MINERAL FACEMaria Aloia, Beauty Treatment Specialist
www.beautyofbedford.co.uk

Mineral Make Up, made from natural, finely ground minerals from the earth, is all the rage at the moment, but is it really good for us? Is it worth all the hype or simply just another genius marketing plan? And is it as natural as we think?

It seems that just because a product calls itself ‘mineral’ it doesn’t necessarily mean it is natural. There is no set regulation for what constitutes a “mineral” makeup. Any product containing minerals as a main ingredient can be marketed as such, even if it contains a lot of other “less natural” ingredients. What draws us all to mineral make up is the notion that it’s natural; it won’t clog your pores, cause you spots or any irritations. But how true is this ideal we all want so much to be true? Some companies claim that mineral make up is so good for us we can even sleep in it!

Not all mineral make up is the same. It seems there are mineral brands that don’t add parabens, preservatives and other fillers, and those that still do. Always check the ingredients list – the smaller the list, the more natural the product. One ingredient that we really do need to look out for is Bismuth Oxychloride.

MINERALBismuth Oxychloride is a mineral, but not a natural one. It is actually a byproduct of copper and lead processing. It is often used to bulk up products but is also known to cause itching, rashes and acne. Bismuth Oxychloride is used in a lot of cosmetics due to the pearlescent sheen and silky feel it produces.

Other key ingredients to look out for in your mineral make up are Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide and Talc. Titanium Dioxide and zinc oxide are often used as a sunscreen in many cosmetics, and this is great for those with sensitive skin as it is less of an irritant, however, it can clog pores. Talc, on the other hand, is a common filler product which is actually a mineral and completely natural, although many regard it as a carcinogen and to be avoided at all costs.

Another cause for concern is the fact that mineral make up is often made from tiny nanoparticles of minerals, in order to give our make-up that long lasting smooth finish. Although in their natural sizes these minerals may be very safe, in this miniature size, they take on a whole new set of toxic properties and could cause irritation especially to dry or damaged skin.

So, the jury’s out on whether or not Mineral Make Up is actually better for your skin than more conventional make up. It seems most of the time it’s the same product anyway, just marketed differently. My advice is to check those ingredients if it’s important to you, wear what you feel comfortable with, see what suits your skin best and when you find the make up you like, stick with it!