Ace-Skincare

NH’s Talking About: Crystal-infused Skincare

We examine how the healing power of crystals and gemstones is being used to tackle common skin issues

Crystals and gemstones have long been appreciated for their beauty and spiritual abilities, with holistic usage dating back centuries ago – even to ancient Egyptian times! In the past five years though, the precious stones have seen a massive upsurge in popularity. To put it in perspective, the industry is now reported to be worth well into the billions, with stores selling high-end crystals popping up at a rapid rate. Even big-name celebrities fully endorse them – Adele holds a collection while she’s performing live for courage, Katy Perry sleeps with one next to her pillow for emotional healing, and Victoria Beckham stores them backstage at her fashion shows to ward off negative energies. What was once regarded as a strange alternative therapy has now become practically commonplace!

With all this massive hype, it’s perhaps unsurprising that the next step would be adding whole or crushed crystals and gemstones to skincare products. Numerous beauty brands such as The Body Shop, Aveda, KORA Organics, Själ Skincare, Sisley Paris, Feelunique and Glossier have all begun releasing crystal affected items to heal, purify and protect your skin, with precious stones such as quartz, emeralds and – shockingly – diamonds all playing their part in the ingredient lists. In some cases, the products use oil or water that’s been ‘charged’ with the energy of a specific crystal, while in others, the stones are finely ground up and actually mixed into the solution, to help exfoliate and illuminate the skin.

But how would plopping an inanimate amethyst in a skincare solution help calm skin flareups? Holistic therapists believe crystals have unique vibrational frequencies that can synchronise with the body in several ways and improve microcirculation, which is why they are thought to have energising and healing properties – so by including these precious stones in beauty formulas, they’re believed to infuse the solution with their metaphysical energies. “I believe in their healing effects,” claims Nazan Schnapp, founder of an upcoming Swiss brand that sells crystal-infused skincare products. “Complexions can look more alive after using crystals … they can help calm, energise, cleanse, purify and balance.”

All in all, it’s an unusual approach to skincare, but clearly effective as it’s making quite the buzz! Even without the precious stones themselves, most crystal-infused skincare products tend to be natural, sustainable and handcrafted, making them a big hit with green markets. Amongst crystal-infused bestsellers are Glossier’s Haloscope, a moisturiser and highlighter that uses rose quartz or golden topaz to heal and nourish skin; Dr. Brandt’s Glow, a retinol eye cream that uses crushed rubies to repair and revitalise; FILORGA’s Skin-Absolute Day, a day cream that uses sapphires to smooth complexions; and The Ritual’s Moon Ritual Detox Mask, a clay mask that uses crushed amethysts to purify your skin and infuse you with divine feminine beauty energy.

Do you fancy adding crystal-infused skincare items to your daily schedule? There’s a huge market available, so you’re sure to find something that suits your needs.