of makeup today, and has in fact been present for a long time. As a noted dermatologist and pharmaceutical chemist Ben Kaminsky says, mineral makeup can be seen as a new way to market what is essentially an old product.

No health benefits?

The most commonly found ingredients in mineral makeup are mica, zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. These minerals have actually been used in various makeup brands for years, but is only with the current fascination with all things “healthy” and “natural” that health benefits have been ascribed to products that contain them…and yes, that goes for mineral makeup. As many cosmetic scientists have noted, mineral makeup can cause the same type of adverse skin reactions that ordinary makeup can, and there is no reason to believe that it can cause any beneficial health effects.

The flip side

On the other hand, there are some cosmetic experts that are just as credible who feel that mineral makeup’s lack of ingredients such as fragrances, binders, dyes, and preservatives make them a lot safer to use. These ingredients are typically used in most makeup brands, and leaving them out of mineral makeup makes them a lot gentler on skin.

So which is true? Since mineral makeup can have different effects on different people, the best way to find out how it will affect you is to consult with a dermatologist.

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