Does 'medicinal make-up' really work?

/ Courtesy of Code Beautiful

By Rachel Lee

The beauty industry's latest innovation is a range of products that are said to offer cosmetic enhancement as well as caring for the skin.

Called “Medicinal make-up,” a blusher is claimed to plump cheeks, a foundation promises to heal spots and mascara is also said to work as a lash-care essence.

However, some of the products deliver no such promises, experts say.

According to a Daily Mail interview with dermatologist Justine Hextall, Code VLM mascara claims to contain “waxes and vitamins to encourage lash growth,” but does not do this.

“The conditioning ingredients in this will protect lashes and reduce breakage, so you may lose fewer lashes, making them appear fuller,” Hextall said.

“However, I’m not convinced they will make lashes grow longer. There are products that can aid the growth, but they’re usually a serious medication, for example, eye drops to treat the glaucoma can stimulate lash growth.”

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation Acne Control contains the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredient salicylic acid and other sun-protection ingredients with sun protection.

“Salicylic acid is a well-known anti-acne ingredient because it prevents pores from blocking with oil and so helps stop spots from forming.

“My concern is that any foundation could irritate sensitive skin if the foundation is worn all day,” Hextall said.