Mineral Foundations not only provide a beautiful, luminous look to your face, they also have therapeutic and flaw-fixing benefits.  This guide explores these benefits to help you get the most out of your Mineral Foundation.  While I mention particular brands with which I am familiar, these benefits are applicable to most Mineral Foundations.

1)  Sunscreen Protection For Your Skin

All Mineral Foundations have a natural protective sunscreen provided by the minerals themselves.  The ingredients Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are both minerals from the earth that act as physical sunscreens, providing natural SPF-15 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. 

Sheer Cover Original Formula Foundation and PurMinerals 4-in1 Pressed Foundation both contain Titanium Dioxide.  Bare Escentuals Foundation and Sheer Cover Foundation SPF-15 both contain Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. 

Studies have shown that sun exposure causes skin damage and skin damage is the number one reason why our skin ages.  Using a Mineral Foundation every day provides a daily level of sunscreen protection to guard against those signs of premature aging like wrinkles, age spots, uneven pigmentation and discolorations.  Most of us do not apply our Mineral Foundation heavy enough to provide all the sunscreen protection that is possible.  So, for even more protection, you should always apply your regular facial sunscreen or moisturizer with SPF prior to application of your Mineral Foundation.  Two excellent moisturizers with built-in SPF that I have used are Sheer Cover Nourishing Moisturizer with SPF-15 and Dermacia Breathable Face Moisturizer with SPF-15.

2)  Healthy and Healing Ingredients For Your Skin

Mineral Foundations are made of natural pure minerals from the earth.  The properties of minerals can be healthy and healing for your skin.  Bare Escentuals leads the field in clinical studies to prove the skin benefits that natural minerals provide.  Their independent clinical studies show that 76% of users say appearance and condition of their skin improved with the use of minerals.  Skin dehydration was improved by 75% and redness was reduced by 31%.  Smoothness, texture, elasticity and overall condition of the skin was improved by 49%.

Good Mineral Foundations should contain no chemical dyes or fragrances that can irritate skin.  They should contain no talc to dull and dry the skin.  And they should contain no oils that can clog the pores.  By eliminating these unhealthy ingredients, Mineral Foundations are safe for sensitive skin.  Natural purity is why Mineral Foundations are often recommended after dermatological procedures such as micro-dermabrasion and for post-surgical patients. 

Zinc Oxide is a natural mineral that is known to be soothing to skin and calming to skin irritations.  It is found in many Mineral Foundations including Bare Escentuals and Sheer Cover Foundation SPF-15. 

Some brands offer formulas with added beneficial ingredients.  PurMinerals has added moisturizing Shea Butter and Vitamin E to their formula.  Sheer Cover Foundation SPF-15 includes Green Rooibos Tea and Bisabol.  Green Rooibos Tea helps protect the skin from oxidative damage.  Bisabol is a botanical derived from the chamomile plant that has anti-inflammatory properties.  It is soothing and calming to the skin.

3)  Light Diffusing Particles Hide Skin Flaws

Mineral Foundations contain micronized (finely ground) minerals that deflect light away from facial flaws.  Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are natural minerals that reflect, scatter, and absorb light rays.  Mica is another natural mineral that deflects light away from flaws and helps to diminish the look of imperfections including wrinkles, lines, and discolorations.  Mica is the mineral that gives your skin that soft, luminous look.

4)  Buildable Coverage For Individual Camouflage Issues

Mineral Foundations should be applied in a light layer with a brush.  Additional layers can be applied if more coverage is desired.  In this way, you can custom adjust the level of coverage that you need for your particular skin issues.  Mineral foundations are especially helpful for covering redness, rosacea and other skin discolorations and imperfections.  Because the minerals work with the natural heat and oil of your skin, they blend in and feel weightless, just as if they are part of your skin.

While this summarizes the main benefits of Mineral Foundations, there are many other great attributes including:  easy application, long-wear, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores) and water/sweat resistance.  Whether you are just thinking about trying Mineral Foundation or you are already a devoted fan, I hope you have found this information useful.  If you found this guide helpful, please take a moment to rate it below.