There are an astonishing number of women with sensitive skin who either can’t wear makeup or choose to wear makeup that makes their skin itchy and red on occasion simply because they can’t bear the thought of going without a full face of cosmetics. While it is noble to want to look your best, it is foolish to put yourself through a daily regime of misery when a better alternative is available.

It is the chemicals and ingredients in most cosmetics that cause the irritation and flare ups on all skin types. Trying different brands of makeup might help, but the only true long-term solution is natural makeup free of all chemical additives.

Chemicals in Cosmetics

In a typical foundation from any price range of cosmetics you can expect to find the following:

Fillers – When makeup companies need something to thicken up their products or provide a base for the relatively small amount of actual cosmetic items, they turn to filling materials. These can be innocent or harmful; some are even potential carcinogens.

Bonders – Bonders are chemicals that help a makeup product maintain its consistency as well as avoid fading or running during they day while you are wearing the product.

Fragrances – There are thousands of potential fragrances that can be used in cosmetics, and the simple term often found on ingredient lists does nothing to explain the potential hazards. Some of the thousands of fragrances used in cosmetics are known toxins or carcinogens, no matter how small a dose is used in a particular product. Fragrance has spurred many reports to the Food and Drug Administration of dizziness, headaches, skin discoloration, vomiting and skin discoloration.

Dyes – Dye can be made from any number of ingredients, but not all are safe for your skin. In fact, the FDA passed a ruling that all companies must disclose the source of red dye in products if it is from the dried cochineal bugs. Severe allergic reactions to this red dye have received national attention, and the dye is found in many red colored foods and cosmetics.

Natural Cosmetics

While synthetic cosmetic companies often start a new line of makeup designed to be more natural, there is almost always still some form of chemical or synthetic additive in the product. Mineral makeup, however, does not use synthetic products and is ideal for those seeking relief from harsh additives to traditional makeup.

Mineral makeup was first created three decades ago when many wanted to return to more natural sources for all things in life, including makeup. Mineral makeup is comprised of naturally occurring minerals on the earth and as such is more than non-allergenic. It can soothe and help to restore skin irritated by other products.

Zinc oxide is naturally soothing for skin and is the most common ingredient in most mineral makeup products. This means putting on your makeup in the morning might very well become the most important part of your skin care regime. You skin will look healthy and glowing – not just from the silky layer of coverage, but from your skin’s own regained translucence as well.