Spa Girl is all a glitter for a Gold Facial

photo Hiroyuki Muramoto

The celestial Cleopatra maintained her youth by wearing a mask of pure gold to bed.  Japan has revived this art form in a celebrated gold leaf spa mask which is said helps to rejuvenate the skin, remove wrinkles and blemishes and includes anti-aging properties.  The premise behind this hot new facial is the ability of gold leaf to accelerate cell growth in the basal layer of the skin. 

And with the price of gold these days, one definitely has to save up for this luxury treatment.

Indeed throughout history there are references to gold being renowned for its lavish and beautifying properties. In ancient Rome gold salves were used to improve the quality of skin and in China, the queen of the Ch’ing dynasty used a gold massage roller on her face every day.  Gold facials are also said to be based on the ancient healing art of Ayurveda a traditional medicine native to India, which leaves the skin looking firmer and radiant.

Here is what one expert has to say...

Gold slows down collagen depletion and the breakdown of elastins to prevent sagging skin. It stimulates cellular growth of the basal layer to regenerate healthy, firm skin cells and provide a tightening effect.

• Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles.

• Reduces the Appearance of Sun Damage and Age Spots: Since 1929 Gold has been successfully used to treat rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation. Gold's anti-inflammatory properties also decrease skin inflammation, thereby slowing down melanin secretion and reducing age spots.

• Gold fights off damaging free radicals to help prevent premature aging of the skin.

For more on this gold facial delight, check out these websites...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLuxD46ZlGM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A83P-4th-ho