Since its advent almost a decade ago, mineral make-up has made a potpourri of promises tempting enough to make any woman at least give this image altering cosmetic a try. One of the benefits headlining mineral make-up is its proclaimed ability to help control acne and hide acne scars.
Of course, women plagued by a legion of pimples desire relief from this emotionally taxing skin condition. However, is mineral make-up the right cosmetic choice for camouflaging and treating acne? Moreover, is there a scientific basis for such claims?
Lets answer this question by reviewing the facts. The key ingredients of most mineral make-ups include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Several clinical studies have documented medicinal usages of both minerals, which could also prove useful in acne therapies.
Anti-bacterial and inflammation reducing effects of zinc oxide:
The life of an acne lesion involves a myriad of hormonal shifts, cellular changes and immunological responses within the skin. Amid these molecular activities, the skin works to control the spread of acne aggravating bacteria that provoke inflamed lesions.
Zinc oxide could help enhance this bacterial policing. For example, a study in the European Journal of Surgery found that zinc oxide could actually reduce the bacterial count and limit inflammation in open wounds created on the skin of mice.
Besides expediting wound healing, zinc oxide has proven itself effective at removing facial blemishes as equaling vexing as acne- warts. According to a report in the International Journal of Dermatology, topically applied zinc oxide treated warts better than a combination of salicylic acid (a common active ingredient in topical acne medications) and lactic acid.
The drying effect of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Another remedial trait of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is their drying capacity. Experiments with zinc oxide presented in Skin Research and Technology demonstrated that this mineral has a drying and peeling effect on the skin. Similarly, acne drugs like isotretinoin (also trademarked as Accutane) exhibit a drying and peeling effect on the skin that ultimately helps reduce a patient's acne lesion count and the visibility of acne scarring.
In short, you could link much of the potential acne controlling traits of mineral make-up to the properties of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide can reduce inflammation-causing bacteria and encourage increased peeling or exfoliation of the skin.
Heightened exfoliation can counteract deficiencies in skin shedding that lead to clogged pores and more pimples. Finally, the combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are drying agents that can absorb excess facial oil secretions. This drying action can further reduce the chances of rancid, hardened oils and clumped dead skin cells blocking the pores and evolving into acne lesions. Based on these facts, testing out mineral make-up to combat acne makes sense.
Sources:
Agren, MS et al. Effect of topical zinc oxide on bacterial growth and inflammation in full-thickness skin wounds in normal and diabetic rats. European Journal of Surgery; February 1991; vol 157, no 2, pp 97-101.
Khattar, Joe A et al. Topical zinc oxide vs. salicylic acid-lactic acid combination in the treatment of warts. International Journal of Dermatology; April 2007, vol 46, no 4, pp 427-430.
Nielsen, Lene Feldskov et al. Skin changes induced by a zinc oxide dressing compared with a hydrocolloid dressing in healthy individuals. Skin Research and Technology; May 2005, vol 11, no 2, pp 140-151.
Rostan, Elizabeth F et al. Evidence supporting zinc as an important antioxidant for skin. Pharmacology and therapeutics. International Journal of Dermatology; September 2002 vol 41, no 9, pp 606-611.
About the Author
Naweko Nicole Dial San-Joyz engineered the acne trigger approach to naturally controlling acne in her internationally published book, "Acne Messages". San-Joyz continues to serve persons with acne by developing customized acne scar removal treatments for the face and body at the San Diego based skin research firm Noixia. If you want free, researched tips for naturally removing acne marks, visit http://www.Noixia.com .
2 comments:
today i'm going out with my bf he asked me to wear saree, and can you please give some make up tips to be fresh all over the day and some facial tips to at home...
First, put some water on to boil in a medium size pot (1/4 to 1/2 full), add some salt. Start with cleaning your face while waiting for the water to boil. I'm a soap and water girl but use what you like best. Skin cleansing is important, so find a product that works best for your skin type. Olive oil is a very good make up remover, skin cleanser and moisturizer!
You'll need a couple of extra towels, exfoliating product, toner or witch hazel (never alcohol!), cotton pads or balls, moisturizer, body lotion, and a mask is optional. After cleansing, exfoliate. For more information on exfoliating, go to the "Skincare" page from the menu on the left.
Now your ready to steam your face, the water should be boiling now. Turn the burner off and let it settle for a few moments. You can leave the pot on the stove or bring it to a coffee table (if it's not too high or an antique).
Be sure and lay a towel under the pot to protect your furniture and above all, use extreme caution moving hot water. (That's why you only need a small amount of water in the pot).
To steam your face, put a towel completely over your head like a tent over the pot of water and let the steam rise up to your face. Never put your face too close in the pot or the steam will burn you. You will find the right distance quickly. You want to do this for five to ten minutes if you can stand it.
Pat dry, don't rub. Steaming the skin is an important step because it's going to get those pores open, loosen any blackheads, you sweat out toxins and open up your sinuses also. (I do this when I'm suffering with a cold or sinuses and add a drop of peppermint and a few drops of eucalyptus to the water). For facials, you can also add your favorite essential oil or herbs if you like. If you do add fresh herbs, make sure you use a glass or enameled pot, not metal.
I know hovering over a pot on the stove or table is not the most relaxing situation, but hey, let me know if there's a better way to do a home facial. I even tried using a vaporizer but it was not as effective because it was too hot and you can't control it, and, I bought a facial steamer but it was a pain to keep clean, it broke, and is just another thing to store! I also found that I was less likely to keep up my facial routine since I had to dig it out the closet, take it from the box, get it ready, etc, etc! (if you saw my closets...you'd understand!)
Next you want to extract any blackheads while your pores are open and your skin is supple from the moisture. Use gentle pressure to extract, you can damage your skin by squeezing too hard! Once that is done, then you want to use your toner (witch hazel) to pick up any impurities on the skin.
Next would be a mask. Follow the instructions on the jar or tube and then get to your most comfortable place. Please see "facial recipes" (link below) for some easy ingredients you may have in your kitchen already for a great mask. Now it's time to put lotion on your feet, ankles, legs, knees, elbows, wherever!
*Options for home facials: If you have an electric blanket you can get really cozy. (Just remember to plug it in ahead of time) Socks and gloves or plastic bags can be used on/around your hands and feet after applying lotion. Wrapping hands and feet in a heating pad will help lotion work even better.
As far as facial masks go, I prefer one that washes off. I don't care for a "peel off" type.
This is the only relaxing part of an at home facial so try your best to relax and enjoy even if it's only ten or fifteen minutes! After you remove the mask with warm water, pat dry, then use toner again to remove any residue left. Let skin breathe for a little while, then apply moisturizer. Your skin should be soft, supple, hydrated with a new glow and rosy complexion.
In some cases, you may have a blemish come out in a couple of days. This is the steam and pulling action of a facial mask bringing impurities to the surface of the skin. It was already there, you just brought it out sooner. Once you decide to do facials on a regular basis, you will see an over-all improvement in the skin.
If you experience any irritation such as a rash like patch of redness, did you use a new product? If so, that is most likely the cause and you are having a reaction.
After a facial, you should be a little pink which is healthy and caused by friction from cleansing, along with creating a good circulation of blood flow.
If you are red, (not a rash type pattern), you probably got too close to the steam and poached yourself a bit. Next time, just back away from the steam a little higher.
Post a Comment