Mineral magic: is it skin care or makeup? You get both when you use mineral makeup. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties are great for sensitive skin and sun protection.(NATURAL BEAUTY: PERSONAL CARE)

Mineral makeup is not just a cover-up--it can be good for your skin. Naturally high-pigment minerals provide sheer to opaque coverage that helps correct and protect your skin. Mineral makeup, basically, is all natural. Its main ingredients are colored minerals and pigments that exist in nature, such as titanium dioxide, zinc and iron oxides, mica and ultramarine pigments.

"The benefits of using mineral makeup are many," says Kathryn Frew, MD, staff dermatologist at Juva Skin & Laser Center in New York, a diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Mineral makeup is noncomedogenic and oil free so it will not clog pores. It has minimum allergy risk because it does not contain sensitizers like perfume, chemical dyes or preservatives.

"Mineral makeup is often recommended by dermatologists to women with sensitive skin and to cover up acne, rosacea and scars and after laser treatments because of its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties," says Frew.

Because mineral makeup is composed of inorganic minerals, it cannot support bacteria and needs no preservatives. It is made up of microscopic flat crystals that overlap one another on the skin to create a filtering layer that allows the skin to breathe, while it protects it from environmental pollutants. An added benefit is the minerals also provide broad-spectrum sun protection, although additional sunscreen is necessary for prolonged sun exposure.

"Mineral makeup can act as a makeup and skin care all in one," says Lisa Coppa, MD, a dermatologist and founder and medical director of Laser & Skin Institute, PC, in Chatham, NJ. "In addition to the minerals and inorganic pigments, mineral makeup cosmetics can also include natural preservatives, antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, nutrients and sunscreens. Good examples are white and red teas, which help to protect against UV rays, as well as enhance cellular immunity and soothe the skin.

As with any skin-care product, consumers should read the ingredients list ...