My Precious

It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.” ~Mahatma Gandhi

But what if pieces of gold and silver (and pearls and diamonds) actually improved your health? I’d say that’s some solid unification.

The use of precious metals and stones goes back over 5,000 years to the glory days of Cleopatra, who, it is said, slept in a mask of gold to preserve her radiance. For over 6 centuries, Japanese women have sworn by the youth-sustaining kinpaku gold leaf facial (currently a £450 treatment at Harrod’s) and the Chinese Imperial Palace applied crushed pearls to brighten and soften its royal skin.

Present-day scientists have uncovered the secrets of these swanky stones and offer practical advancements for their regular use in skin care.

Gold has long been respected for its skin-firming capabilities, but science also proves gold to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant powers, qualities that lead to increased UV protection, stimulated collagen production, and decreased toxin production.

Nano Gold Energizing Cream by Chantecaille ($420) sets the bar (ha) at the highest level, utilizing a nanotechnology delivery system to deposit pure gold at the deepest cellular level. Synergistically combined with other skin-savers like lactic acid and hydrolyzed wheat protein, this emulsion sounds like it should win the gold.

Silver, with a solid reputation for killing bacteria (over 650 known microorganisms) and purifying and detoxifying the skin and scalp, is the most incorporated metal in skin care products today – from hair irons to face creams.

According to Jennifer McKinley, president of Cor, “When bacteria is exposed to silver, it can’t survive for more than six minutes. Those with acne, psoriasis, and eczema can benefit from using skin care products that contain silver.” Like gold, silver also stimulates cellular turnover and repair, leading to an increase in collagen production. As a first line of defense, Cor has developed Silver Soap ($125), a cleansing bar that purifies, tones, and deep cleanses below the surface.

Pearl powder contains conchiolin, an amino acid-rich compound that mimics collagen to increase cellular turnover and heal the skin. Minimizing pore size, brightening the skin’s appearance, and healing from within, are all attributes of pearl powder.

“Pearl powder helps to revitalize and brighten even the most delicate complexions, promoting luminous, healthy looking skin,” says Paul Tchinnis of La Mer, longtime respected skin care brand. Carita’s Pearl of Youth for Eyes ($103) serum boasts relief from under-eye circles, signs of fatigue, and pesky wrinkles.

For the most glam of all…the Diamond – think of it as your best friend.

From whitening your teeth to tightening your, um, assets, diamonds are “powerful cleansers renowned for their ability to transform energy and draw hidden imbalances to the surface,” says Natura Bisse’s Begonia Sanjuan.

Natural exfoliators, diamonds were first introduced into the mainstream beauty community through microdermabrasion, and have continued on their diamond-in-the-rough way to be incorporated in polishes and scrubs of the highest caliber.

Natura Bisse’s Diamond Magnetic ($270) uses pure diamond dust combined with iron that is then magnetically lifted from the skin with a special tool, leaving behind a diamond-esque glow that “nearly mimics the effect of light bouncing off a diamond.”

Glamorous gems, medicinal metals – I’d say the beauty industry has tapped into some pretty posh resources to upkeep the upmarket salves, and I’m a fan of the good life!