If you are in a stressful season of life, you probably know how hard it can be to find time for self-care. As a mom of two young boys, with a busy job and a seemingly endless to-do list, I’m feeling the effects of my full plate on both my skin and my mood. So I was intrigued when I discovered an uplifting skin care ritual infused with the energizing power of gemstones.
I work as a Project Manager in the Digital Marketing department at Eminence Organic Skin Care, which means I am lucky enough to have access to the entire line of products. As someone who’s always on the lookout for a new beauty hack, I couldn’t resist trying the collection of products infused with real gemstones. I’d heard that these mineral crystals could not only contribute to radiant skin, but also to a deeper mind-body connection — think a glowing complexion and an overall feeling of calm. I recently had the opportunity to test the Gemstone Collection to see how my oily skin would react to these unique ingredients. I decided to take you along on my journey to clear, balanced skin and, hopefully, an improved sense of calm. Read on to find out what happened when I swapped my usual serums for a little crystal magic, and why gemstones in skin care are having a serious moment.
After a few weeks of testing, I’m happy to report that I’m looking (and feeling) better about my skin. And I’m not the only one. I noticed a customer named Jules H. reviewed the pink tourmaline-infused Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil online commenting: “Cannot say enough good things, great things about this product. Love the way it makes me feel, inside and out. There is something magical about this face oil. I’ve never experienced anything like this before.”
And while the boosted mood I’m noticing may be all in my head, I’ll take it! Here’s what I’ve learned on this journey and some things I’ve noticed that may help boost your glow, inside and out.
My Skin Concerns: Oily & Dehydrated
Let’s start with my skin concerns. I spent most of my adult life thinking I had combination skin. I had quite a lot of oil in my T-zone (dead giveaway, or so I thought). But what I believed was dry skin on my cheeks turned out to be dehydration. That “diagnosis” from my esthetician during a recent facial changed the whole trajectory of my skin care journey. Okay, maybe that’s dramatic, but suddenly realizing I’m an oily skin girlie opened up a whole new world for me and gave me an excuse to overhaul my routine.
The Gemstone Collection seemed like a good place to start because not only do the products work well with oily skin, the addition of finely-milled gemstones aims to enhance both their efficacy and sensorial appeal. In other words, gemstones could potentially help with more than just my complexion, the whole uplifting skin care ritual could delight and energize my senses. As a busy mom, I will take any opportunity to enhance my wellness and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
Why Are Gemstones in Skin care so Popular?
From jade rollers to gua sha tools made of rose quartz, gemstones have been part of beauty rituals for hundreds of years. Those tools are used to help with a number of skin concerns, including reducing puffiness and improving circulation. And while much of the evidence about the effects of gemstones in skin care is anecdotal, many believe that incorporating them may support overall health and wellness.
New York City-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, M.D. tells Allure that though there aren’t any current studies directly linking crystals to healthier skin, she still acknowledges the potential “rejuvenating benefits” of crystal-infused skin care. She cites the example of rose quartz, saying it “may help to boost circulation in the skin, brightening the complexion and leaving skin looking radiant.” While she says it’s “likely that you can credit the act of exfoliating and massaging your face (rather than just the inclusion of the crystals) for that radiance,” she doesn’t discount the potential benefits that come from the stones themselves.
What Gemstones Bring to Your Skin
The gemstone world is vast and colorful (and maybe a little woo woo). Whether the placebo effect is at work, or there’s some truth to the hype, we may never know. What I found from my experience, though, is that the products in the Gemstone Collection are energizing to the skin and left me looking good and feeling relaxed.
The benefits associated with gemstones are varied. Jade is said to protect the skin and increase circulation. That explains why it’s such a commonly used stone for gua sha tools and jade rollers. Rose quartz is one of the most common crystals used in skin care. When used in the gua sha tool, the stone improves circulation while calming nearly every complexion.
Curious about the gemstones used in this collection, I did a little bit of research. Citrine is known as the stone of light and happiness that helps the mind and body feel recharged, motivated and energized. Pink tourmaline is thought to encourage the mind and spirit to feel positive thoughts, boosting a glow from within. And malachite is known as the “stone of transformation” that helps the mind release stress and feel optimistic and balanced.
Choosing which stones are right for you is perhaps about being drawn to whichever gem resonates with you. In other words, whether it’s an emotional or skin care concern you want to address, go on vibes.
The Mind-Body Connection: Can Skin Care Change Your Mood?
Since stress can show up on your skin, implementing a relaxing ritual into my routine was beneficial on so many levels. As I mentioned, I’ve got two small boys who don’t believe in downtime, and lots of other things on my plate. Since carving out a small window for a skin care ritual is a non-negotiable, I’ve learned to habit stack it with some mood-enhancing tricks to get the most out of my nightly self-care.
How To Add Gemstone Skin care To Your Routine
The Gemstone Collection made the whole ritual so easy. Three products, each one infused with a different gemstone, creating a cleansing treatment and hydration routine designed to leave skin looking energized, replenished and refreshed.
I started with the Charcoal Exfoliating Gel Cleanser. This gel-to-lather formula is powered by charcoal, blue matcha and malachite gemstones, ingredients known for their purifying and balancing properties. It exfoliates as it lifts away impurities, leaving my skin feeling smooth, clear and visibly revived. I love using the cleanser in the morning to wake up my complexion and give me a nice glow. In these warmer days, I feel like I wake up with extra oil on my face so the gentle exfoliant feels good.
The next step in my energizing ritual was to recharge three times a week with the Turmeric Energizing Treatment. This bright yellow powder transforms into a fluffy mousse when mixed with water. It contains turmeric, citrine gemstones and zeolite to awaken tired skin and boost circulation. I actually feel my skin come to life when I apply this treatment. It gives me an instant glow and leaves my skin incredibly smooth. In the mornings, it removes any evidence of being tired and takes away sleep lines. A gentle but spicy heat and tingling sensation as it activates is part of the experience.
A trick I discovered along the way is to follow up the Turmeric Energizing Treatment with the Clear Skin Probiotic Masque (another new product I started using when I joined the oily skin club). It contains cooling cucumber and yogurt and feels so good applied after the heat and tingle of the Turmeric Energizing Treatment. The sensation of warming then cooling on the skin is a magical combination.
The last step in the process is a nourishing layer of moisture. The balm-to-oil formula of the Camellia Glow Solid Face Oil is a sensory experience on its own. It melts beautifully into my skin, leaving behind a soft, hydrated glow and a feeling of calm. I use it on my face once or twice a week at night. I also love using it on my neck and décolleté for gua sha massage. It is rich in camellia oil, marula oil and pink tourmaline gemstones, which are often linked with serenity, compassion and self-love. Check, check, check!
I love the way my skin looks after incorporating these new products. I also love the way I feel. Taking those few minutes of tranquility to myself every morning and night does so much for overall well-being. And whether I’m actually feeling the effects of the gemstones on my mood or I’m just more mindful and calm because I’m putting myself first, I feel happier and brighter because of it.
Are you interested in trying the Gemstone Collection? Visit your closest Eminence Spa Partner to find out more.
