2023, the year Pamela Anderson became the beauty hero we never knew we needed.
2023 wasn't just another year; it was a watershed moment that reshaped the beauty industry as we know it. And for me, personally, and for AYA Natural Skin, it marked a profound evolution – a shift from rigid 'eco-warrior' ideals to a more compassionate understanding of our perfectly flawed attempts to cherish this planet. This deeply personal transformation, mirrored by seismic shifts in the beauty world, was undeniably influenced by what went down in that pivotal year.
Why Pamela Anderson!
I wasn't always an adoring fan of Pamela Anderson; in fact, this is a relatively new obsession which only began in 2023. One of the major and most fabulous moves for 2023 was the clear shift towards greater authenticity in influencer marketing, with a move away from the highly and clearly overly polished to the more raw and real. And this is where my adoration of Pamela Anderson began when she arrived at the Paris Fashion Week, one of the most significant events of the year, without any makeup. Elle described it as “the ultimate power move. And to do so over the age of 50, in a society that encourages women to remain looking 'perfect' at all times, truly is a reclamation of power and a level of self-acceptance we can all aspire to.“
But more importantly, in Pamela Anderson's words, "I think that sometimes we have to come back to ourselves and peel it all the way to remember who we are, what our original thoughts are, what our dreams and aspirations are," she continued. "So this is all part of it, it's coming back to who you are and wherever you are in your beauty journey," and this is why Pamela Anderson is the beauty hero we never knew we needed!
What went down in 2023:
Why was 2023 such a pivotal year in the beauty industry? Well, there are a lot of reasons and a wide array of moves forward. Eco-friendly packaging, while previously present, went into overdrive (a topic close to AYA Natural Skin’s heart, and we wrote a blog on packaging. Consumers began demanding more clarity not only on ingredient lists but also on the origin of these ingredients, specifically whether they are ethically sourced and adhere to fair trade practices. The definition of Clean Beauty has evolved to encompass the entire lifecycle of a product, including its environmental footprint and social responsibility. The concept of "Skinimalism" gained prominence in 2023, a term first introduced by Pinterest in its 2021 prediction report. Big words just make me glow, and how is this one a “portmanteau”, being a word which blends the sounds and meanings of two other distinct words to form a new word? In this case, minimalism: Skin + Minimalism, which addresses our need as consumers for simpler, more efficient skincare routines while also meeting our planet's needs for us to be eco-conscious and embrace our inherent natural beauty and authenticity.
Where does Crystal Skincare fit in here?
Firstly, and for me, in light of my bordering-on cult adoration, Pamela Anderson's embrace not only of natural, authentic beauty but also extensive use of crystal-infused products, therapies and tools. But what exactly is crystal skincare, honestly? That is something that really needs to be unpacked, and I want you to bear with me for a moment.
I recently listened to a great podcast, The Happy Place with Fearne Cotton and Jo Bowlby, where one powerful idea resonated deeply: spiritual exploration is internal, just as scientific exploration is external, with both aiming to understand life. This concept is key when considering crystal skincare, as it encompasses two distinct aspects. There are the physical tools, powdered crystals, elixirs, and apparatuses used in skincare today and for millennia past. But beyond the tangible, there's also the practice of Reiki, an aspect not always apparent in our physical reality yet profoundly clear in the spiritual sense of the world we inhabit. Essentially, inherent in crystal skincare is the belief that natural gemstones are infused with their own unique vibrational energies, which positively influence not only our skin but also our overall well-being.
The Physical Tools: Jade Rollers & Gua Sha
While seemingly a new trend, crystal skincare, featuring jade rollers and gua sha stones, is more about bringing to the forefront ancient beauty and healing traditions passed down through the generations. These tools come in many shapes and sizes, primarily falling under the categories of facial rollers, gua sha stones, facial massage wands, crystal eye tools, and crystal face masks.
Beyond being simply beautiful to look at when you bring them into your daily skincare routine, they are also powerful instruments for enhancing your skin and its complexion. These smooth, cool crystals effectively promote lymphatic drainage, which is essential for reducing puffiness and flushing out accumulated toxins. These tools also stimulate blood circulation, bringing a vital flush of oxygen and essential nutrients to our skin's surface. For us at AYA Natural Skin, what makes them so magnificent is that they enhance the penetration and absorption of our magnificent serum, P.S. Perfectly Succulent and S.O.S. Save our Skin, which are essential components of our daily natural skincare routine.
The Power of Powdered Crystals & Elixirs
Then, there are the powdered crystals and elixirs, which I find absolutely enthralling. Again, there is a perception that it is a new trend, but it is far from that; powered crystals have been used as far back as 320 AD. Pearl powder, made from crushed pearls, was famously used by Empress Wu Ze Tian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, for her skin. Pearl powder was also used in Ayurvedic medicine for internal and topical applications. Crystal elixirs, which are essentially crystal-infused water, are believed to contain the mystical powers of the stones and can, therefore, promote beauty from within and without. These date back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The Energetic Dimension: Reiki & Crystal Vibrations
The deeper aspect of crystal skincare looks into the spiritual and energetic realm, and it is rooted in practices like Reiki and ancient vibration healing. Natural crystals contain their own unique energetic frequencies that interact with and balance the body's subtle energy fields, known as chakras. And while science doesnt back this statement as is, physics does allow for a more nuanced approach. Crystals do exhibit distinct atomic vibrations (phonons), and some, like quartz, display piezoelectric properties, meaning they can generate an electrical charge under stress. These are demonstrable scientific facts about how crystals interact with energy.
Reiki practitioners or therapists working with crystal energies use either direct contact with crystal tools or through energetic infusion of products and elixirs to promote a deep internal harmony and balance, and this in turn adds to the skin's natural radiance, clarity and sense of vitality. Essentially, calming the mind and reducing energetic blockages encourages the skin's inherent ability to heal and regenerate.
Benefits of Crystal Skincare:
When looking at traditional beauty treatments and the latest beauty trends, it's fascinating to see what falls under the realm of anecdotal evidence versus what is supported by scientific research. Ultimately, the value of either of these methodologies of proof really comes down to what is important to you as the consumer."
Scientifically Supported Benefits
Crystal skincare promotes lymphatic drainage, improved circulation, and enhanced product absorption. There is scientific evidence that facial massage, facilitated by crystal tools, provides these benefits. Dermatologists and studies generally agree that using jade rollers and gua sha with gentle, consistent pressure and sweeping motions helps to move stagnant fluid and reduce morning puffiness, especially around the eyes and jawline. There have been multiple studies that show the use of crystal tools improved circulation, meaning more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to our skin.
Making it Yours: Adding Crystal Skincare to Your Routine.
And this is the easy part: the beauty of crystal skincare, especially with tools like jade rollers and gua sha, is its simplicity and adaptability. They perfectly align with the "Skinimalism" movement and the needs of a busy life. You dont need a massive chunk of time. A few minutes in the morning or evening can transform your routine into a mindful moment while improving the vitality and health of your skin. After cleansing, apply a few drops of your chosen AYA Natural Skin serum – like our P.S. Perfectly Succulent or S.O.S. Save Our Skin – allowing the crystal tool to enhance its absorption. Gently glide your roller or gua sha tool across your face and neck to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Another easy fix is one of Pamela Anderson’s tricks; she said: "I use this old jade roller that someone gave me about 15 years ago. I like to stick it in the fridge while I'm waiting for the kettle to boil and then glide it over my face. My all-time favourite for a good crystal fix is to visit my Reiki practitioner for a treatment, which always leaves me centred, and I just feel the glow radiating from my skin. Ready to embrace the natural beauty trends of 2023 and beyond? Explore AYA Natural Skin's serums and with a good collection of crystal facial tools to begin your skinimalism journey!