The benefits of Gold have been recognized for thousands of years in Ayurveda, for its beautifying and healing properties. It is also known as “The Key to Youth”. The Lotus Eyed Goddess Lakshmi who not only brings good fortune but is also considered an icon for Beauty, is believed to be the pioneer of using pure Gold for her radiance and beauty rituals, because of which, she is often known as ‘Soundarya’ Lakshmi or the embodiment of eternal beauty. The Puranas indicate that Soundarya Lakshmi had turned Rati, Brahma’s daughter, into the most beautiful woman in the three worlds with the use of pure Gold in her rituals. It is also said that the Solah Shringar, or ‘The sixteen adornments of beauty’ used by a Hindu bride, was first given to Rati by Soundarya Lakshmi.
The Ayurvedic Relevance of Gold Skincare
The Sushruta Samhita quotes, “Gold has a sweet and agreeable taste and acts as a tonic for the skin”. Ashtanga Hridayam mentions that, “Use of Pure Gold on a regular basis fortifies the skin against toxins. Just like a water droplet which slips down the petals of the lotus flower due to its velvety shield.”
Rasa Jala Nidhi quotes, “Swarna Bhasma when used with Kumkum or Saffron, gives a honey dew complexion and makes your skin glow.”
Also Read – The Essence of Gold in India
Pure 24 Karat Gold Skincare
Pure Gold Bhasma is prepared according to the tenets of Rasashastra, the branch of ancient Ayurveda which has the artistry of transforming the beautiful metal into the finest herb enriched Gold ash. The Rasagranthas describe the Gold Bhasma as “Champak or Kumkum Varnabhaam” meaning ‘the one with beautiful saffron hue’.
Process of making Swarna Bhasma
The preparation of Swarna Bhasma involves the three processes of Shodhana and Marana.
Fine leaflets of gold are simmered over fire and quenched in hand pressed, hot Sesame oil. This process is repeated at least seven times. The soft, melted leaflets are then processed with Buttermilk and the decoction of Kulattha (Dolichous biflorus), Kanji (Herb enriched gruel processed from rice and radish juices. Finally, the leaves are sun dried and prepped with fresh Lime juice and Saindhav salt paste. Then, it is burned with herbs and minerals in an ancient furnace called Kukkuta Puta.
What is achieved is a fine herb enriched Gold Ash, which has deep penetrative, anti-oxidant and age-defying properties.
Based on this age-old Ayurvedic formulation called Swarna Bhasma, translated from ancient Rasagranthas, Forest Essentials uses the power of legendary pure 24-Karat Gold to work its revitalizing magic on your skin in its iconic Soundarya collection.
- Soundarya Radiance Cream – An iconic day cream, a unit of which is sold every 6 minutes!
- Age Defying Soundarya Serum – Our best selling face serum for age delay
- Soundarya Ubtan – A bridal skincare essential for polished skin
- Soundarya Silkening Shower Wash – Replenishing and cleansing care for the skin
- Soundarya Ultra-Rich Body Milk – With a softening, golden glow
- Soundarya Beauty Body Oil – To tone and firm the skin with a scent of Sandalwood & Saffron
- Soundarya Luminous Body Oil – For a glimmering, golden glow
Benefits of Gold for The Skin
Gold is a renowned ‘Yogavahi’ metal that easily absorbs into the skin, protecting it from the sun and environmental damage, improving its elasticity and working as an extremely powerful age-defying agent. It acts as a carrier and penetrates to the deepest layer of the skin giving it a luminous gold, glistening sheen. It is cooling in its potency and gives skin a luminous quality. Gold also balances, harmonises, tones muscles and strengthens underlying tissue. Gold has the power to enhance the ingredients of vitality – ‘Tejas’ and ‘Ojas’ which are the foundation of beauty in Ayurveda.