When it comes to ingredients in skincare products, it seems like we’ve seen it all. From goat’s milk to bee venom and snail slime—anything that does something for the skin has been incorporated in face masks, creams, and serums. But, have you ever heard about gemstone-infused skincare products?
In the past, gemstones were associated more with new age spiritual enlightenment and used as jewelry pieces. Now, though, these sparkly rocks have made their way into skincare products. Kedma Cosmetics knows this firsthand as we have a line of gemstone-infused products, as well.
How do ingredients like ruby, gold, and diamond actually help make the skin better, you ask? Let’s look at history.
Gems in History
The ancient Chinese, Sumerian, and Egyptian cultures made use of gemstones in different ways. Most of these ancient civilizations used gems for ornamental purposes, making them into pieces of jewelry or incorporating them into home décor.
More than trinkets, though, some believed that precious stones such as amber, diamond, and quartz possessed medicinal properties. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, supposedly wrote about the uses of amber in neck, head, and throat problems. The Chinese also have a long history with using amber as medicine. They also believed jade stones prevented the body for decaying after death.
Apart from these beliefs, ancient civilizations also used gemstones and crystals as cosmetics. Egyptians once used galena or lead ore, ground to powder, as eyeliner known as kohl. Another grounded up gem used for cosmetics was lapis lazuli, the bright blue color of which enticed the Egyptians to use it as eyeshadow.
According to gemstones supplier Gemporia, the ancient Egyptians also used more common stones as jewelry and for medicinal remedies. Some of these gems include amethyst, garnet, obsidian, and quartz.
Skin and Sparkle
Of course, skincare is different from actual medicine, although both aim to improve your wellbeing. Today, gemstones are incorporated into skincare products either in crushed, powder form, mixed in with the product, or soaked in the skincare product’s formula. Either way, this is how gemstones’ essences travel from the earth into your skin.
In the beauty community, certain gemstones are known for specific qualities that correspond to each facet of skincare, like the following:
Rose quartz seems to be one of the most popular gems used in skincare. This pretty pink crystal is supposedly good for smoothing rough skin and reducing fine lines. This is perhaps because of rose quartz’ soothing vibration, making it a tool that relieves tension.
Tourmaline is actually pretty popular within the beauty and wellness community. Tourmaline crystals are positively charged on one end and negatively charged on the other, making them heat up as they rub onto the skin. Because of this property, tourmaline crystals are often used in exfoliants and moisturizers.
Pearls, when crushed, make for a natural highlighter. When applied, these gems give your skin a healthy, pearlescent glow. Pearls are also the symbol of timeless beauty because of their antiaging and anti-acne properties like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients promote skin regeneration, clearing blemishes and making way for acne-free skin.
Rubies, held in high regard in Asian countries for their beauty and strength, can help detoxify and purify the skin. Even when crushed, the strength of rubies can improve blood circulation, heating up the skin and giving it a natural, healthy glow.
Emeralds contain a high energy, which makes it an ideal antiaging ingredient. Emeralds boost collagen production and stimulate the formation of new cells. This leads to the repair of damaged skin, giving you a more even skin tone.
Sapphires, meanwhile, soothe and deeply hydrate the skin. Mixed in creams, serums, or facial masks, the active substances from sapphires can make your skin clearer, smoother, and more youthful. Minerals in sapphires such as iron help the skin retain its natural luster, shine, and moisture. The magnesium content also helps lower your cortisol production, reducing your chances of developing acne.
Diamonds really are a girl’s best friend. Not only do diamonds look good around a woman’s neck, wrists, ears, and fingers, they also make the skin look better. Diamond’s hardness is legendary, making its powdered form a great exfoliator. Its great absorption levels make diamond gems a perfect addition to any other active ingredients for antiaging or moisturizing.
You may have also noticed that diamonds create sparkle when light reflects off of their many surfaces. The same thing goes for when diamond powder is applied to the skin through skincare products. When diamond particles on the skin reflect light, your skin will look more luminous and radiant.
Finally, gold. Technically, gold isn’t a gemstone nor is it a mineral. Instead, gold is a precious metal often used for enhancing people’s beauty through luxurious jewelry. Now, gold is also widely used for skincare.
Legend goes that the famous Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, used gold to keep her skin look young and radiant (she’s actually our brand’s inspiration). This might just be true as gold increases the elasticity of your skin by activating the basal cells, reducing wrinkles and fine lines. The ions present in gold also help stimulate nerves and cells, leading to improved blood circulation. These are only some of the reasons people nowadays are obsessed with gold-infused face masks.
Incorporating Gemstone-Infused Products into Your Skincare Routine
If you’re now convinced of the beauty and luxury that gemstone-infused skincare products can bring to your skin, it’s time to plan how to use them.
Face Masks
We recommend using face masks once or twice every week, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you don’t, try putting one on every other day. Regularly putting on gem-infused face masks ensures that you’re getting the nourishment the minerals give.
Night & Day Cream
Night and day creams provide the best results when used every day. The act of massaging the cream onto your skin every morning and every night helps in the absorption of the minerals. Additionally, massaging your face stimulates blood circulation, giving you a healthy, flushed glow.
Eye Gels
Eye gels aim to remove fine lines and dark circles under your eyes all while giving that part of your skin the moisture it requires. We advise the daily application of eye gel so that the gemstone minerals can keep your under-eye area smooth and firm.
Gemstones in skincare products are gaining more and more recognition, not only for their effectiveness but the feeling of luxury they bring. What’s even better is that you can get all of them at Kedma Cosmetics. Browse through our Gem Collection now to get that healthful glow on your skin