It not hard to see the link between makeup and skincare. Decades ago, women seemed to accept that most makeup was bad for their skin. But, because the makeup made them look better cosmetically, they more often than not used them anyway.

Today, women want to use products that not only make them look good, but that won't cause them any kind of harm or damage. In fact, if the makeup they use could actually be good for their skin, that would be an even greater bonus.

And this is where mineral makeup comes in.

What Is Mineral Makeup?

Considering what a major topic it has become, it would be hard not to have heard of mineral makeup.

Mineral cosmetics are made from natural minerals. Not only will they not harm your skin, these products are actually good for you.

Unlike other products that can clog the pores and cause breakouts, mineral foundations are very light, and don't cause the same kind of clogging.

Unlike regular foundations, which can make you feel like you are wearing a greasy, oily mask all day, mineral makeup feels very natural and comfortable to wear. In fact, you will probably forget you even have it on. That's because mineral makeup doesn't contain the heavy ingredients often found in traditional products, like mineral oils and talc. They also don't contain other potentially harmful ingredients, like fragrances, dyes, or alcohol.

Finally, mineral makeup is just good for you. They can act as a barrier between your skin, and the damaging elements you have to deal with every day, like pollution, and the sun's harmful UV rays. They can also help soothe red, inflamed, irritated skin.

Avon Mineral Makeup

Considering how popular mineral makeup has become, and how beneficial these products have proven to be, it's no surprise that Avon has introduced a line of mineral cosmetics, starting with Perfect Match Smooth Mineral Makeup.

Perfect Match is a full coverage foundation that is 100% pure. It contains no preservatives, fragrances, oil, talc, or other chemicals. Instead, it a natural, feather light foundation that is great for all skin types.

The minerals in Perfect Match refract light. Not only does this give your face a radiant glow, it also makes fine lines, wrinkles and crow's feet less noticeable.

For a long time, it almost seemed like makeup and skincare didn't mix, and using cosmetics meant sacrificing some of your skin's health. But, now, thanks to mineral makeup, you can look good while still taking care of your skin.

There was a time when many people just accepted that there was no real way of preventing skin aging. The years passed, you just older, your skin got older right along with you, and there was nothing you could do about it.

Of course, there were always some that knew that there were secrets, treatments and ingredients that could keep skin looking younger longer. And, today, these "secrets" are accepted as fact. When it comes to your skin, there are products that can put the hand of time on pause, or even turn them back a ways.

Stri-Vectin SD®

Stri-Vectin SD was originally designed as a treatment for stretch marks. And it proved to be an effective one. A clinical study found that an amazing 93% of subjects who used Stri-Vectin SD demonstrated a visible, measurable reduction in the appearance of their stretch marks, while also making the skin smoother and firmer, and decreasing skin irregularities and discolorations.

But while Stri-Vectin SD was originally created as a stretch mark treatment, users found it was something more. Those who use Stri-Vectin SD on their faces find that it also diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, and crow's feet, dramatically decreasing their depth and volume. It also improves the appearance of age spots, and helps to firm sagging skin.

GreatSkin® Scalpel-less Anti-aging Package Kit

In their search for the fountain of youth, many turn to plastic surgery to reverse the effects time has had on their appearance. And, while cosmetic surgery is certainly a viable option, not everyone is ready to take that step just yet.

The GreatSkin Scalpel-less Anti-aging Package Kit is a complete, anti-aging beauty system. This line of products is designed to not only prevent skin aging, but make your skin look even younger.

Just one of the products included in this complete system is the GreatSkin All in One Scalpel-less Face Lift Cream. Free radicals (which are caused by things like sun exposure, cigarette smoking, pollution, poor diet and stress) are the real enemy to your skin. Free radicals break down your skin's collagen and elastin, which causes fine lines, wrinkles and sagging.

GreatSkin All in One Scalpel-less Face Lift Cream contains powerful antioxidants, like vitamin C and vitamin E, to fight and prevent this damage.

We now know that preventing skin aging isn't impossible. There are skincare products that can not only put the hands of time on pause, but can even turn them back a little. And using these age defying products will help keep your skin looking healthy, young and beautiful.

What should you do to take care of your advanced skincare needs?

You have a skincare routine that you follow every day. You cleanse with the right cleanser. Tone with the best toner you could find. And use a moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated, as well as protecting it from the elements.

While following the basics of skincare is certainly important, you also have advanced skincare needs that require special treatments.

There are advanced treatments that you can use to make your skin healthier, and more youthful looking. And you can do some of these treatments at home.

At Home Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is an advanced exfoliation treatment used to remove dead skin cells, which gives you a brighter, healthier look. It also stimulates your skin's production of collagen, and makes the skin stronger.

Microdermabrasion has many benefits. It helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, evens out uneven skin tones, helps to shrink enlarged pores, and can visibly reduce the appearance of scars. And, finally, this treatment prepares your skin so that other products (like toners and moisturizers) will actually work better.

Professional microdermabrasion is performed in a dermatologist's office on an outpatient basis. But you can enjoy the benefits of this special treatment at home.

Used once a week, Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion in a Jar uses diamond shaped magnesium oxide crystals to polish away dead skin cells, without scratching or irritating your skin. Along with smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, it improves the overall texture of your skin.

At Home Skin Peels

As your skin goes through its natural cycle, old skin cells die, while new, younger, healthier cells take their place. The problem is that the older, dead skin cells don't always flake away naturally the way they are supposed to. Instead, they remain on the surface of your face, hiding the new, younger looking skin underneath.

A skin peel removes the top layer of skin so that the new, fresher skin can be revealed. The result is a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, acne scarring, skin blemishes, and uneven pigmentation.

While you can have skin peels done by professionals, you can also enjoy some of the benefits at home.

The Alpha Beta® Daily Face Peel is a convenient at-home skin peel that improves the skins tone and texture. It also contains green tea extract, antioxidant vitamins, and moisturizers that will soothe, balance, and protect your skin.

While a regular, daily beauty routine is a must, you have advanced skincare needs that require special treatments. While you once could only get these treatments in a doctor's office, you can now enjoy the benefits of microdermabrasion and skin peels in the comfort of your own home.

your skin. Choose the wrong products, and they either won't have the kinds of benefits you want or, even worse, they can actually end up doing more harm than good.

The skin care products will depend on your skin type. Everyone is different and has different needs, and a product that works great for your best friend might not be the best choice for you.

So, before shopping for skincare products, you need to figure out what type of skin your have.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, your skin probably tends to get shiny and oily looking, especially when the weather. Your pores will be enlarged, and you will be prone to getting blackheads and other blemishes all over your face.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can look dull and lifeless. Having patches that are flaky, or that look red and irritated might be a problem for you. After cleansing (especially if you use something too harsh) your face might feel very tight. Dry skin is also more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Combination/Normal Skin

Normal skin usually has medium pores, and a smooth and even texture. Your circulation is probably pretty good and your skin usually looks and feels healthy. However, you can suffer from dryness in your cheek areas, and oiliness in your t-zone (which includes your forehead, nose and chin). So, on your cheeks, you might suffer tightness and flakiness, while you might break out in blackheads and other blemishes on your forehead or nose.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is very fine and delicate. The pores are small, which is a good thing. But those with this skin type are more prone to broken capillaries, rashes, and allergic reactions to certain skincare products. If you flush very easily, or often look like you are blushing for no reason, you might have sensitive skin.

Aging or Sun-Damaged Skin

If your skin has suffered the ravages of aging, sun exposure, or other damaging elements, you have this skin type, and require special treatments.

If so, your skin probably feels tight, and has visible wrinkles. Your skin might be slack around your jaw line and cheeks. You might have lot of broken capillaries in different areas of your face, and your skin might have a rough or leathery texture.

Choosing the right skincare products is essential if you want to ensure your skin will get the full benefits of the products you use. And determining your skin type is the first step in being able to choose the right products.