A quick history lesson on skincare around the world.
The recent rise in skincare products has taken the beauty industry by storm. With many different brands accommodating many different needs, one can’t help but wonder about the origins of skincare.
Some 6000 years ago, Egyptians were utilising the earth’s natural elements such as castor oil, sesame oil and moringa oil to prevent wrinkles and maintain their youth. Honey and milk baths were often common for the Egyptians, and soaking in such baths moisturised their skin from the dry desert climate. Cleopatra, one of the most famous women in history, was believed to use ‘royal jelly’ secreted from the glands of nursing bees to moisturise her entire face and body. The Ancient Greeks also made use of similar elements, making a facemask cocktail of fresh berries and milk to rejuvenate their faces. In ancient China, the people of the Qing dynasty brewed rice water to remove excess oils from their faces and brighten their skin. In ancient Japan, moisturising and exfoliating were given high priorities. Ancient Geishas used silk soaked with flower water on their faces for five to ten minutes per week. Just like in China, the ancient Japanese also used rice and sea salt in their skincare routines to reveal the collagen layers. In addition, the Japanese engaged in regular hot baths. Long, hot baths in natural springs were called ‘Onsen’ which not only cleansed them but also relaxed all the muscles of the body and strengthened circulation and regenerative processes. These practices have lived on through generations, and are still practised today.
SUMMER OR WINTER, UBTAN IS A REGULAR SKINCARE RITUAL FOR MANY WOMEN IN BANGLADESH
In Bangladesh, ‘ubtan’ is a common skincare regime and home remedy practice taught by our mothers and grandmothers. Comprised of gram flour or beshon, milk, turmeric, lemon juice and water, this concoction is a healing tonic for dull skins and harsh tans. Summer or winter, ubtan is a regular skincare ritual for many women in Bangladesh. Another home remedy that was widely followed was applying a paste of mint leaves to irritated skin and acne. A common Bengali drink in the olden days was chirota paani, or Swertia plant water. The stems of this plant would be soaked overnight, and the water would be consumed in the morning. The Swertia plant is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which could aid in eczema and pimples. This drink is also known to cleanse the liver of toxins, which may otherwise contribute to pimples.
In recent years, the skincare industry has been taken over by lab-synthesised chemicals. Many individuals have now abandoned traditional skincare rituals and adopted newer ways. Toners, serums, moisturisers, eye creams, essences and a plethora of other products have saturated the market. While all of these products have enhanced the ways in which people take care of their skin, it does not mean that the natural remedies we have been following since olden times are any inferior. Skincare has taken on a broader meaning for us. Some of us wholly like our routines to be modern skin care practices. On the other hand, some of us prefer the ways of our grandmothers. Many of us also endorse the idea of a marriage between old skincare traditions and new skincare practices. However, it is worth remembering that any good skincare regime is only effective if it is paired with a healthy diet, ample exercise and sufficient sleep.