The ancients had some weird beauty rituals (leeches and crocodile
dung were used often), but they had a lot of great ideas as well.
In fact, some
of the ideas can still be used today.
After a little research, here are six ancient beauty secrets that can still be used today.
Eggs: The earliest
recorded skin care recipe dates back to 600 B.C.
Egg whites were applied to the face and neck to tighten the
skin, providing an
instant temporary face lift.
The protein in the egg also hydrates the skin.
Anti-aging
gloves: Marie Antoinette knew that the hands were the first to show
signs of aging way before science told us.
She was known to wear gloves every night that were lined with
wax, rose water and sweet almond oil to soften her hands.
The
original cold cream: The original
cold cream was invented in the 2nd century (the 100s!) by Galen, and it
contained the special mix of ingredients that makes it work as well as it does.
The original cold cream contained a mix of grease and water so
that both organic (dead skin cells) and inorganic material (makeup particles)
would be dissolved and removed from the skin while cleansing and softening it.
Rose water was added for scent, and the first Cosmeceutical was created.
Cold cream cleanses, removes makeup and softens skin all at the
same time, and it’s still used today!
Milk and
honey: Cleopatra is one of our favorite legendary beauties, and was
known for her flawless skin.
History tells us that she often bathed in milk, honey and olive oil.
All three of these ingredients are still commonly found in
facial treatments in some of the finest spas.
Next time you need a body treatment, look no further than your
pantry!
Rose water: Rose water
dates back to ancient Egypt and like today it speaks of romance and luxury.
Rose water prevents aging by reducing wrinkles and tightening
skin pores.
It was also used as a cleanser because it can easily remove
dirt, oil and other pollutants from the skin.
Avocado: Avocado
was used centuries ago by Aztec civilizations as a skin moisturizer.
Avocado oil will help to balance the skin by reducing pore size
to produce healthy looking skin.
The oil is easily absorbed by human skin and it will not clog
pores.
Some of the
stranger rituals we don’t use today (thank goodness):
Crocodile
dung: The Ancient Greeks were all about using crocodile dung in their
facials and body treatments.
It was also used as the contraceptive of choice.
Dried dung was inserted into the vagina, the idea being that it
would soften as it reached body temperature to form an impenetrable barrier.
White out: Elizabeth
I had small pox early in life, and went on to use thick white makeup to cover
up her scars.
During this era of the Tudor dynasty, her pale skin was quite en
vogue, and became a sign of being regal and well-to-do.
To achieve this look, women would attach leeches to their ears
to drain blood from their face!
I’m certainly not about to stick a leech on my face, but it is
rumored that quite a few celebrities get a “Leech Face-lift” once in a while.
What is the strangest beauty ritual you have heard?
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Jennifer Linklater
"Beauty is more beautiful when it is on the inside"
