The pandemic is ending. As we take off our masks and move back into dressing up, wearing makeup and styling our hair again don’t forget to get back into skin care routines too to reveal a new fresh face. History shows us some simple steps that still help us put our best face forward today.
Women in Ancient Rome wore face masks to cleanse their skin and often made them using natural ingredients such as olive oil, animal fat, rosewater, eggs, and almond oil. The oils were used as moisturizers to help with dry skin. They also developed the use of cold creams which contributes to some of the skincare techniques we currently use today.
The Egyptians also had interesting skincare techniques. For example, they would bath in cold water every day. They also used soap concoctions made of olive oil and clay. Milk and honey were used as a soothing face mask. The Egyptians took great care to cleanse the skin because they were obsessed with personal hygiene.
In Ancient India the use of Ayurveda was discovered. It’s a natural system of medicine, that is used to balance the body, mind and spirit. Throughout history, the Hindu have focused on anti-ageing and good health to maintain a youthful appearance. Ayurveda products and practices can be found in many spas today and means “knowledge of life.” Herbal ingredients, powders and oils have been part of the Hindu daily skincare routine for over 5,000 years.
In China people used bath beans made of native herbs, fragrance oils and soybean powder to freshen their skin. Pale white skin was prized and desired. To achieve the desired “brightness” the Chinese turned to lead, proving to be a deadly choice for many.
During the Middle Ages, long necks and high foreheads were considered a look of beauty. Women would often pluck their hairlines to make their forehead look longer. They used hog grease to moisten the skin and believed it could prevent the spread of diseases such as the plague.
By the 14th century white skin was a common beauty standard. Everyone wanted to make their skin look pale and bright. As a result, ladies used blaunchet, a type of ground wheat, to lighten their complexion. Sour milk was another option used to achieve this lighter complexion.
During the Victorian Era, more toxic chemicals were used to cleanse the skin. At the time, people did not know that these chemicals were toxic and likely did not know that these chemicals were actually the cause of many deaths. Some of the chemicals used were ammonia and mercury lead which both can cause a lot of damage to the body.
During The 20th century, regular skin care routines became more popular especially in America. New and branded products of moisturizers, soaps and masks began to be marketed to consumers. However, tan skin became the popular skin tone. Spray tans and powders made their way onto the market. Needless to say, everyone wanted to have a more golden glow.
During the 50’s the nuclear family became the goal to reach. Everyone wanted the perfect house with the white picket fence and women were expected to look their “feminine” best which included regular facial cleansing routines and shaving body hair. By the sixties, a healthy complexion was believed to be achieved through natural vitamins and supplements.
We have a worldwide history of caring for the largest organ on the body, our skin. Many methods we use today began generations ago. For example, we still use vitamins and suntan lotions. We also still use cleansing masks and creams to keep a youthful glow. However, we are more careful not to use dangerous ingredients such as lead making products of today safer, more regulated and more effective.
Even though skin care has changed throughout the centuries, we still strive to achieve a fresh, youthful look to our skin. After a year of covering up and hiding behind a mask, it’s time to put our freshest face forward. Share your skin care routine or favorite products in the comments below.
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