Gold in cosmetics

For almost 30 centuries, Ancient Egypt was the grandest civilization in the Mediterranean world. It is here that many believe that gold was first used as a cosmetic. In fact, the last pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt, Cleopatra, was rumoured to sleep in a mask made of 24 karat gold every night to preserve her goddess-like beauty and flawless complexion. Mentions of gold in skin care can also be found in ancient Chinese civilizations, where many empresses used crushed gold in their skin care routines to enhance their beauty.

Tabasum Mir, a skincare physician in cosmetic dermatology and cosmetic laser surgery, said to Huffington Post that the gold can calm acne inflammation, reduce skin redness and protect against free radicals that lead to wrinkles and sun damage. Centuries later, gold continues being used as an anti-inflammatory in medicine for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

It comes as no surprise that spas and major cosmetic brands across the globe have begun to include and concentrate on gold as a skin care treatment once again, following in the steps of the ancients. According to the World Gold Council, gold leaf facial treatments have become extremely popular in Asian countries such as Japan. Advocates state that these treatments can help to rejuvenate your skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. They also explain that the major reason behind gold’s success as a skin care ingredient is that it manages to lock the moisture in your skin and help to keep your skin firm.