Makeup Bag Rejuvenation

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Consumers are taking a more active role in their health care, and have become more ingredient aware than ever before. They’re paying more attention to the ingredients they’re exposed to environmentally, as well those they’re putting into and on their bodies. Chances are you’ve seen this trend in your skin care business –– clients wanting to know about the health impacts of ingredients they’re putting on their skin and where those ingredients have been sourced.

While more clients have become increasingly diligent about understanding what is in their skin and body serums and sun protection formulas, in addition to what’s being applied in the treatment room, and how foods impact the health of their skin, that same level of awareness tends not to extend to the cosmetics in their makeup bags. We’ve been taught to look for products that say “paraben free” or that don’t test on animals, but most don’t take a hard look at the ingredient deck of their makeup products.

"Most consumers look at how well makeup performs rather than looking to their makeup to affect change in their skin." -Esau

This is primarily because there hasn’t been as much emphasis placed on educating consumers about ingredients in their cosmetics. Most consumers look at how well makeup performs in terms of enhancing or downplaying certain facial features rather than looking to their makeup to affect change in the skin. This is where we have a big opportunity to educate clients on the importance of extending skin health all the way across the finish line.

Makeup doesn’t just have to cover up Makeup is typically on the skin for a significant amount of time throughout the day, and in many cases, every day of the week. Considering skin is a living, breathing organism, you can bet that anything on it for that long of a stretch most definitely impacts the overall health of the skin –– for good or bad. It’s time we start educating clients about what to look for and what to avoid in their cosmetics, because with the right ingredients, they’ll be better equipped to continue the work you’re doing in the treatment room and take their skin care even further. After all, makeup can and should be a continuation of good skin care, but we have to educate clients on what to look for.

Uncovering the Unkowns

Until more recently, the cosmetic industry traditionally lacked safety data when it came to chemical ingredients used in the products. Though it’s improved over the years, there are still a number of over-the-counter cosmetic brands using harsh chemicals, parabens and fragrances in their foundations, powders, mascaras, eyeshadows and lip products –– and many of these actually present a threat to the skin.

Among the most common harmful ingredients used are sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, synthetic colorants, polyethylene glycol (PEG), petroleum distillates, formaldehyde and fragrance. Let’s explore each more closely.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). SLS is an emulsifier and foaming agent most commonly found in cleansers, washes, shampoos, soaps and laundry detergent, as it is responsible for that “sudsy” effect we’ve come to associate with in soap. However, it’s also found in various makeup products such as mascara, despite it being a known skin and eye irritant.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is used in makeup products including eyeliners, mascaras, eye shadows, lipsticks and powders, to name a few. Polyethylene is a type of plastic, and while it has been deemed a low hazard ingredient for cancer, it has been shown to penetrate the skin and cause skin irritation.

Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives are used to prevent bacteria growth in water-based products. Though formaldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound, most of what is being used in the products we use is produced industrially and has been recognized as a human carcinogen, as well as an ingredient that commonly causes allergic skin reactions.

Parabens.These widely used preservatives extend shelf life of products. Typically, products will use more than one type of paraben and among those most commonly used are methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben and ethylparaben. Parabens prevent bacteria, mold and yeast from growing in cosmetic products. While there continues to be ongoing research into the true effects of parabens, they have been found to contain estrogen-mimicking properties that have been linked to certain forms of cancer.

Petroleum distillates. This group of ingredients are typically found in foundations, lotions, mascara, etc. to provide fragrance and lock in moisture. They are hydrocarbon solvents produced from crude oil that have been found to contain cancer-causing impurities and are most often produced in oil refineries that produce automobile fuel. According to some research, they are of high concern with regards to toxicity, and they’re a known skin and eye irritant.

Fragrance. Fragrance is somewhat of a catchall term that allows manufacturers to get away with creating rather ambiguous or secret formulas. Often, these concoctions contain hormone disruptors and various chemicals, and are among the top allergic-reaction triggers. They’re found in everything from perfumes to lotions to cleansers and beyond.

Synthetic vitamin E. Found in many makeup products (designated with a “dl” prefix), it has been shown to create free radicals in the skin. A study in the early 2000s, revealed that the synthetic form of vitamin E produces negative effects on the skin and body and is not as easily synthesized as the natural version.

Sunscreen chemicals. While avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate are widely debated, some research has shown these chemical blockers to actually absorb UV light, which may exacerbate the problem they were aiming to solve in the first place. They are highly absorbable by the skin, and have also been found to be endocrine disruptors. Many manufacturers have started adding sunscreen to their cosmetics, which is a good thing. However, in the presence of skin sensitivities, it may be better to opt for a natural mineral blocker.

These are just some of the chemical or industrial-produced ingredients that have made their way into cosmetics over the years. However, there are numerous others. While the impacts of many of these are still widely debated, it is best to eliminate as many potential irritants as possible when the goal is to help clients achieve optimal skin health. Luckily, today there are more natural alternatives available.

Health-promoting Cosmetics

Makeup has evolved significantly over the years, as manufacturers and researchers have discovered healthier, more anti-aging alternative ingredients. Through advancements in ingredients and distillation processes, it is now possible to have beauty and healthy skin. In fact, many of the ingredients we’re using in the treatment room and prescribed home care also make for ideal ingredients in cosmetic products. Antioxidants, natural minerals, vitamins, and omega essential fatty acids are now being incorporated into beauty counter products like foundations, powders and lip glosses to further support optimal skin health.

The following are a few healthy skin-promoting ingredients to look for in cosmetics.

Bismuth oxychloride. Found in mineral makeup, bismuth oxychloride is responsible for that pearly, iridescent look. It is an inorganic compound naturally found in the mineral bismoclite. It provides a smooth, luxurious feel and is the key ingredient that helps keep powder looking fresh all day.

Mica. A light, natural, silicate mineral, this is another ingredient that helps give the skin that luminous glow and iridescence.

Boron nitride. An ultra-trace mineral, boron nitride is an essential plant nutrient found in various crystalline forms. It improves the application of the mineral foundation and adheres to the skin for long lasting wear.

Tapioca powder. We commonly see this in foods; however, it is also a great alternative thickening agent in cosmetics. It is a natural starch extract from the cassava root and is responsible for giving powder a light feel on the skin.

Carrot seed extract.  Carrot seed provides antioxidant, antiseptic and beta-carotene support and is known to help sensitive skin. A natural alternative to other manufactured moisturizing agents, it provides hydration and is a known rejuvenator, bringing new life to the skin.

Squalane. A naturally occurring lipid in plants, squalane supports the skin in retaining moisture and guards against UV radiation.

Zinc oxide. This non-irritating, broad spectrum, UV absorbing protects and soothes skin and provides healing relief. This can be a good alternative to some of the chemical blockers out there.

Cetearyl olivate/sorbitan olivate. A unique biomimetic restructuring agent from pure olive oil that restores and maintains the integrity of the skin barrier, and gives tonicity and elasticity to the skin. It also reduces inflammation, helps carry other active ingredients into the deeper epidermal layers, and protects skin from harsh environmental assaults and UV rays. It’s another healthy alternative to other moisturizing agents and provides brilliance to the skin.

Natural wax complex. A complex of sunflower seed, candelilla, beeswax and orange peel is a natural, emulsifying wax great for use in lip gloss, as it traps in moisture and defends skin from environmental assaults without clogging pores. It also is an anti-inflammatory, rich in nutrients and phytosterol support that prevents damage to cells, and protects collagen and elastin production.

These are just a few of the natural ingredients being used in place of many of the chemical-laden ingredients that have been so common in the cosmetic industry until now. In addition to being safer alternatives for giving the products the desired consistency and feel, these ingredients also deliver skin-health promoting benefits.

Educate Clients

The benefits of makeup don’t have to be limited to covering up or accentuating our features; it can now support in taking skin all the way to the finish line of optimal health.

We have to take into consideration the entire ingredient deck, as well as the manufacturing process. With mineral products, it’s important to look at how they are milled as it helps eliminate impurities and ensure they don’t buildup in the pores. Purity is key, as this allows the minerals to sit on the surface of the skin to protect it, whereas mineral makeup contains other chemicals that penetrate the skin. This reduces the formula's ability to protect the skin from UV rays and introduces unhealthy chemicals to the skin.

To determine the true formulation from the ingredient deck, you’ll want to educate clients about reading it through to the end. They may see one of the above mentioned healthy ingredients, but then it may be filled with other potentially harmful or low-quality ingredients. Also look at the placement of the ingredients. If the healthy ingredients are listed at the bottom of the deck, they really won’t make much of an impact.

When talking with clients about taking their skin care through to the finish line with quality cosmetics, focus on education. Highlight the healthy ingredients within the product that will help support their skin goals, and the how and why behind it. You might even consider having them bring in the makeup they are currently using for an analysis. This is a great exercise to incorporate into the client evaluation as it can also help guide the skin care regimen you prescribe.

Shannon Esau

Shannon Esau is the director of salesand education at Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals.She brings more than 17 years of experience in the esthetic industry. She owned skin care salons in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, has studied chemistry in skin care formulations and has been mentored by Rhonda Allison for decades. www.rhondaallison.com and www.ramethod.com

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