Skincare science: Are there benefits to having crystals in your skincare?

For millenia, crystals were believed to possess healing powers. Keen to pick up on their good vibrations in an increasingly fast-paced digital world, these semi-precious stones are experiencing a renaissance – so much so, the crystal industry is now estimated to be worth more than $50 billion. If more proof were needed, it’s no longer considered witchy to thumb a confidence-boosting crystal in your pocket or to have a giant shard of amethyst on your desk. You can even go all out in your self-care routine and enjoy the cooling sensation of a jade roller while sipping from a gemstone-infused water bottle. But what of crystals in your skincare regime – can they really spiritually manifest the best skin of your life?

Crystals are now finding their way into seriously high-tech skincare formulas, with the brands who feature them praising their vibrations and energy for balancing our skin. “We are all made up of minerals and our bone structure is crystalline, so we naturally resonate with gem stones,” says Kristin Pretrovich, co-founder of Själ skincare. Fans also claim that we channel the energy of crystals we come in contact with, which, in turn, increases cellular activity and circulation for renewed glow and clarity.

While there is no scientific evidence that crystals have an affect on the skin, some stones are known to conduct energy. In 1880, French physicist Pierre Curie (Marie Curie’s husband) discovered that putting pressure on crystals – such as quartz, topaz and tourmaline – created electricity. Known as the 'Piezoelectric effect', these crystals can now be found nestled inside your laptop, TV screens and iPhones.

Elsewhere, crystals provide physical benefits, such as exfoliation or shimmer. Finely milled rose quartz and rubies may help to boost circulation and brighten the skin by buffing its surface. Others like diamond dust reflect light, elevating the look of tired, dull skin.

Ultimately, though, Petrovich speaks of the healing power of crystals for calming redness and inflammation. “Everything in the universe has a vibration," says Petorvich. “Crystals vibrate at a high frequency so, when used on the face or body, their healing energy travels toward the weakest cells helping to balance them in a type of electronic exchange."

Among the most exciting skincare lines to harness the power of crystals is Kora Organics. Founder Miranda Kerr, who inherited her love of crystals from her grandparents, filters every product such as the Turmeric Glow Moisturizer through rose quartz. Likewise, Angela Caglia Self Love Rose Quartz Eye Mask features rose quartz crystals, intricately woven together, to create a soothing, de-puffing eye mask.

Själ Saphir Concentrate Anti-Ageing Face Oil is charged with aquamarine and blue sapphires, which combine with a retinol-like complex, to encourage cellular energy in areas that need it most for a youthful glow. Meanwhile, magnetised tourmaline is a key ingredient in La Mer's The Cleansing Foam, designed to boost circulation and thereby improve its deep-cleaning potential. The same crystal is used in Nurse Jamie's Uplift Massage Beauty Roller, where 24 tourmaline stones recreate the skin-hoiking benefits of an energising facial massage. While Tata Harper's Illuminating Moisturiser features diamond dust for luminosity and 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Cream relies on black diamond particles to gently exfoliate and shuttle other restorative ingredients into the skin.

Those dipping their toes into the crystal waters, though, may want to start with a facial roller and Gua Sha. Tromborg Opal Jade Facial Roller and Woods Copenhagen Sculpting Face Gua Sha are good options as both feel deliciously cool on puffy skin while helping to stimulate lymphatic drainage, ease muscle tension and minimise dark circles.