Mineral-based makeup has been the latest trend in facial cosmetics for several years. What makes it so popular… and so good for your skin? First of all, mineral makeup gives your skin a very finished look that actually looks like your own skin. Go on and look like no other form of makeup, creating near flawless skin. Because mineral makeup is also highly pigmented, it only needs to be applied in very thin layers. Second, it doesn’t clog pores, and because of its mineral base, it also has some ability to block out the sun’s harmful rays.

Mineral makeup refers to the mineral powders that make up your foundation. As a general rule, real mineral makeups have very few ingredients of which titanium, zinc, iron oxides or dioxides should be their main ingredients. If you want to test the purity of your mineral makeup, put some in a glass of water and stir. A good mineral composition will remain on top of the water and the underlying water will remain clear. Mineral makeup does not (or should not) contain other oils, powders, perfumes, dyes, or alcohol, all of which can cause makeup sensitivity and clog pores. Due to its mineral base, mineral makeup stays on top of the skin instead of being absorbed, thus preventing the introduction of toxic chemicals into your body and possible allergic reactions.

Due to their good hiding power and lower risk of skin sensitivity, mineral foundations are ideal for aftercare of skin treatments such as microdermabrasion, facials, and light chemical peels. I find they are also good to use after plastic surgery procedures such as skin rejuvenation and facelifts when the skin has had some time to heal, usually using them about a week after the procedures. Mineral makeup not only provides good coverage on rosy skin, but also has some anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfectly safe around fresh surgical incisions. The sun protection ability of mineral makeup is also an advantage in new surgical sites.

For these reasons, I endorse mineral makeup in my spas and in my plastic surgery practice. It is a great addition that is healthy for the skin and a valuable aid in early care after facials and plastic surgery. While the concept of minerals in the skin may initially seem strange, it is actually one of the most natural and healthy skin products available today.