Millennials. They've been blamed for "killing" all kinds of industries, from professional sports (here's looking at you, NFL) to restaurant chains. But this generation is all too often not given enough credit for the new styles and trends they create - not just the ones they kill off. And while beauty standards are still considered a mystery when it comes to this generation, one thing that cannot be denied is the creativity Millennials bring to the table when it comes to skincare. Whether they're creating their own natural, organic sugar scrubs for exfoliation or re-inventing old treatments by putting new spins on them, there seems to be an obvious focus on healthy skin.
Enter pearl powder, the ancient skin remedy making a fierce comeback among Millennials looking for clean, vibrant, healthy skin. But what exactly is it? And how do you even use it?
Before Millennials got their hands on this stuff, Chinese medicine has long considered pearl powder to be a powerful remedy for a number of ailments (skin included). Some people even believe Cleopatra used various types of pearl powders to care for and retain her youthful skin. The point is, the use of pearl powder isn't exactly novel. And yet Millennials have breathed new life into the treatment, using it in different ways to fix all kinds of skin blemishes:
- Acne treatment
- Preventative dry skin treatment
- Exfoliator
- Redness Reducer
OK, so it's useful. But what is it? We spoke with pearl experts at The Pearl Source and Laguna Pearl to get some insight into how this product is made. (It's worth noting that either The Pearl Source or Laguna Pearl actually makes or sells pearl powder).
"It's basically exactly what it sounds like," said Leon Rbibo, President of The Pearl Source. "It's pearls - typically cultivated, man-made pearls - that have been pulverized and crushed into a fine powder. In China, this process is often done by hand using a mortar and pestle. The end result is a fine, flour-like powder that can be used in combination with moisturizer, essential oils, and more to create spot treatments and masks."
As it turns out, you can pick up pearl powder relatively easily. A simple search on Amazon is likely to turn up a number of options. The possibilities of what you do with it thereafter are limitless, as Rbibo suggests. For many Millennials, it's all about personal preference. But some popular remedies include:
Masks
Whip up a quick mask by mixing the powder with egg whites, avocado, and oatmeal for a treatment that's been shown to reduce skin redness and leave your face feeling soft and smooth.
Finishing Powders
A change from your typical compact or pressed makeup powder can do a world of wonders for your skin. Mix in pearl powder into your daily routine, which can give your skin a natural glow without too much shine. It'll also cover small blemishes quite nicely, similar to a concealer.
Supplements
Do your research on this one carefully before starting a supplement regiment, and always be sure to consult a doctor beforehand. It's been said that pearl powder acts as an antioxidant that provides minerals and amino acids essential for healthy skin.
So, is pearl powder worth the hype?
"It depends on what works for you, personally," Rbibo says. Like any over-the-counter supplement or beauty product, some will claim it's a miracle and others will be disappointed. But there's certainly no harm in trying it out to see what works for you."
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