Gold is one out of 118 discovered elements on the periodic table. It’s mostly known for its historic shine and color to be used in jewelry, but did you know that gold in skincare has immense anti-aging benefits?
Today we’ll cover everything you need to know about the shiny metal as well as its benefits and where you can find it in your skincare products, so keep reading to learn more!
What is Gold?
Gold, also known by its abbreviated name on the periodic table of elements, Au, is a malleable metal that can be melted into molten metal that is poured into molds for bracelets, necklaces, rings, and other types of jewelry.
Gold is a highly recognized and sought-after precious metal due to its shine and ability to keep value. Apart from jewelry, gold is also used as a store of monetary value and is used in coins in many countries. It was also previously used to back the value of paper money in the United States, but this policy was removed in 1971.
The History of Gold
The first recorded use of gold was in Ancient Egypt around 2000 B.C. for use in jewelry, coins, buildings, artwork, and more.
Since then, China, Australia, and the United States have been the biggest producers of gold, while Australia, South Africa, and Russia hold the most gold in reserve.
What are the Different Carat Ratings of Gold?
You may often see gold advertised as a number with a “K” after it; this is the carat rating. How many carats a type of metal has describes how pure and refined it is.
Gold comes in five different carat ratings: 10K, 14K, 18K, 22K, and 24K.10K has the lowest purity level at 41.7%, while 24K is 100% pure. Impure gold is typically mixed with various cheap alloys, such as copper or zinc.
It’s important to use the highest carat possible when it comes to both dietary and skin supplementation. The impurities that plague lower-grade gold can be detrimental to one’s health and skin.
What are the Benefits of Gold in Skincare?
Though gold’s popularity in skincare has rocketed in the past few years, Romans, Egyptians, and Japanese people have been using it for centuries. Gold facials and gold masks are all the rage in the skincare world these days!
The Au element helps to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming as well as reducing signs of aging by plumping up the skin. It increases skin elasticity by boosting elastin production to get rid of sagging, limp skin.
It is suitable for all skin types and has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe acne-prone and sensitive skin types. By reducing inflammation, gold skincare products can soften the appearance of free radicals and sun damage by brightening the skin for a more even complexion.
Expectedly, the tiny gold particles in leave-on treatments, such as moisturizers, give the skin an amazing glow.
The purer the gold, the better the benefits. You should always aim to use products made with 24K gold.
Different Types of Gold Used in Skincare
Colloidal Gold
Colloidal gold is essentially nano gold (tiny gold particles) suspended in some sort of solvent liquid, which is usually water. The water must be completely purified in order to get rid of minerals, bacteria, and other contaminants.
Colloidal gold is used both in certain skincare products and as a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements must be extremely pure, while there is no grading requirement for skin care.
Gold Powder
Gold powder is usually what you’ll find in skin products advertised to contain gold. The metal is ground into an ultra-fine powder that is mixed into moisturizers, cleansers, masks, toners, and more.
Just like bars, gold powder uses the carat grading system. 24K is the best and offers the most benefits.
Where Can I Find Gold Skincare Products?
NuOrganic 24K Gold Instant Lift Cream
The NuOrganic 24K Gold Instant Lift Cream is a critically acclaimed “temporary facelift in a jar,” as seen in New York Weekly, US Weekly, LA Weekly, and SHAPE Magazine.
With 100% pure 24K gold, this rich cream has a blend of Vitamin C, aloe vera, plant-based stem cells, and more to help you achieve a lifted and brightened complexion.
To use this product, do a patch test on the inside of your arm to make sure that you do not have any sensitivities. Apply it in the morning after cleansing your face and neck. You’ll notice instant results for about eight hours. Apply it at night as a moisturizing night cream before bed.
Other Important Ingredients
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most crucial anti-aging ingredients you can find in skincare. It’s a natural antioxidant against pesky free radicals and UV rays.
It also increases collagen production; collagen is the most plentiful protein in the body and makes up the bulk of your skin. As we age, collagen production decreases, leaving the skin more susceptible to scarring and thinning.
However, most people use Vitamin C for its brightening properties. It gently exfoliates the upper layer of the skin to reveal new, youthful, and even skin. It’s great for reducing the appearance of dark spots and sunspots.
To learn more about the benefits of Vitamin C in-depth, check out our article on this prevalent anti-aging ingredient.
Aloe Vera
The exact origin of the aloe vera plant is unknown, but it’s suggested that it started growing somewhere in the Saudi Arabian Peninsula. It’s a very hearty plant that is partially resistant to drought and other unfortunate weather situations.
Once the spiky leaves are cut lengthwise, a wet gel is found on the inside. This gel contains a wide variety of vitamins and antioxidants, plus it’s an antibacterial and anti-fungal that fights against infections and breakouts.
Plant-Based Stem Cells
Stem cell technology has revolutionized both medicine and skincare. Their positive benefits have proven immensely beneficial for those with damaged skin.
These anti-inflammatory antioxidants reduce skin thinning associated with aging as well as the redness that comes with persistent rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
At NuOrganic, we believe that natural skin care should be evidence-backed. To read more about our one-of-a-kind technology, check out our article on plant-based stem cells in skincare.