Facial Foundation Creams and Powder to Improve Skin Complexion

 Dr. KS Prasanna, Director, Institute of Applied Dermatology, Kasaragod, Kerala

The Benefits of Foundation Creams:

    Foundation creams are the first cosmetics applied after washing the face. These creams come under the category of colored facial cosmetics. They are used to add facial color, blend facial color, camouflage the pigment irregularities of face, normalise the facial color and also provides sun protection. These colored facial cosmetics are used to create a fashionable appearance. The facial foundation is an elegant facial photo protectant something like a sun screener.

There are four types of facial foundation formulations:

     1 Oil-based: This creates a moist skin feeling, useful for dry skin

     2 Water-based: Useful to minimally dry to normal skin

     3 Oil-free: Useful for oily skin

     4. Water-free: They are waterproof, and are well suited for people who want facial camouflaging.

 A dab of the foundation should be placed on the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin and blended with a light circular motion until it is evenly spread over the entire face, including the lips. Finally, a puff or sponge should be used stroking it in a downward direction to remove any sticks and to flatten the vellus facial hair. The foundation should be allowed to set or dry until it can no longer be removed with a light touch. If necessary, the second layer of foundation can be applied.

The most common side effect is a condition patient describes as “breakouts”. Some people notice small acne-like points 2-3 days after using a new facial foundation. It is due to irritation of the area of skin around the hair. Since facial foundation tends to migrate to the pores on the skin where hairs emerge and mix with sweat secretion and sebum (oil), which breaks down the cosmetic film.

The Benefits of Face Powders

One of the ways to prevent migration of facial foundation, improving its sun-protective ability, is to use Powder over foundation. Facial powders contain talc (hydrated magnesium silicate) and covering pigment. Facial Powder absorbs oil and sweat. Pigmented powders are used to redden the cheeks, known as blushes, and to color the eyelids, known as blushes.

So, don’t hesitate to use foundation cream or face powders they don’t harm your facial skin instead actually improve the complexion