Rose quartz, amethysts, citrines and tourmalines are popping up in skin care products
They’ve long been a part of alternative healing therapies but now crystals are quickly making their way into skincare. Whether its facials incorporating the soothing properties of crystal pieces or the stones themselves as ingredients in serums and creams — more brands are turning to crystals. Själ Skincare uses gemstone powders with amethysts and sapphires, Dr Hauschka incorporates black tourmaline in its products for its calming properties, while Elemis features quartz in their serum. But do these actually help?
Crystals have healing properties
Dr Mohan Thomas, Senior Cosmetic Surgeon, Cosmetic Surgery Institute, explains crystals have been used from time immemorial for their healing abilities. Gems are thought to create a protective field around the body and promote change to both mental and physical conditions. “Diamonds are the hardest gemstones and are used in skincare to exfoliate and strengthen the skin. Diamond powder is used to reduce wrinkles and restore luster to achieve youthful-looking skin. Amber is used to preserve the natural beauty, address concerns around the eye such as dark circles and removes impurities. Black Onyx nourishes the skin and reduces signs of ageing. The blue sapphire, ruby, tourmaline and citrine boosts cellular energy, microcirculation and clarity and soapstone can be used if you suffer from red, itchy patches on the skin,” says he.
Works on dry skin
For skin care, crystals are believed to release positive energies thereby pushing out the negative energies and toxins out of your body, says Aakriti Kochar, Beauty and Make-up Expert, Oriflame India. “Rose quartz is one of the most popular crystals infused in skin care, extremely good for treating dry skin. It replenishes dryness and dullness with nourishment to make your skin look supple and radiant. It also helps heal redness and sensitivity caused due to excessive dryness. Ruby crystals on the other hand are believed to even out skin tone and texture. These are found in exfoliators to help remove dead skin cells and makes your skin fresh looking. I see crystal-infused skin care products to be trending at the moment. Its background and use in the past makes it a popular choice. The Oriflame Diamond Cellular range was inspired from the same science. Diamond crystal being responsible for brightening and softening of skin texture.”
Has many benefits
Crystals naturally vibrate at a higher frequency, promoting increased cellular energy, microcirculation and clarity. This elevated frequency helps direct energy to specific areas of need, constantly adapting to your skin under any condition, allowing for maximum performance and benefits, says Dr Manjiri Puranik, Cosmetic Physician, Insta-sculpt. “When our skin cells are stimulated this helps to increase skin cell turnover to speed up repair processes and help reveal, smooth and radiant skin. The low level of heat emitted by crystals may help provide a sense of calm for the body, possibly providing favourable effects for supporting a healthy sleep cycle. Crystals aid in blood circulation, particularly microcirculation among the capillaries in the skin. It increases the motility of lymph fluid and may support normal fluid balance in tissues. They help promote inner balance, energy flow and clarity and a significant increase in overall life satisfaction.”
Good for microdermabrasion
Dr Geeta Fazalbhoy, Dermatologist and Founder of Skin & You Clinic says crystals are useful for microdermabrasion. “This is a process that exfoliates the skin using a gentle vacuum that brings skin into contact with the crystals. It can be used for various skin conditions like acne scars or to improve dull or rough skin. Crystals vibrate at a high rate so their impact on boosting micro-circulation in the skin is tenfold. They help to boost the cellular energy and promote cell turnover for a smoother complexion,” she adds.