How to Avoid an Allergic Reaction to Your Mineral Makeup

by Kim Snyder Nowadays, it seems it is possible to have a allergic reaction to just about anything. Now there are women who have a allergic reactions to certain kinds of makeup. Because of the issues of having reactions and increasing sensitivity about what we put on our faces, has many women looking for alternative types of cosmetics that would not provoke an allergic reaction. That is why more and more women are opting for mineral powder makeup. But even if mineral makeup is chemical and preservative free, it does not mean that users are safe from any allergic reactions. There are still brands that have ingredients that you might react to. Now it's true that there are dermatologists who recommend mineral- power based makeup for their patients who have skin problems such as acne, or sensitive skin, rosacea and a few other skin issues. But this is not mean that all their patients would respond well to using mineral-based cosmetics. The reason why dermatologists recommend mineral makeup for those with sensitive skin is that is has zinc oxide which is a natural anti-inflammatory drug. This calms the skin making the skin look refreshed. Titanium dioxide is also present which protects the skin against the dangerous ultraviolet rays. Don't forget that even though mineral foundation has a natural SPF in it, you still need to apply a moisturizer with SPF15 or higher. With all the benefits and good things you can get from mineral makeup you should still be conscious when picking out the cosmetic brand that you would use. When you are choosing mineral-based makeup whether it be foundation or eye shadows you really need to take a good look at the ingredient list. Remember mineral makeup is going to be made from pure crushed minerals. The “true” mineral makeup will only have 4 or 5 ingredients. There are mineral makeups and there are mineral-based makeups. Watch for the difference when choosing what you want to use. The more pure it is, the better chances of you not having a allergic reaction to it. By reading the label and getting to know what ingredients cause you to react badly too, it makes it easier to pick out ones that will be good for you. If the label does not have this information, then it’s a brand you do not really want to be using. Common cases of allergies attributed to mineral makeup is almost always connected to bismuth oxycholoride. Why? Because its not truly a natural ingredient. What this mineral is a product of lead, copper and other metals. It is included often in the makeup because it provides a certain shine. The downside is that bismuth oxycloride tends to enter the skin pores and block your pores. This is what can cause your skin to react badly. That is why some women who use mineral makeup complain that their face is itchy and becomes blotchy. Carmine, which is also a mineral often, used in mineral based cosmetics, can also cause allergies. If you have sensitive skin and you noticed that carmine is a part of the ingredient list, then it would be better to consider another product. Carmine came from the shells of cochineal beetles. The shells are crushed and there would be red pigment. This red pigment is used to help provide color in cosmetics. Most reds & pinks have Carmine in them. If you are wearing a blush that has it, and your face starts to break out, this maybe one of the reasons. What can happen is your allergic symptoms can show up as an itchy patch of skin, scaly skin, or sometimes even bumps on the skin. There are studies showing that there are 10 percent of the population shows some type of allergic reactions to cosmetics. Once you have noticed that you have an allergic reaction, stop using all the mineral-based makeup that you have. Then after the allergy has subsided, try using them one by one. Sometimes it can be the combination of brands that you may be having a reaction to. By doing this, you would identify which brand of mineral makeup is triggering the reaction. If the symptoms would not go away even if you have stopped using the product, then it would be for the best to consult a dermatologist or your doctor. Copyright 2012 Kim Snyder Overall Beauty Minerals