by Paola Fanutti

Created on: July 30, 2008

Silk, in its liquid, powder, and fabric form, has wonderful , amazing and unique properties and benefits. Derived from pure silk worm cocoon, quality silk powder is silk that is synthetically ground down and processed to remove impurities. It is then converted into a fine, yellowish or pinkish fine powder using a sophisticated technology that retains the silk protein's natural amino acids and lipids, which benefit the skin and body.

Silk has been used in body care and massage for thousands of years. In ancient folkloric Chinese medicine, silk was so gentle and ideal for sensitive and healing skin, silk cocoons, from which silk powder is derived, was used by ancient health practitioners to care and dress wounds.

In Ayurveda medicine, from Sanskrit India, silk powder was used during special massage techniques. After applying and rubbing nourishing oil onto the skin, a thin application of silk powder was dusted on the skin, followed by a gentle yet invigorating massage with pure silk gloves. The application of the silk was thought to deeply stimulate the muscle tissue. Silk powder and liquid was also used as an ancient and natural relief to sunburn.
The modern cosmetics industry has lately been marketing the benefits of silk. After all, who doesn't love the texture and softness of silk on the skin?

On the skin, silk powder radiates and reflects UV rays, acting as a natural sunscreen. It is able to superbly retain the skin's natural moisture, preventing dryness, while absorbing excess sebum. For the acne prone, silk even contains anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Good quality silk powder also contains many amino acids, like alanine, glycine and serine, which are the building blocks of protein and are essential to the skin's natural moisturization process. Pure silk is also ideal for sensitive skin, and balances the skin's ph levels.

Silk powder, liquid silk or silk proteins are added in many cosmetics products. Upscale body lotions and scrubs use silk powder or liquid silk to moisturize, nourish and enliven the skin, and improve radiance and clarity. Silk infused hair care products improve the hair's natural luminosity, softness and elasticity.

Good quality silk powder must be perfectly sheer, loose, and entirely translucent. Too fine and it will blend in too flawlessly with the skin; too coarse and it will appear abrasive on the skin.

On the face, silk powder is an excellent foundation primer, especially when paired with other mineral based makeup, and is an ideal canvas upon which other makeup glides on smoothly and effortlessly. The powder will promote the skin's natural radiance, giving it a flawless, crystallized texture, while absorbing excess oil, and reducing the appearance of large pores. The powder's finish will produce a soft, luminous yet matte finish.

To apply a silk powder as a skin-softening and nourishing foundation base:

*Start with a freshly cleansed, toned and moisturized face.
*Tap only a bit of the loose powder onto a clean tissue.
*Dab your powder brush into the powder and sweep it over all areas of the face
*If the skin appears white or yellow, you have used too much.
*Apply foundation or base to the face, and notice how it glides on smoothly.

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