07.30.07
UMO strikes gold in skin care. |
UMO’s 24 Karat Gold Facial taps into the luxurious history of one of the world’s most precious metals.
By Joanna Cosgrove
Online Editor
Gold has long been treasured as a precious metal. Cleopatra was believed to have slept in a gold mask each night to maintain youthful skin. The ancient Romans used gold salves to treat a variety of skin problems. Gold was also regarded as the key to youth in ancient Chinese medicine, as the queen of the Ch’ing dynasty used a gold massage roller on her face every day.
When topically applied, gold reportedly lifts and firms skin by slowing down collagen depletion and the breakdown of elastin to prevent sagging skin and stimulating cellular growth of the basal layer to regenerate healthy skin cells and provide a tightening effect. It is also heralded for its ability to topically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and evidence of sun damage and age spots while fighting free radical damage.
Despite all of its apparent benefits, gold had not been used in present day skin treatments because it is very difficult to dissolve and penetrate the skin. UMO discovered a unique and effective delivery system with a proprietary ingredient carrier to harness the power of gold and all its benefits for the skin. The system employs Gamma Polyglutamic acid (PGA), negative ions and Ultrasonic Nano Mist technology.
Gamma PGA, a derivative of Natto (an ancient Japanese soybean based food), is reportedly ten times more hydrating than hyaluronic acid and more elastic than collagen. Gamma PGA hydrates and prepares the skin and helps the gold penetrate, and results in visible improvement in overall skin fitness, tone and texture.
A facial that makes you feel like a million bucks! |
According to Mike Wang, chemist and chief executive officer of UMO America, Beverly Hills, CA, pure gold is applied to the skin in the form of thin 7x7 inch sheets.
“It is applied to the skin and then the Ultrasonic Nano Mist ionizes the gold element into gold ions and the Gamma PGA helps it penetrate the skin,” he said. “It must be 24 karat gold because 18K and 14K contain other materials and metals, which may be toxic or cause some skin problems.”
The 24 Karat Gold facial is said to yield a “luminous, radiant skin” and a “golden glow.” The cost for UMO’s luxurious facial is about $400 which is about as precious as gold itself!