COLLECTIONS

AN AMULET AT THE SURFACE OF THE SKIN

Symbolof creativity and transformation, malachite has been used for thousands of years as a decorative pigment and protective talisman. Its lithic nature hides in abundance an essential alchemical element for the skin, copper, which acts as a natural shield against external threats.

THE TRIP TO XILBABÁ

As an eyeshadow, cabochon or Fabergé egg, from Nefertiti to Alexandra, the last Romanov Tsarina, malachite has played a very special role since ancient times, as an ornamental element and protective amulet.

The Mayan culture elevated this green semiprecious stone to the category of sacred when it was part of the funeral trousseau of Tz'akbu Ajawla, the "Red Queen" of Palenque, who would make her last journey to the underworld immortalizing and protecting her face with a malachite mask.

The magical link of malachite with the overprotection of Sumerian, Egyptian, Babylonian, Indian, Assyrian, Chinese or Mesoamerican cultures is not trivial. Its metallic composition (_Cu2CO3(OH₎₂) finally unveils the mystery by unmasking its main chemical element: copper. The topical or systemic forms of copper and copper compounds, such as malachite, used throughout history for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, especially on the skin, would justify its widespread use since ancient times.

AES CYPRIUM

The copper in malachite is an essential "trace" element for the skin by stimulating dermal fibroblast proliferation, increasing fiber production (collagen and elastin), and modulating melanin and keratin synthesis.

As little as 15 milligrams of this indispensable metal is present in our skin, playing a fundamental physiological role as the first line of defense against free radicals. These highly unstable and reactive molecules arise from interaction with the environment, especially UVB exposure and pollution, and are the main cause of skin aging. The effects of copper on the skin's cellular protection systems have been extensively studied and its role in the antioxidant mechanisms of our dermal cells has been demonstrated. Copper inhibits by more than 95% the formation of the deleterious superoxide radical.

The addition of malachite to our cosmetic ritual provides those copper reserves that are lost with age, essential to protect our skin from oxidative stress.

MOISTURIZING TONIC

The cross-toxicity of environmental factors such as pollution, solar radiation or apparently "harmless" tap water determines the long-term health of our skin. Tap water, which we use for daily hygiene, for example, contains chemicals such as bromodichloromethane, chloroform, tricloethene and bromoform, which are harmful to the skin. Its alkaline pH (up to 9.5) is also lethal for the skin microbiota, altering its delicate eubiotic balance.

The need to preserve the quality of skin that is exposed to so many latent threats on a daily basis requires effective solutions that begin with a trivial cosmetic gesture: toning.

Applied as an aromatic, fresh and toning solution, the ESSENCE basic facial line's MOISTURIZING TONER is the essential complement to complete your daily cleansing and hygiene ritual, contributing with its triple "shield" of mineral Malachite, vegetable MMF (Marine Moisturizing Factor) and probiotic Oxylastyl to repair and protect your skin from environmental aggressions.