Mineral make-up

Mineral make-up uses finely milled mineral pigments - principally zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides - instead of the oils, silicones and synthetic pigments in many conventional cosmetics.

Those minerals sit on the surface of the skin rather than sinking into it, which is why mineral formulations are generally better tolerated by skin that is reactive, recently treated or prone to congestion.

Based on laboratory testing, our range is non-comedogenic (formulated not to block pores) and oil-free. It is used as concealer, foundation and finishing powder.

Why a clinic stocks make-up at all

It is not an afterthought at the counter. Mineral make-up does specific jobs in a treatment plan:

After a treatment. Skin that has had a peel, laser, needling or a lesion removed needs cover that will not irritate it or block healing follicles. Mineral formulations are the usual answer.
While a course works. Pigmentation, redness and acne treatments take weeks to months. Cover in the meantime is a reasonable thing to want, and it should not be sabotaging the treatment.
For acne-prone skin. Heavy occlusive foundation worsens congestion. Non-comedogenic mineral cover does not.
For redness. Green-toned mineral products neutralise red more effectively than adding more coverage.
For sensitive and reactive skin, including rosacea, where fragrance and some preservatives are poorly tolerated.
As camouflage for birthmarks, scars and pigmentation that is being managed rather than removed.

Sun protection, accurately

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are physical UV filters, so mineral make-up gives some protection - but it is not a substitute for sunscreen, and no one should treat it as one.

The reason is practical: the quantity of make-up people apply is a fraction of the amount needed to achieve a tested SPF, and it is rarely reapplied through the day. In Australia, only a product carrying a TGA-listed SPF rating, applied and reapplied properly, should be relied on for sun protection.

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen first, then mineral make-up over it. The make-up is a useful additional physical barrier, particularly against visible light in melasma - not the primary defence. The term "sunblock" is not used in Australia, because no product blocks all UV.

Using it after a procedure

Follow the specific instructions you are given, which differ by treatment. As a general guide:

No make-up at all on broken skin, an open wound or an unhealed treatment site
After microdermabrasion or epidermal levelling - usually the same day
After skin needling - usually after 24 hours
After peels and laser - when your practitioner says the skin has closed, which may be several days
Apply with clean hands or a clean brush; wash brushes regularly
Remove gently at the end of the day with a mild cleanser

What it does and does not do

It does: provide cover that is unlikely to irritate or congest, add a degree of physical sun protection, and give a finish that sits well on skin being actively treated.

It does not: treat any skin condition, replace sunscreen, clear acne, or change the skin underneath. It is cosmetic cover, well chosen for the job. Individual results vary.

Risks

Allergic or irritant reaction - uncommon, but no product is non-reactive for everyone; patch test if your skin is sensitive
Congestion if applied too heavily or not removed properly
Infection risk from applying make-up to broken or healing skin
Dryness with some powder formulations on already-dry skin
A false sense of sun protection if relied on instead of sunscreen

Cost and buying

Products are priced individually and are available at the clinic and through the Me Clinic shop. Shade matching and application advice are part of a skincare consultation - as at September 2024 and including GST, a skin assessment is $50.

Booking

Me Clinic, 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511, or use the online consultation form.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.