Ruling on using gold facials to beautify the skin
Question

Recently it has become widespread in women’s beauty salons to use what is called a “gold facial” to revitalize the skin cells, tighten the skin and remove wrinkles. This kind of facial is something that has recently been developed by Japanese companies. It uses thin sheets of twenty-four carat gold that are made with a gamma compound so that they will be fit for use on the skin. Very thin layers of gold, like thin leaves, are placed over the entire face, then rubbed until the skin absorbs them and they almost disappear. This does not lead to any side effects on the skin and does not cause any rash or irritation. My question is whether it is permissible for women to use this gold wrap.
Praise be to Allah.It is permissible to use creams and masks for the face to revitalize the skin cells and reduce wrinkles, subject to two conditions:
The first condition is that these things should be free of harm, because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm.” Narrated by Ahmad (2865) and Ibn Maajah (2341); classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.
In determining whether something is harmful or not, we should rely on doctors and not others, such as the owners of salons and the like.
The second condition is that it should not involve any extravagance, meaning that these creams and other substances should not be very expensive, because of the religious texts which prohibit extravagance and excess, such as the verse in which Allah, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning): {O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess} [al-A‘raaf 7:31]; and the words of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him): “Eat and drink, give charity and wear (whatever you like), provided that there is no extravagance or showing off.” Narrated by Ibn Maajah (3065). Classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh Ibn Maajah.
Using gold in the manner mentioned is clearly extravagant, as the cost of this treatment is approximately two thousand riyals or more, and the treatment has to be repeated more than once, because the skin will go back to the way it was after a while. It is reprehensible for a wise woman to spend so much money on adornment when around her there are people who cannot find any food to eat or clothes with which to cover themselves, and there are other natural substances which are sufficient for the one who wants to beautify her skin and preserve her beauty.
And Allah knows best.