What is Colloidal Gold?
Colloidal Gold is a suspension of gold nanoparticles in a fluid, usually water. Gold nanoparticle has a particle size ranges from 1 to 100 nanometer. 1 nanometer is equivalent to 0.000000001 meter.
The Benefits of Colloidal Gold
Due to their ability to penetrate the skin and carry other active ingredients, gold nanoparticles have been used medically as drug carrier. In skincare formulas, colloidal gold can improve the efficacy of the products by delivering active ingredients deeper into the skin.
Colloidal Gold in Skincare
Gold has attracted a lot of interest from skincare and beauty experts for the past few years. With advances in nanomedicine, colloidal gold has also gained significant attention among medical experts for its potential use.
In skincare, colloidal gold is often used as the active ingredient for various anti-ageing skincare products from face serums, lotions, creams to face masks. Studies showed that colloidal gold has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, soothing and rejuvenating properties which make it beneficial for all skin types including sensitive skin.
The 7 benefits of colloidal gold for your skin
1. Colloidal Gold protects skin from damage caused by free radicals, oxidative stress and environmental aggressors.
Colloidal Gold neutralises free radicals, prevents oxidative stress and strengthens skin's defense against environmental aggressors including toxic substances and pollutants.
2. Colloidal Gold prevents skin inflammation and irritation.
Inflammation is one of the major contributing factors to skin ageing. UV rays, pollutants in the environment and harsh chemicals are the major causes of skin inflammation. Studies showed that colloidal gold has the ability to prevent inflammation and skin irritation.
3. Colloidal Gold boosts skin cell renewal.
Nanomedicine studies showed the potential role of colloidal gold in the wound healing process. It delivers nutrients and oxygen to injured cells and speeds up the skin's healing process. Colloidal gold seems to help release various growth factors such as Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF). These growth factors have a significant role in the skin's renewal process in which the skin regenerates itself and repairs damaged cells. The ability of colloidal gold to activate the cellular renewal mechanism in the skin helps reduce the signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and loss of elasticity.
4. Colloidal Gold enhances the stability and efficacy of skincare products.
Due to its nanoscopic size, colloidal gold acts as a vehicle for other active ingredients to reach deep skin layer. The excellent skin penetration of colloidal gold improves the efficacy, stability and effectiveness of skincare products.
5. Colloidal Gold protects skin from harmful bacteria and microorganisms.
Studies showed that colloidal gold has excellent antibacterial and anti-mycobacterial properties which help protect skin from harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Colloidal gold helps prevent skin irritation and infection.
6. Colloidal Gold protects skin collagen and elastin from degradation.
Colloidal gold has anti-glycation effects, which protect collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin from degradation. Colloidal gold has been shown to firm and tone the skin.
7. Colloidal Gold improves skin hydration and elasticity.
Colloidal gold strengthens skin barrier function and prevents trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL). The ability of colloidal gold to improve skin hydration helps restore skin's elasticity, smoothness and vitality.
Can all skin types benefit from colloidal gold?
Yes, all skin types including sensitive skin can hugely benefit from using colloidal gold skincare products.
Can you use colloidal gold skincare products during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Yes, colloidal gold skincare products are safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always check and make sure that the other ingredients in the products are also safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Is there any ingredient recommended to be used together with colloidal gold?
Colloidal gold acts as a carrier for other active ingredients to go deep into the skin; therefore look for skincare products which contain colloidal gold, peptides, collagen boosters, antioxidants and vitamins for even better results.
When is the best time to use colloidal gold skincare products?
Colloidal gold is not phototoxic. It doesn't cause photosensitivity, so you can use colloidal gold skincare products at anytime during the day and night. Always check and make sure that the other ingredients in the products are also not phototoxic.
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Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Specialist with 3 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list.
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