Often referred to as ‘the adaptogen of the ocean’, pearl powder has been used for thousands of years and is particularly prominent in both Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
Real pearls (yup, Audrey Hepburn’s necklace-type-pearls) are ground down to the consistency of cornstarch and dubbed a marine treasure.
The luminescent powder can be used directly onto the skin as a treatment, or as a balancing adaptogen to remedy all manner of ailments. As well as healing the skin, pearl is commonly suggested for anyone struggling with anxiety or stress.
This potent powder contains a host of minerals including calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, strontium, copper, selenium, silicon and more. It also contains many amino acids which are required for supporting good skin health, as well as mucopolysaccharides which have shown to prevent wrinkling and to increase libido in men and women. What. A. Gem.
Now, while the idea of slathering your face in pearl powder sounds about as expensive as encrusting each nail with 18-carat diamonds; it’s actually surprisingly economical.
Here’s how to incorporate pearl powder into your daily routines for maximum skincare benefits and beyond:
Face mask
Get creative in the kitchen and whip up an ultra-nourishing and moisturising face mask that places pearl at centre stage. Combine the powder of one pearl capsule with a beaten egg, a tiny bit of Manuka honey (antibacterial properties, y’all,) a squeeze of lemon. Leave for twenty minutes, wash off and get ready to glow.
Finishing powder
Kick your expensive, million-ingredient face powders to the curb and replace them with pearlescent mineral magic. It adds radiance, doesn’t clog your pores, controls oil and will add serious skincare benefits to your makeup routine. What more could you ask for?
Topical treatment
Acne-fighters, rejoice! You can use pearl powder as a spot treatment to help fight those pesky damn blemishes. Pearl powder acts as an exfoliate, speeding up the shedding of dead cells and creating new, healthier skin. Mix your powder with water to create a paste, then apply topically to the skin. It’s also a great method for healing acne scars and dark spots. Told you it was a multi tasker!
Supplementation
Thanks to its impressive mineral reserves, pearl powder is traditionally used as a Shen (spirit) stabiliser in Traditional Chinese Medicine, great for calming, soothing, and helping you zen the heck out. It supports mood stability, whilst its spirit-building capabilities can help to relieve the uneasiness, nervousness, anxiety and tension associated with occasional stress.
Cheers to pearlfect skin and a calmer spirit, girlfriends!
