The Detrimental Effects of Makeup on the Skin

Literally wanting to put our 'best face forward', many of us apply up to 15 different types of makeup and cosmetics each day. Many of us do this without initially taken the time to actually read the ingredient list, let alone think about the effects these ingredients are having on our skin and our bodies. Just a quick glance at the list will show you how many different chemical ingredients are used in making cosmetics – all of which we are repeatedly putting on our skin and are subsequently absorbed into our bodies. Conventional makeup may actually be more harmful to us then we think. It's time we look at these effects and use alternatives such as mineral makeup to avoid doing more damage than good to our skin and bodies.

Harmful not Helpful Effects

While we are aware that most commercial makeup is formulated in a laboratory using synthetic ingredients, rarely do we consider the harm these chemicals are doing. One group of cosmetic additives, a specific preservative, is particularly harmful to the human skin and body. Formaldehyde, often found in skin creams, nail polishes and shampoos, is a skin irritant responsible for causing allergic reactions, headaches, and even asthma. Similarly, the humectant propylene glycol, used in lipsticks and a variety of other makeup products, is a skin irritant and has been connected to liver and kidney problems. Such irritants dry skin out over time, which actually accelerates the aging process.

Should You Stop Wearing Makeup?

For many of us, leaving the house without makeup is simply out of the question. However, we should think about safer cosmetic alternatives which can actually promote skin health and counteract the aging process. The solution to this cosmetic conundrum is mineral makeup. This type of makeup, literally derived from ground rocks and stones, is additive free and as the name suggests, mineral rich. The lack of artificial additives, such as preservatives and perfumes, makes mineral makeup light in texture and allows skin to breath (which is vital to counteracting the aging process). This also means that skin is provided the coverage it needs, but without the heavy additives which usually settle into fine lines and wrinkles and thereby emphasizes them.

Many brands of mineral makeup also boast a sun protection factor – another essential step to protecting the skin from sun damage and skin cancer. Finally, the minerals act as a 'second skin' or a barrier to harmful environmental aging factors such as chemicals and free radicals.

Available as hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic foundations, concealers, blushers, bronzers, eye shadows, and now lipstick, mineral makeup is ideal for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin. For those with oily, acne prone, or combination skin, mineral makeup is also ideal because it is oil free and will not clog pores. Mineral makeup utilizes the wide spectrum of pigments available from Mother Nature, making it an attractive alternative to traditional cosmetics. Applying mineral makeup is as easy if not easier than applying traditional cosmetics. Simply brush the micro fine powders over the skin and watch your skin improve and age more slowly over time.