The role of minerals in skin care

Human beings have used since ancient times what nature provides to protect and adorn themselves. Prehistoric men mixed earth with animal fat to color their skin and hair.

In Ancient Egypt, they painted their lips with moistened iron oxide, shaded their eyes with a paste based on stibnite powder, and peeled with sand or alabaster powder.

Minerals are used primarily as color pigments, such as iron oxide; others protect against the sun, soften the skin or give it light.

Some minerals can be used as they are obtained from the earth, such as talc, salt, or clay, while others undergo an extraction process, such as iron, copper, or stones precious.

Petrochemical derivatives –mineral oils, silicones, paraffins or vaselines– are the result of chemical refining and are not considered minerals but rather synthetic products.

Trace elements for the skin: which are the most important?

Minerals participate in the skin's defense and repair mechanisms: trace elements such as silicon, copper, magnesium, sulfur, iron, selenium , iodine or zinc are essential for cell renewal.

As we age, the skin can lose minerals, which reduces its vitality and shine. Its lack in the diet can weaken hair and nails, promote stretch marks or hinder healing, but its contribution can also be increased externally.

Today many creams and other cosmetic products incorporate trace elements in order to favor their regeneration: from clay cleansers to creams with trace elements. Some natural and conventional anti-wrinkle creams incorporate silicon or magnesium for their repairing effect.

Cosmetics with noble metals and precious stones

More and more brands are using noble metals and precious stones, especially in regenerating creams.

Among the metals and precious stones, gold, silver or diamonds are some of those chosen by the most expensive brands in firming facial creams that also add shine.

One might wonder, however, if the price of some products is justified and to what extent these elements are absorbed by the skin.

Mineral cosmetics, ideal for sensitive skin

In natural cosmetics, some minerals have made it possible to dispense with synthetic ingredients and obtain softer products for sensitive skin.