Gems and Crystals in Skincare

The beauty industry is buzzing with the use of crystals in skincare products claiming their benefits are unmatched. From blemish potions to bath salts, these products are enhanced with various crystals to improve their effectiveness.

A study conducted by University of London psychologist Dr. Chris French in 2001 found that the reported benefits of crystals were due to the power of suggestion rather than any inherent powers.

When it comes to the healing powers of crystals, it appears that their effectiveness lies in the eye of the beholder. The belief that crystals possess magical healing powers may not be based on scientific fact. But, it is certainly a captivating and alluring concept. Let’s take a look at how gems are used for skincare.

Solid gemstones in skincare

Adding solid gemstones to skincare products is a trendy approach to creating visually appealing beauty items. It is not uncommon to see crystals being used as a marketing tool because of their novelty factor.

Despite their popularity, there is limited scientific evidence to determine if crystals are beneficial to the skin beyond their aesthetic appeal when submerged in products within the bottle. Submerging solid crystals in skincare may not allow for effective extraction of minerals and compounds found in them.

There are no current research directly proving benefits of having solid crystals in skincare products leading to benefits for skin. However, there are reasons to believe that there are better ways to incorporate gemstones and their inherent minerals in skincare which may offer a range of rejuvenating benefits to skin.

We will explore the differences below that explores compounds and minerals of gemstones extracted critically into liquid and professionally formulated into skincare.

Powdered gemstones in skincare

Many Beauty brands believe that powdered gems make excellent exfoliating scrubs. One popular gemstone added to exfoliation scrubs is diamond dust. They are purported to have excellent absorption levels and light-reflecting properties.

The finely crushed up stones are said to have exfoliating properties that may slough off dead skin cells and promote a brighter complexion. However, it is important to note that the effects of the luminosity are not long-lasting. The crushed up stones are not absorbed in the skin too and not able working on a cellular level to improve your skin tone.

If we are talking about providing such sheen on your face, a more economical alternative – such as ethically mined mica powder – has the same effects as diamond powder. On top of which, any other rough items such as jojoba beads and sea salt can fulfil the role of exfoliating your skin.

Is there a real need to use powdered gems for these purposes?

Using gemstones as tools

Anywhere you look on social media, you may see a bunch of hype surrounding a 21-day Gua Sha challenge or influencers showing you their Gua Sha routine with a cover of affirmations over videos.

The two most popular Gua Sha stones are rose quartz and jade (the former representing its commercially successful update in the West; the latter being the more traditional material used in TCM).

The Chinese medicine massage technique of Gua Sha is rapidly becoming a beloved technique among holistic facialists. There is evidence of it improving circulation in the face. Gua Sha can stimulate collagen synthesis and make you look a few years younger.

When the Gua Sha tool is not used properly, the stone may not give you the desired result. Improper technique of Gua Sha can cause collagen to be destroyed. It may lead to wear and tear of your facial muscles. Be cautious to learn the correct techniques from certified and verified professionals.

Gemstone extracts in skincare

Gemstone extracts bring a different dimension to skincare that goes beyond the typical use of solid crystals in beauty products. It does not offer the exfoliating or light-reflecting properties of crushed gemstones as the gemstone extract is not incorporated into products in its solid form.

Mineral Matters™ liquid stone extracts apply special technology to extract important minerals from precious stones and make them bioavailable to the skin. The result is a unique line of substantiated stone actives in liquid form that can be professionally formulated into skincare with great benefits.

A good example of a gem with chemical compounds beneficial to skin is the Malachite gem stone. Malachite Extract is known to have extremely high level of copper content that are potent antioxidants. These antioxidants helps in slowing down the signs of aging and preventing oxidative effects of potential toxins around us to take effect on skin.

The rich copper content of Malachite Extract has been studied to be particularly effective at providing collagen synthesis and elastin produced by fibroblasts which helps to give a youthful glow to the skin.

In Conclusion

With the hype over adding crystals into our skincare routine, we must be aware that their appeal goes beyond just aesthetics.

To truly absorb the benefits of these gems into our skin's deeper layers, special care and application is required. When utilised correctly, you can fully reap the benefits of these crystal extracts. The minerals and compounds in gemstones can only be bioavailable to our skin with professionally and critically extracted liquid extracts.

Check out our F A W N + elixir with Malachite Extract as one of its main ingredients.

Doing Gua Sha with the correct technique is vital to achieve the desired results we want to avoid damaging our skin in the process. With many beauty trends dominating the Internet, we must be mindful to learn to use these assistive tools with the right techniques from qualified professionals.

Relax from home using your own Bian Stone Gua Sha tool.

Don’t know how to use the Gua Sha tool with the correct technique? Join our Gua Sha & Double Cleanse Workshop to learn from our certified Gua Sha Therapists and certified Formulator.

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Gemstones in skincare - Gimmick or Real?