In the past couple of years, one topic that has generated a considerable amount of buzz in the world of beauty and wellness is pearl powder. The use of pearl powder as a wellness remedy dates back thousands of years and was popular in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Despite the many different things that these cultures used pearl powder for, including to aid with symptoms of pregnancy, eye disease, and even osteoporosis, it is the cosmetic uses that have kept pearl powder popular. From boosting collagen production to promoting skin regeneration, many people strongly believe in the benefits that pearl powder has on skin. In this article, we take a closer look at pearl powder—is it actually useful, and if so, exactly how should it be used?
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The Science Behind Pearl Powder
It is important to briefly note the research on the topic that provides evidence that the benefits of pearl powder aren’t just anecdotal. Several scientific studies have shown that pearls and pearl powder are rich in calcium, amino acids, proteins, and trace minerals, all of which play an important role in overall health. Additionally, while the powder hasn’t been tested by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), research has also suggested that pearl powder can improve skin by enhancing skin fibroblasts. This can aid with skin redness, skin texture, and skin cell hydration. Mother-of-pearl also features a protein called conchiolin which is believed to function similar to keratin in the way that it repairs damaged skin cells. All in all, while there is research that validates the claims that pearl powder is beneficial for skin health, more evidence is needed to understand how and why more thoroughly.
How is Pearl Powder Made and Used?
To create pearl powder, freshwater pearls are first sterilized in boiling water before being ground into a fine powder. From there, the powder can be used in a variety of different ways. Many people buy a ready-to-use pearl powder face mask that they can apply topically, while others prefer creating a simple pearl powder face mask themselves. Another option is to take the supplement orally. For this, some people mix a tiny bit of pearl powder into smoothies or soup broths, though most often people ingest pearl powder capsules.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Using Pearl Powder
No matter how you decide to use pearl powder, there are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to purchase it. Always make sure that you’re buying 100% real pearl powder. Genuine pearl powder should have a dull white color without any reflective particles. In addition, it should also have a soft, powder-like texture that isn’t coarse. The best option is to purchase pearl powder from a cosmetic company that is reputable and trustworthy. Spend some time doing research and checking reviews of different companies to ensure you end up with a high-quality product. Due to its high volume of calcium, pearl powder topicals can cause skin irritation for certain people. As a precautionary measure, consult your dermatologist or simply apply a small amount to your forearm to test if it’s suitable for your skin. If there is no itching, swelling, or redness after 20 to 30 minutes, that’s a good sign that your skin won’t have any negative reactions.
Despite its long history in Eastern medicine, many people are just beginning to learn about pearl powder. The benefits that it can have on skin are extremely promising and are the primary reason why pearl powder has become a trendy health and beauty product in recent years. With more and more research coming out that proof of its skin-rejuvenating properties, pearl powder might very well be the best-kept secret in keeping your skin beautiful.
