Real Crystal not Crystal Infused Skincare
What does this mean and what exactly is crystal infused?
Let's start with the basic definition. Many crystal based websites will describe the process as crystals being added to water, but this is not strictly true. Crystal infusion is actually when a crystal or crystals are placed in, or in contact with, a liquid, normally water, for a period of time and then removed.
The important part to remember here is removed. No physical part of the crystal remains in the water after the crystal is taken out.
The idea behind crystal infused products is that the liquid absorbs the energy of the crystals and this is then transferred to you if you drink the water or wear the cosmetic product that contains the crystal infused water.
The process is somewhat similar to homeopathy, except that in homeopathy an amount of a substance is actually left in the water and then the water is diluted to such a high degree, beyond Avogadro's number for those of you with an interest in chemistry, that scientifically it is believed the substance no longer exists in the water.
Why to avoid crystal infused products
Crystal infused water is commonly advertised in the drinking water bottle industry. A small amount of crystal is attached inside the bottle, and every time the bottle is refilled the water comes into contact with the crystal and it is believed to be energised.
More recently we are seeing a trend towards this in the cosmetic industry. More and more serums, face oils and creams are being advertised as crystal infused. From a manufacturer's point of view the benefits are obvious. They can use a trending term like jade crystal or amethyst in the name of the product, so increasing sales.
Crystal infused means no actual crystals in the product
Best of all for them, the crystal is never actually left in the product and the product does not specify the quantity of crystal used. In this way it costs them virtually nothing. One small square centimetre of a crystal could be added to a 1,000 litre vat, then removed and added to the next one in perpetuity.
This not only means adding the crystal costs nothing, it also allows them to use expensive crystals such as diamond and ruby, as they only need a tiny amount of a low grade crystal to dip in the mixture, and they can even resell the crystal afterwards if they choose.
The purpose of this blog is not to disparage crystal infusion, or even to give opinions about the process or whether water is actually energised by this quick passing contact. The purpose is to explain the process, as a lot of you may not be familiar with it and may believe you are applying real crystals to your faces.
Genuine crystal skincare products
In the hope of restoring real crystals to cosmetic and skin care products, White Lotus created the Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum. The serum clearly states on the side the exact percentage of crystals contained in it.
Real crystals release natural far infrared rays
The serum contains a 1% w/w volume of each crystal, ground to an extremely fine 10 micrometres. Grinding crystals this finely is difficult, but it allows them to disperse naturally throughout the serum, keeping the serum perfectly smooth.
Crystal research in skincare
This process is very ancient, being used by both the ancient Egyptians and Chinese in their skincare products.
Research has shown that the crystal proportions and particle size used in the Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum can increase the absorption of natural far infrared rays from the atmosphere (1). Far infrared rays have been studied for their cosmetic effects, including their role in collagen and elastin production and in the appearance of fluid retention (2,3,4).
Interestingly, it has been found that when ground, the crystals attract far more energy than larger whole crystals, making this the most effective way to benefit from the natural ability of crystals to attract energy from the atmosphere (5).
Tried crystal infused products but not convinced, or want to experience how real crystals feel when applied to the skin?
Shop the Activated Jade and Tourmaline Crystal Face Serum
References
- Yoo, B. H., et al. (2002). Investigation of jewelry powders radiating far-infrared rays and the biological effects on human skin. Cosmet Sci. May-Jun;53(3):175-84.
- Lee, J. H., Roh, M. R., Hoon, K. (2006). Effects of Infrared Radiation on Skin Photo-Aging and Pigmentation. Yonsei Med J. Aug;47(4):485-490.
- Singer. A. J., Clark, R. A., (1999). Cutaneous wound healing. N Engl J Med;341:738-746.
- O'Kane, S., Ferguson, M. W., (1997) Transforming growth factor betas and wound healing. Int J Biochem Cell Biol;29:63-78.
- Junping, M. et al. (2010). Effects of Particle Size on Far Infrared Emission Properties of Tourmaline Superfine Powders. Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Volume 10, Number 3.
