The power of gold has been known for centuries, but what can it do for our skin? We talk to Bernadette Soares, founder of Pharo, about her 24 carat rose gold facial – and what makes gold so precious when it comes to skincare.
What are the skin benefits of gold?
Gold slows down collagen depletion and the breakdown of elastin to prevent sagging skin. It stimulates cellular growth of the deepest layer of the skin to regenerate healthy, firm skin cells and provide a tightening effect. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also thought to decrease inflammation in the skin and when combined with the after product use seems to slow down melanin secretion and thus reduce age spots. The skin looks rejuvenated and radiant.
Gold has been used for centuries to treat the skin. Can you tell us why?
The magical unchanging quality and luminous glow of gold has been used to adorn the body for thousands of years, from before the reign of Cleopatra and in many other cultures around the globe. Everyone from the ancient Egyptians to the Romans used gold and it is known for both is medicinal purposes and beauty treatments. Nowadays modern scientists once again are using gold to turn back the time on our skin to make it look younger and healthier. Gold also has many faithful advocates who praise its legendary powers of healing and rejuvenation.
You have recently launched Pharo’s 24 carat rose gold facial, what is the thinking behind the facial?
The philosophy behind the facial is to hone in on the power of gold and harness the enriching powers of this precious metal to provide the client a rejuvenating treatment working on the facial muscles and deep layers of the skin. This treatment leaves the client’s skin visibly rejuvenated and radiant; clients’ skin is to restore the lost elasticity properties of the tissues.
When did you launch Pharo’s 24 carat rose gold facial?
We launched the Pharo 24 Carat Gold Facial in March this year in Rarotonga, NZ. Rarotongan Spas and Salons have bookings for at least 100 weddings a year and many Kiwi and Australian brides go there for their high-end weddings so it is a perfect place to launch and to see our products being used.
What does your 24 carat gold treatment involve?
The Pharo 24 Carat Gold Facial is a 90-minute treatment with 10 steps. It starts by prepping the skin and includes sugaring the entire face, the facial also involves massaging the face with an exotic blend of rose oil, coconut sugar and other ingredients. Then 24 Carat Gold leaves are applied to the face. Each step has been carefully researched and formulated with gold, rose, coconut, organic sugar, jojoba oil, cucumber, grapeseed, vitamin C and E and hyaluronic acid, which is gently worked into the skin. The effects of this treatment can be felt down to the deeper subcutaneous tissue.
What do people think about getting their face sugared?
Some clients are not too keen on getting they whole face sugared to get rid of all facial hair, however removing all facial hair including hair on the forehead and the nose area leaves the skin smooth and cleans the pores of the tiny blackheads which are often unseen.
What type of skin is gold great for?
The treatment is particularly great for tired looking skin however it is good for any skin other than problem skin which would need to be treated first to get rid of acne and any other issues so that the client can get the full benefit of the facial.
You also use rose water in the treatment and your aftercare products. What benefits does rose water have on the skin?
Rose water is the most exquisite of all floral waters and it promotes healthy elastic skin. The natural rose water is a gently cleansing and toning product for all skin types which maintains the pH balance, stimulates the regeneration process and has a calming effect. The perfect blend for all day skin hydration.
What can clients expect after their treatment?
The client can expect that their skin will not only look rejuvenated and radiant but also plumped and hydrated. It will feel firmer, smoother and energised. The feedback has been really good; clients who have had the facial say they have enjoyed every minute of it.