Nathalie Van Eeckhoudt
Legend has it that Cleopatra slept every night wearing a gold mask to preserve her beauty and youth. Gold is not only used for jewelry; it is also a treasure for beauty treatments.
History, legends and beliefs about gold
Gold among the geishas
It was in Japan, more precisely in Kanazawa, that the use of gold in cosmetics was discovered. Gold creams and serums are highly prized by Japanese women today. However, the history of gold in Japanese beauty rituals began many centuries earlier, with geishas. They use aburatorigami —pieces of gold leaf mixed with abaca leaves (a plant of Philippine origin)—to keep their complexion as fresh as a rose petal. They use it as a blotting paper, absorbing excess oil without stripping the skin of moisture.
Gold is the second metal discovered by man after copper. It has been in use since the Chalcolithic period. The oldest known gold object dates back to the end of the 5th millennium BC and comes from the Varna necropolis in Bulgaria.
Initially, gold was primarily used as adornment, especially since it was associated with the sun. This was particularly true among the Egyptians , who used gold as amulets and whose pharaohs hoarded treasures in their tombs. The most famous example is the treasure in Tutankhamun's tomb, which was estimated to be worth over a ton of pure gold. His famous mask alone weighs 11 kg.
The Egyptians considered gold to be the flesh of the gods, especially the god Ra, and a symbol of eternity. Egypt also contains the oldest records of gold being used in medicine, dating back over 5,000 years. They believed that ingesting gold was beneficial for spiritual purification, both for the mind and body. It was therefore common to drink a gold elixir, which was believed to beautify and rejuvenate the body. Gold was already used for dental care.
The virtues of gold in cosmetics
According to dermatologist Dr. Nina Roos, its microscopic molecules are enough to penetrate the cells of the epidermis. Gold then helps fight against oxidative stress caused daily by pollution, cigarettes, and stress. It also limits spots and wrinkles. And it's an excellent booster for the immune system because gold stimulates cell metabolism and has an antibacterial action. " A composition of choice therefore to tone and revitalize the dullest skin. The dermatologist specifies that the quantity of gold present in the treatment will have an impact on its benefits. Thus, "the more concentrated the treatment is in gold, the greater the benefits will be." Its virtues are real, so much so that "solid and medical science is interested in gold. There are many convincing publications in cancerology, even if it remains at the stage of therapeutic trials," concludes Dr. Nina Roos.
As a beauty mask, gold-based products beautify the skin thanks to its purifying, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. Indeed, gold stimulates collagen while effectively reducing facial wrinkles thanks to anti-free radicals. Gold participates in the transport of oxygen molecules in the skin, thus promoting cell renewal. It restores the skin's radiance and gives it a beautiful tanned effect. Due to its sublimating effects, in particular due to the fact that it helps to reduce but also correct unsightly problems such as fine lines, spots, unpleasant scars, dilated ostia, and atony. Gold is also used in powder form when used in gels, serums, makeup, and beauty creams. In this category, we can mention eye contour gels, to reduce puffiness and dark circles.
The benefits of gold on the body
Gold is a non-essential trace element that has long been used in the treatment of inflammatory rheumatism such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is involved in the synthesis of cortisol, which explains its role in inflammation and asthenia.
Gold has the ability to stimulate the adrenal glands: anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. These justify the use of gold for therapeutic purposes in pathologies marked by the existence of an inflammatory process, as is found in many conditions affecting the bone and joint systems. Gold also allows the body to stimulate its natural defense systems, which are heavily used in conditions with inflammation but also in processes of infectious origin. In view of the properties described above, gold is also very useful in chronic infectious pathologies, helping the body in its fight against aggressive external agents. These conditions often cause situations of prolonged fatigue because the body is long and heavily called upon to defend itself. Here again, gold is indicated to combat post-infectious fatigue but also physical fatigue in general, whatever its origin.
Used in massage, holistic gold-based compositions in Ayurvedic medicine possess significant medicinal properties that act as powerful remedies to combat nervous disorders, memory loss, premature aging, and depression. In India, herbal blends with gold are also recognized for their strong rejuvenating powers. In Chinese medicine, this precious metal is used for its healing properties. Used as a body wrap, it is ideal for purifying the skin, and its anti-inflammatory properties help fight against external aggressions.
Used even in cosmetic surgery, gold aids wound healing and is recommended for treating ulcers, as well as inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases. Recognized as a powerful antioxidant and an outstanding cell regenerator, gold is introduced into skincare products in the form of colloidal water, acting at the dermal layer and slowing the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers.
Lately, in the world of aesthetics and natural cosmetics, cosmetic gold has conquered the celebrity world. Beauty treatments with gold leaf can give the skin a noticeable luminosity from the first application. Many stars and models have requested this treatment before a red carpet, a fashion show, or an important event, and they have been extremely satisfied. The 24K gold leaf mask is applied to the skin for ten minutes. After the treatment, the skin becomes visibly more even and the color more vivid. The luminous effect lasts for 4 to 5 days following the treatment.
Properties of gold on the skin:
♥ Helps stimulate cell growth in the basal layer to regenerate healthy, firm skin cells and provide a tightening effect.
♥ Helps repair damage caused by oxidation.
♥ Improves skin elasticity
♥ Helps with lymphatic drainage
♥ Helps facilitate the elimination of toxins and waste
♥ Helps revitalize and rejuvenate
♥ Helps reduce the levels of acne-causing bacteria on the skin and prevent new blemishes from forming
♥ Helps improve blood circulation and brings a natural glow to the face
♥ Is known to accelerate cell renewal
♥ Helps slow down collagen depletion and elastin breakdown to prevent sagging skin.
♥ Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
♥ Helps fight harmful free radicals to prevent premature skin aging.
This luxury anti-aging facial is for those who simply want the best and is one of the most meticulous organic facials we offer.
The treatment includes:
- A surface cleaning with cleansing oil and floral water,
- A manual and respectful micro-dermabrasion with Exfopur,
- Hydration with Aloe juice with the radiance boost gel,
- 24K Gold Leaf Application
- A refreshing flavored spray,
- Nutrition with plant oils rich in retinoid and vitamin B complex, rare essential oils, and of course, a 24K certified edible mask with the appropriate serum.
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