Pearls as Skincare: Pearls to GLOW on!

You know what I love? That there is yet another reason to love pearls! You know I think every woman deserves a gorgeous strand of pearls (preferably from The Pearl Girls).

But pearls are just for necklines… they are for your neck and face, too! 

I am talking about mother of pearl and crushed pearls in skincare and makeup. Real pearls for a real beauty boost!

Turns out, these marine gems have been beauty staples for queens and empresses for centuries

A Little History Lesson on Pearls as Skincare

Wu Zetian – China’s Only Female Emperor

This woman was iconic in every way, including her skincare. Wu Zetian reportedly used pearl powder nightly to keep her skin smooth and porcelain-like.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pearl powder wasn’t just topical—it was taken internally, too, for both beauty and inner calm.

Mughal Royalty – India

Pearls were part of Indian Ayurvedic rituals too. Empress Nur Jahan used Mukta Pishti—a cooling, detoxifying pearl paste made with rose water to maintain her radiant skin.

In India, pearls are considered cooling, detoxifying, and rejuvenating, making them ideal for the tropical climate and luxurious self-care routines.

Roman Glamour Girls

Roman noble women didn’t just wear pearls—they crushed them into powders for makeup and skincare.

There are stories about one-time empress of Rome, Lollia Paulina who described pearls as part of her luxurious beauty routines. Pearl were used to both highlight the skin and flaunt wealth.

Roman women believed pearls symbolized purity, divine beauty and eternal youth!

Geishas & Japanese Nobility

Japanese geishas and court ladies also used pearl powder (shinju) to get that signature soft, translucent skin. It was their secret for brightening, calming acne, and reducing dullness.

It’s also still used in Japan today—so I decided to try it out on my recent pearl trip to Japan!

India Rows, Pearl Lover who Likes Trying New Things!

On The Pearl Girls trip to Japan in October, I decided to hit up the pearl spa and see what all the fuss is about with pearls in skincare! 

I know that pearls are packed with skin-loving minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. And I also know that the pearl farms have to do something with the non-gem quality pearls that are not fine enough for jewelry! Fortunately, they are not wasted! They get crushed into fine powder and turned into serums, creams, lipsticks, even paint.

Let’s break it down real quick…

The Best of the Best

 When pearls are cultured, not all of them come out flawless:

•    About 50% of nucleated oysters make pearls that are good enough to sell.

•    9% are top-tier, gem-quality.

•    The bottom 40% aren’t even marketable for jewelry.

The Good in These BAD Pearls

What can pearl powder do for you?

Glow, Glow, Glow: Crushed pearl powder reflects light, giving your skin that luminous finish. It can also help even tone and fade dark spots over time.

Anti-Aging Magic: Pearls contain natural amino acids and minerals that support collagen and elasticity. Translation: smoother, plumper skin.

Soothing & Healing: Mother of pearl has anti-inflammatory properties, which is great if your skin is sensitive or just needs some TLC.

UV Protection Support: Some studies say pearl powder can actually help protect your skin from sun damage by strengthening your skin barrier.

So… Does it work?

What do you think… do I look Dewy? Youthful? Radiant! I went for an hour long pearl facial in Japan! I had to try, right? Did I nail the glowing, anti-aging magic? Let me know in the comments!

Here is the video!

If anything, it sure was fun! 

Love,

India

Founder, ThePearlGirls.com