Should we want to single out one chemical element that is worshipped more than any other, an element that has unfortunately also been a source of conflict all over the world since time immemorial, it is not difficult to guess that we would be talking of gold. Its brightness resembles stars, precisely because once upon a time it was created from stars, actually from the collision of neutron stars that resulted in stellar remnants. Circulating around the Solar System, this was “picked up” by our planet which was not as yet formed at the time. Gold is a metal that is the easiest to forge and, as it is not susceptible to oxidation and corrosion, it has been named a noble metal. That is why it has always had an aura of something special and alien about it. Throughout history numerous alchemists have unsuccessfully tried to create gold that would grant them health, eternal life and wisdom. Gold jewelry has been prized since the humans began smelting the metal. The oldest piece of jewelry is thought to date back to around 4600 BC; it was found in a tomb in Varna belonging to the Danubian civilization, known in our country as the Vinča civilisation. Today we know that jewelry made of this precious metal has special properties, that some of them are health-related. We can also apply it directly to the skin – gold in cosmetics can rejuvenate, heal and result in radiant complexion.
In addition to the fact that gold jewelry is believed to bring good luck, wealth and abundance, there are indications that it has a particularly beneficial effect on the solar plexus – a bundle of nerves located in the upper abdomen in front of the aorta, which is part of the sympathetic nervous system that plays an important role in the functioning of the stomach, kidneys and adrenal glands. Gold is believed to have the power to preserve and increase the wearer’s energy and to regenerate and is especially useful for people suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. With its thermoregulatory properties, gold helps us to balance the body temperature. In addition to relaxing, it stimulates blood circulation and accelerates healing. In alternative medicine, it is also used as an anti-cancer element and its anti-inflammatory effects help with a number of disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis.
WHAT DOES SCIENCE SAY?
According to many scientific studies, gold has anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, colloidal gold administered by injection is an official therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and is successfully administered orally to treat psoriatic arthritis. Gold has the best effect in the early stages of arthritis, but also later, when painful joint swelling develops. However, this application must be extremely professional and controlled, due to possible side effects.
Precious metals like gold and silver do not only have proven antioxidant properties, but also antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties, especially when gold is combined with quercetin. Protecting us from the negative effects of free radicals, gold has the power to strengthen our immunity and protect us from the most serious diseases. Today, gold nanoparticles are increasingly used in modern medicine, not only as a preventive measure, but also as recovery treatment.
WHY IS GOLD USED IN COSMETICS?
All these properties of gold are especially beneficial when it comes to our largest organ – the skin. Thanks to its anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties, gold has highly healing properties. After being applied to wounds, it has been observed to accelerate healing, strengthen the tissue and promote the development of vascular endothelial cells. Precisely because of such properties, gold has found a special application in dermatology and cosmetics.
Let’s see in how many ways gold affects our skin:
• By stimulating the functioning of cells, nerve endings and capillaries, gold ions promote circulation, speed up skin metabolism and the removal of harmful substances. By stimulating the work of basal cells, gold contributes to the reduction of wrinkles and blemishes.
• As UV radiation destroys basal cells and causes their abnormal development and carcinogenicity, gold in cosmetics is not only useful in terms of eliminating the signs of photoaging, but also in terms of preventing the development of melanoma.
• By improving the metabolism of the skin and normalizing the work of basal cells, gold in cosmetics prevents skin drying and thus the signs of aging.
• Precisely because it promotes the healing of wounds, gold also has the power to influence the faster building of collagen and slow down its deterioration. Today we know that we start to lose collagen as early as at the age of 25, and that this process accelerates especially after entering menopause. This is why gold is even more precious in our “golden age”. By promoting the renewal of collagen and elastin, gold contributes to the elasticity and youthfulness of the skin.
• The anti-inflammatory properties of gold are especially important for the skin because several skin disorders are caused by inflammation, such as psoriasis, eczema or acne. Gold in cosmetics can thus contribute to the reduction of allergies.
• The antimicrobial properties of this precious metal come to the fore especially when it comes to acne, which is caused by bacteria. Studies have proven that gold nanoparticle treatment reduces inflammation of lesions by as much as 61 per cent.
• By the very fact that it helps us fight the unsightly signs of photoaging, it contributes to brightening the complexion. Gold in cosmetics literally adds shine when the tiny particles of this precious metal stay on the surface of our skin and reflect light.
To sum up, gold in cosmetics is a valuable ingredient that contributes to the building of collagen and thus to skin’s elasticity, it helps retain moisture, promotes circulation and exchange of substances, reduces wrinkles and eliminates spots and other signs of aging.
Now that we are aware of this, we can only wonder why we haven’t used gold in cosmetics before? It was precisely with this in mind and thanks to their professional knowledge that Herba Svet experts designed Botomix serum and cream. In addition to the highest quality hyaluronic acid, peptides and herbal extracts, this exceptional serum and cream also contains 24-karat gold. One single drop of Botomix serum in the morning applied to cleansed skin gives us an intensive treatment with peptides, promotes the building of collagen and elastin and thus improves elasticity, retains moisture deep in the dermis and strengthens and soothes the skin. Botomix serum and cream are suitable for all skin types; mature skin after the age of 40 derives special benefits, as this product restores shine to our skin and gives it elasticity, brightness and a velvety texture. That is why it is no exaggeration to say that this serum and cream is worth its weight in gold!
