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Precious Metal Beauty

18 January, 2015 - 11:26pm by - First Lady | 19 Comments

Article by BR Tabatha

The latest must-have ingredients in skin care aren't new.  They aren't modern discoveries or the result of scientific experiements - in fact they've been around for centuries and centuries.

Precious metals have been used for beauty purposes since the Egyptian times.  Our favourite ancient fashionista Cleapatra is said to have slept in a golden mask to preserve her beauty.  High-end skin care brands have been using various precious metals for a number of years now and salons are even featuring gold leaf in facials.  But what's the deal with precious metals in beauty?  Is it hype designed to cater to the wealthy, or do they actually work?

Gold Leaf Facials.

A Gold Leaf Facial costs around $500 for an 80 minute treatment.  Premium grade gold leaf is laid onto the face and massaged in.  The idea behind this treatment is that when the skin tries to reject the gold it is forced to create new cells.   Our bodies generally build new cells every month, but this treatment accelerates the process, tightening and firming the skin.

You'll also find gold in quite of few products on counters in your local department store.  Guerlain's makeup base contains 24ct gold and is said to retain moisture and tighten the skin, creating the perfect base for makeup.

La Prairie's Cellular Radiance Concentrate Pure Gold is a serum that contains 24ct and promises to firm and tighten skin,effectively turning back the time.  And it's a bargain at $800.

Silver.

The Cor skin care range features an eye cream and moisturiser that contain nano-silver (Colloidal Silver) to brighten and rejuvenate skin.  It's said to increase oxygen flow to the skin as well as healing damaged skin and fending off bacteria.   

Colloidal Silver can also be taken in the form of a supplement and is touted as a bit of a cure-all.

Platinum.

La Prairie don't just dabble in gold - they utilise one of the rarest materials on the earth, platinum, in their ultimate prestige rangePlatinum recharges the electrical balance in the skin which enables it to better absorb beneficial nutrients and other key active ingredients in the products.  At over $1000 a product this isn't for the every-gal, but they do offer a 30 day money-back guarantee. 

And a word about ... diamonds.

Ok, not a metal per se but none the less a pretty pricey 'ingredient.  Now whereas there is evidence for the power of metals in skincare, diamond powder doesn't have any long lasting effects. 

It offers an immediate benefit of refracting and reflecting light, which adds luminosity to the skin and makes it look younger and radiant - but to be honest you could get the same effect from mica.

 

So precious metals in skincare - is it a luxury marketing ploy, or do you believe metals can offer more than shiny accessories?  What are you experiences of precious metals as part of your beauty routine? 

Get chatting below!

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Comments

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25th January, 2015

Mmmm I'm going to say that I think this is ridiculous, surely there are other products out there that can achieve the same effect without 'wasting' beautiful elements such as these. In my opinion they are making money trying to target the rich and gullible with a luxurious promise

24th January, 2015

I have some silver colloidal cream I use for eczema and itchy spots etc. it's really good, leaves your skin moisturised too. I got it from the health shop.

24th January, 2015

I love my precious metals either around my neck, on my fingers and displayed beautify on my skin, I don't think I would waste my money on them dissolving into my skin though. And the costs are the same as a life time heirloom that can be passed down from generation to generation, with a beautiful story behind them.

23rd January, 2015

Rather have the gold on my finger or dangling from my ears tbh! :)

23rd January, 2015

An uneducated opinion here but I feel it's just hype to make more money. Wealthy women will (gernerally) buy anything that promises firmer skin

22nd January, 2015

Seriously??? I don't think this is legit. Some people just love the luxury of it. I really want to try but I'd never be able to afford that, ever. Feel like it's just a placebo that extremely rich people go for.

22nd January, 2015

I haven't tried this but it looks good.

21st January, 2015

Id try it lol if I was given a chance but couldnt afford it

20th January, 2015

I find all of this very interest all be it pricy. I would believe most of these claims just because of how our skin does react to natural things. And although I would be all for trying a gold leaf facial (how pimping would I feel) I simply cant afford it!

20th January, 2015

I was fortunate enough to be given a gold mask (made in the USA) and they can be purchased on E-Bay for about $15 Aus. each. Easy to apply as the back peels off and it is an incredibly soothing and cold feeling. The mask is fairly moist and retains it's moisture leaving the skin feeling gloriously soft and smooth. Other than that - no effect at all - have now tried a few of them and they are not different to any other hydrating mask with the exception of the 'cool' feeling on the face. I have no idea of long term effects and am a little dubious about all the claims they make. I believe they are available on Trade Me now too.

20th January, 2015

Whatever next? This is the ultimate in self-indulgence.

19th January, 2015

If I was rich, yeah I'd try the gold face mask but for now im happy with my "regular" face masks ;-) I was however given a 24k body wash and have been using it for well over four months now and I must say that it does feel amazing to rub into my skin and it leaves my skin feeling fantastic....hmm could it be the 24k? Or me just thinking that im Cleopatra by bathing in it? Hehehe

19th January, 2015

Probably just a luxury marketing ploy, but I LOVE gold, so if I could afford it I'd have gold plating everywhere - even on my face :)

19th January, 2015

I just don't understand! I know we are all searching for the next great product that will do wonder things but why so much money!!!! Hate the effect that marketing has on us all.

19th January, 2015

No experience with this type of skincare but would love to give it a whirl! A little too expensive for me though but for a free try I would give it a go!

Lynn
20th January, 2015

They are selling on trade me and are fairly cheap - about R8.00 a mask

Lynn
20th January, 2015

$8.00 sorry

MareeB
21st January, 2015

Hahaha thanks Lynn. I was hoping for real gold...still, I can fake it til I make it :)

MareeB
21st January, 2015

Either way sounds awesome :)

Kimrose
24th March, 2015

You are one of the lucky ones Lynn, its a shame you didnt have a million dollar glow afterwards.

Lynn
25th March, 2015

I have now tried them a few times and confess to being addicted to masks, partially because it allows me to genuinely feel pampered and because it is "me" time. They definitely make you feel better even is it is I suspect psychological.

g1ggles2
20th January, 2015

*very interesting* I really must give up typing on my ph

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