by: Johann Erickson
Without a doubt, one of the liveliest business and investment ventures rocking the health and beauty industries today is the ancient, venerable Dead Sea.
From mineral-rich black mud body masques to health treatments in thermo-mineral springs and the Dead Sea brine, the region's abundant cosmetological and therapeutic natural resources are truly legendary.
Cleopatra knew well the value of the naturally beautifying and restorative products that came from the Dead Sea region. She so coveted the bounty of the mineral-laden bath salts, the skin-revitalizing mud baths and the intoxicating balsamic perfumes extracted from the oases that her lover, Marc Anthony, led his troops into a fierce and bloody war to secure the region for his beautiful Queen.
And Cleopatra herself built the very first Dead Sea cosmetic facilities. Visitors to Ein Bokek and the Biblical, historic Ein Gedi can still see the bones of those factories today.
What makes Dead Sea products so clinically beneficial is their source -- a unique mix of solar radiation, an oxygen-rich atmosphere and geological features unlike any other on earth.
Flanked by mountains to its east and west, the heavily saline Dead Sea is cradled in a deep, sealed basin with hot, arid air above its surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the Sea takes in water and mineralized run-off from mountain streams and alluvial springs, but loses the water rapidly to evaporation.
The resultant residue of leeched minerals and thick salts has long been used the world over to relieve the effects of muscle pains, psoriasis and other human ills.
The mineral cocktail produced in the Dead Sea waters and absorbed into the human body is believed to help skin to literally regenerate.
Today, the Dead Sea's reputation as a healer, revitalizer, replenisher and therapy treatment is thriving. Visitors travel to the Holy Land the year-round to bask on the sunny beaches and luxuriate or heal at one of the many top-quality day spas and treatment centers.
Today's Dead Sea products aficionados are finding that Cleopatra was right on the target about the value and effectiveness of the region's bounty!
Based on years of scientific testing, manufacturers report their products will smooth wrinkles, revitalize the skin's appearance, relieve muscle tension and cure acne.
There are also products to stimulate, cleanse and tighten skin, shrink large pores, rejuvenate hair luster, moisturize dry skin and give a healthy glow to whatever body part is enjoying treatment.
Among the many different types of Dead Sea beauty and pharmaceutical products marketed today are:
As we become more aware of our environment and more aware of the products that we are putting into and onto our bodies, natural and homeopathic products are taking the cosmetic industry by storm.
It’s likely you’ve noticed new skincare and cosmetic companies popping up with “all natural” and “organic” products. Of course, just because they say they are, doesn’t necessarily make it true. That is where consumer education comes in, and why it is so important.
The title of this article is “Mineral Makeup”. After learning what mineral makeup is, what products go into it, and what its benefits are, you can decide if this is the right choice for you.
What Is Mineral Makeup?
Mineral makeup is designed from all naturally occurring products. It is often recommended by dermatologists to women with sensitive skin, rosacea, post operative, laser and other procedures because of its intrinsic skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a powder makeup of finely milled minerals. It can provide very sheer or very opaque coverage, depending on the formulation and application. However, it still allows natural skin radiance to show through, so you don’t get the dreaded “mask” look. It is typically free of fragrance and preservatives. Minerals cannot feed bacteria, so there is no danger of spoilage, thus it needs no preservatives. It does not go bad. It is very good for oily skin because it has several oil- absorbing components.
It is usually applied with a brush, and is typically shown to be “buffed” into the skin. This technique forces the makeup into your pores, which is never a good thing. A technique that works with better quality mineral makeup (which we’ll discuss later) is to “dust” the makeup on, instead of “buffing” it. If a brush irritates your skin, you can also use a non-latex or flocked sponge. Application can be done either wet or dry.
What Are The Ingredients?
This is the most important part. Learning what is in your makeup will give you the ability to choose what will meet your needs best. These are the ingredients you will most likely come across.
· Titanium Dioxide- A white natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly reflect, with only a diamond being higher, and thus minimizes fine lines and some skin discolorations.
· Zinc Oxide- A natural sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
· Sericite- A colorless mica that can be used to cut the opacity of Titanium Dioxide and also works as an oil absorber.
· Cornstarch/ Rice Powder- Cosmetic grade- An oil humectant (draws oil out of the pores). Can make acne worse as it is a source of food for bacteria.
· Kaolin Clay- Natural oil-absorption.
· Mica- Natural “glitter”. Provides shimmer and sparkle.
· Iron Oxides- Natural pigment- very opaque. Used for tinting cosmetics.
Ingredients To Avoid
These ingredients are also common, but can cause problems so are best to avoid.
· Talc/ Various Powders- Common fillers- can cause respiratory problems.
· FD&C Dyes- Derived from coal tar.
· Bismuth Oxychloride- Known skin irritant- causes itching, rashes and breakouts. Especially prevalent when the wearer sweats.
· Ferric Ferrocyanide- Controversial because of its suspected toxicity.
· Carmine- Crushed beetles.
What Brand Should I Buy?
Well, if you’re familiar with mineral makeup, it’s likely you’ve seen the infomercials. After further research you’ll find these companies use controversial ingredients, and charge quite a bit for their products.
There are several good mineral makeup companies out there that provide a much better product at a more affordable price, as well as a superior customer experience. They also offer samples, which the larger companies do not. You’ll get to try the makeup (unlike in the drugstore!) for a fraction of the cost before you buy it. They don’t have expensive advertising and packaging to pay for, so the savings are often passed on to you.
From mineral-rich black mud body masques to health treatments in thermo-mineral springs and the Dead Sea brine, the region's abundant cosmetological and therapeutic natural resources are truly legendary.
Cleopatra knew well the value of the naturally beautifying and restorative products that came from the Dead Sea region. She so coveted the bounty of the mineral-laden bath salts, the skin-revitalizing mud baths and the intoxicating balsamic perfumes extracted from the oases that her lover, Marc Anthony, led his troops into a fierce and bloody war to secure the region for his beautiful Queen.
And Cleopatra herself built the very first Dead Sea cosmetic facilities. Visitors to Ein Bokek and the Biblical, historic Ein Gedi can still see the bones of those factories today.
What makes Dead Sea products so clinically beneficial is their source -- a unique mix of solar radiation, an oxygen-rich atmosphere and geological features unlike any other on earth.
Flanked by mountains to its east and west, the heavily saline Dead Sea is cradled in a deep, sealed basin with hot, arid air above its surface. More than 400 meters below sea level, the Sea takes in water and mineralized run-off from mountain streams and alluvial springs, but loses the water rapidly to evaporation.
The resultant residue of leeched minerals and thick salts has long been used the world over to relieve the effects of muscle pains, psoriasis and other human ills.
The mineral cocktail produced in the Dead Sea waters and absorbed into the human body is believed to help skin to literally regenerate.
Today, the Dead Sea's reputation as a healer, revitalizer, replenisher and therapy treatment is thriving. Visitors travel to the Holy Land the year-round to bask on the sunny beaches and luxuriate or heal at one of the many top-quality day spas and treatment centers.
Today's Dead Sea products aficionados are finding that Cleopatra was right on the target about the value and effectiveness of the region's bounty!
Based on years of scientific testing, manufacturers report their products will smooth wrinkles, revitalize the skin's appearance, relieve muscle tension and cure acne.
There are also products to stimulate, cleanse and tighten skin, shrink large pores, rejuvenate hair luster, moisturize dry skin and give a healthy glow to whatever body part is enjoying treatment.
Among the many different types of Dead Sea beauty and pharmaceutical products marketed today are:
- Therapeutic Black Mud masks, soaps, hair restorer, body cleansers, pain relievers, dry-skin treatments and scalp treatments. Many firms also market the mineral-rich mud as a topical application to relieve soreness caused by inflamed muscles.
- Dead Sea mineral-based shampoos, conditioners and anti-dandruff treatments
- Dead Sea bath gels, shower gels, foot spas, foot creams, sun screens, skin toners, and astringents for oily skin
- Dead Sea chloride salts rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iodine and bromide
- Balsam-based cosmetics, perfumes and medicines.
More than 50 different Dead Sea health and beauty products manufacturers have production facilities operating in the region today.
About the Author
Johann Erickson is the owner of Online Discount Mart and TV Products 4 Less. Please include an active link to our site if you'd like to reprint this article.
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It’s likely you’ve noticed new skincare and cosmetic companies popping up with “all natural” and “organic” products. Of course, just because they say they are, doesn’t necessarily make it true. That is where consumer education comes in, and why it is so important.
The title of this article is “Mineral Makeup”. After learning what mineral makeup is, what products go into it, and what its benefits are, you can decide if this is the right choice for you.
What Is Mineral Makeup?
Mineral makeup is designed from all naturally occurring products. It is often recommended by dermatologists to women with sensitive skin, rosacea, post operative, laser and other procedures because of its intrinsic skin soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a powder makeup of finely milled minerals. It can provide very sheer or very opaque coverage, depending on the formulation and application. However, it still allows natural skin radiance to show through, so you don’t get the dreaded “mask” look. It is typically free of fragrance and preservatives. Minerals cannot feed bacteria, so there is no danger of spoilage, thus it needs no preservatives. It does not go bad. It is very good for oily skin because it has several oil- absorbing components.
It is usually applied with a brush, and is typically shown to be “buffed” into the skin. This technique forces the makeup into your pores, which is never a good thing. A technique that works with better quality mineral makeup (which we’ll discuss later) is to “dust” the makeup on, instead of “buffing” it. If a brush irritates your skin, you can also use a non-latex or flocked sponge. Application can be done either wet or dry.
What Are The Ingredients?
This is the most important part. Learning what is in your makeup will give you the ability to choose what will meet your needs best. These are the ingredients you will most likely come across.
· Titanium Dioxide- A white natural sunscreen and anti-inflammatory agent. It is highly reflect, with only a diamond being higher, and thus minimizes fine lines and some skin discolorations.
· Zinc Oxide- A natural sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
· Sericite- A colorless mica that can be used to cut the opacity of Titanium Dioxide and also works as an oil absorber.
· Cornstarch/ Rice Powder- Cosmetic grade- An oil humectant (draws oil out of the pores). Can make acne worse as it is a source of food for bacteria.
· Kaolin Clay- Natural oil-absorption.
· Mica- Natural “glitter”. Provides shimmer and sparkle.
· Iron Oxides- Natural pigment- very opaque. Used for tinting cosmetics.
Ingredients To Avoid
These ingredients are also common, but can cause problems so are best to avoid.
· Talc/ Various Powders- Common fillers- can cause respiratory problems.
· FD&C Dyes- Derived from coal tar.
· Bismuth Oxychloride- Known skin irritant- causes itching, rashes and breakouts. Especially prevalent when the wearer sweats.
· Ferric Ferrocyanide- Controversial because of its suspected toxicity.
· Carmine- Crushed beetles.
What Brand Should I Buy?
Well, if you’re familiar with mineral makeup, it’s likely you’ve seen the infomercials. After further research you’ll find these companies use controversial ingredients, and charge quite a bit for their products.
There are several good mineral makeup companies out there that provide a much better product at a more affordable price, as well as a superior customer experience. They also offer samples, which the larger companies do not. You’ll get to try the makeup (unlike in the drugstore!) for a fraction of the cost before you buy it. They don’t have expensive advertising and packaging to pay for, so the savings are often passed on to you.
About the Author
Lynn is the proprietor of Beauty Bliss Mineral Cosmetics at www.beautyblisscosmetics.com and www.ultimate-skin-care-tips.com.
