The holidays are fast approaching and for many women, especially those with acne prone skin, they’re dreaded because of the confines of friends and family gatherings. The natural inclination is to apply loads of concealer and foundation over blemishes to hide them from close examination. However, most foundations on the market are ridden with oils, chemicals, preservatives and other pore clogging ingredients used to stabilize the formula. Caking on these foundations can cause further blemishes and most times major break outs. Makeup should really be looked at through a clearer lens than was once used to sell any product a clever salesperson could name. Cosmetics are applied directly to the skin, the largest organ of your body. Therefore, any substance applied to the skin is absorbed into the body and can impact your health. Exposure to toxins in cosmetics can result in anything from a typical allergic reaction to long-term health problems or even cancer.

The prestige line of department store cosmetics, although high performing, contain talc that dries the skin, therefore accentuating lines and wrinkles. They contain fillers and waxes that clog skin pores, dyes that stain the skin, mineral oils and occlusive oils, preservatives, fragrances and other chemicals that dehydrate the skin and cause advanced aging of the tissue.

Today, many women are seeking natural cosmetics that really work. Of the so called “natural” brands available, many have a low performance, do not adhere, and rub off easily, give a pasty appearance, have a rough consistency and do not allow the skin to breathe, still resulting in acne-like eruptions.

Cosmetic options which are much safer, and therefore, healthier than the industrial product lines are known as mineral makeup. Mineral makeup has also become the most popular trend, recommended by dermatologists the world over and used by Hollywood celebrities because of its many benefits to acne sufferers. Mineral makeup is made with minerals from the earth and has been used safely for centuries. Dermatologists are calling mineral makeup “the skin care makeup” because it is so gentle to the skin that you can actually sleep in it. The minerals are ground so fine that they are too small to clog pores. Instead, they lay on the skin to protect the skin from moisture getting in and feeding acne causing bacteria. The overlying minerals still allow the skin to breathe, while shielding off this moisture.

Mineral Makeup looks fabulous when you wear it. It is actually better for your skin than wearing no makeup at all. It goes on very smoothly and is so light-weight that many women forget they are wearing it. This light weight quality helps it to blend seamlessly into the skin for a beautiful natural look.

However, not all mineral makeup is created equal. Some may contain bismuth oxychloride, which is a known irritant. While minerals alone are good for your skin, a mineral make up line using micronized minerals plus the age-defying properties of antioxidants like grape seed extract and vitamins C and E is best. This adds a great defense against free-radical damage. The best mineral makeup available will contain these antioxidants, be talc-free, mineral oil free, ophthalmologist tested, not tested on animals, hypoallergenic, fragrance free, formulated not to clog pores, dermatologist tested, safe for contact lens users and alcohol free.

Remember, healthy is beautiful! Allowing your skin to breathe by wearing safe cosmetics will bring you to a whole new level of natural beauty, without looking artificial or “made up”. Consider the many benefits of safe, mineral based cosmetics with antioxidants to nourish the skin while you look fabulous this holiday season.

For information on natural, proven, safe, quality mineral based cosmetics that will help you to look fabulous this holiday season, call 336-643-6494 or email mel2urhlth@aol.com.