Friday, March 30, 2012

Why Your Mineral Makeup Isn't as safe as you think...


I wrote this article a year or so ago and I just found it. Since spring is pretty much here already, a lot of you fab gals all switching to mineral makeup to "let your skin breathe". But please read on to decided whether or not mineral makeup really is for you.

Mineral makeup has been on the market for quite a few years now. Many companies boast that their makeup is so pure you can sleep in it. Is that really true though? Is mineral makeup just like wearing nothing at all? What exactly do we know about mineral makeup? I've debunked a few of these myths for you to help you balance out the pro's and con's of these products.
 
MYTH #1: It is so light, you can sleep with it and it won't harm your skin.
FACT: It's light and effortless feel is what has been the appeal for this makeup for so long. Customers think that because it is so light to apply, it will not settle in the pores like other foundations and concealers do. Any dermatologist will advise against sleeping in any kind of makeup, as it clogs pores and can cause skin irritation. This includes sleeping in mineral makeup. The makeup contains color pigment that settles into your skin just like any other type of formula.
 
MYTH #2: Mineral makeup clears up acne and blemishes.
FACT:
  Acne is caused by many factors such as hormones and diet. Mineral makeup does, however, contain anti-irritating ingredients in it such as zinc which can be soothing to the skin. So although it does not clear acne, it can calm the redness and inflammation better than foundations that do not contain any anti-irritating agents.

MYTH #3: Most Mineral makeup contains SPF which blocks your face from harsh UV Rays, therefore it is ok to just wear that on my face when I am outside.
FACT:
Although they do contain SPF, it is not certain on how much of this mineral makeup you would need to apply to get the full sun protection factor. Never rely on just the SPF in your mineral makeup to keep your face completely safe from the sun. If you plan on being outdoors, layer your face starting with a sunscreen with at least SPF 25 and then apply your mineral foundation on top of that. Those sun rays are strong and can penetrate even through the thickest of makeup.
 
 Mineral makeup contains very similar ingredients to that of the cosmetics that have been on the market for years. The powder formula makes it much easier to apply for the gal on the go, but it doesn't last as long as some liquid or cream foundations which even contain a face primer, depending on the brand. I still give mineral foundation an A++ for convenience and effortless use. But as far as if it is better or worse for your skin, the answer is the same for any other liquid, cream, or powder foundation.