Vitality News Health Articles

You probably know by now that bare mineral make up can help your skin look younger, softer, and smoother without subjecting it to artificial chemicals. What exactly is in mineral makeup? To answer this question, we consulted Ann Swiftborne, who helps to formulate sheer cover makeup. She told us about the five most common ingredients that mineral makeup contains.

Titanium Dioxide is an ingredient that is a white powder that will protect your skin from the sun. This is because it will create a thin impermeable layer between the light and your skin. It is probably the same stuff that your mother put on your nose when you went to the beach as a child. It is 100 percent natural and perfectly safe to use.

Iron oxides are natural compounds commonly known as rust. As iron metal oxidizes (rusts) in the presence of air and water, the iron oxides appear in deep, rich, red colors. Sheer cover makeup uses these iron oxides in small amounts to add red, pink, taupe and brown colors to your face.

These minerals, called Mica, shimmer with a natural gloss. As sheer cover makeup, mica softens your complexion, leaving your skin smooth, creamy and glowing. Preventing clumps and drips, these minerals also enhance the texture of mineral liquid foundation, creams and powders.

Kaolin is a white, smooth, natural clay found around lake beds. Kaolin helps colors stick to your skin, creating a durable makeup that can last all day. Kaolin also absorbs oil, making kaolin containing makeups particularly appealing for use by people with oily complexions. Due to kaolin’s oil absorption properties, Kaolin makeup is good to use on a daily basis. The build up of oils, and the resulting acne are actually prevented by using kaolin containing makeup.

Zinc oxide is another natural material that also protects against harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Unlike titanium dioxide though, zinc oxide also soothes and reduces the inflammation associated with irritated, delicate skin. For this reason, zinc oxide is sometimes used by people who suffer from acne related conditions such as Rosacea.

Bare mineral make up is a great way to help the skin look smooth and soft. Iron oxides are natural compounds commonly known as rust. As sheer cover makeup, mica softens your complexion, leaving your skin smooth, creamy and glowing. Kaolin is a white, smooth, natural clay found around lake beds. These minerals also enhance the texture of mineral liquid foundation Kaolin helps colors stick to your skin, creating a durable makeup that can last all day. Kaolin also absorbs oil, making kaolin containing makeups particularly appealing for use by people with oily complexions. Zinc oxide offers protection for your skin from the sun, similar to titanium dioxide.

- Samantha Steiner