CHINESSE BEAUTY SECRET

• Ancient African Skin Care Secrets

Black Soap

Made of peels of plantain (a known anti-inflammatory for skin) and shea butter among other varied natural African botanicals, the African Black Soap is known to soothe skin irritation, acne, eczema and also psoriasis. The soap was apparently also used on babies because of its gentle nature. Also known as “Anaga soap” in Ghana or “Osun Dudu” in Nigeria, the soap is typically a mixture of water and the ashes of plantain skins, cocoa pod powder and palm oil. Other blends include shea butter, coconut oil or tropical honey.

Buchu

Buchu, or Agothosma Betulina, as it is scientifically known, is a South African plant which is supposed to carry a world of medicinal properties. Buchu, being rich in calcium and iron is a powerful inhibitor against oxidative skin damages. It can also be used to strengthen the body, enhance skin health, boost immunity, heal bruised skin and relieve rheumatic pain.

Rooibos

Pronounced “rooybos” this plant is found exclusively in the mountains near Cape Town, South Africa. This unique plant works as anti-allergen and potent anti oxidant and significantly minimizes the symptoms of skin allergies when imbibed as a red bush tea. Women of the ancient Khoikhoi tribe grind this herb and use it for a flawless complezxion. The abundance of antioxidant content in Rooibos protects skin from free radicals and toxins. The plant is also known to treat skin conditions such as inflammation, rashes, eczema and dermatitis.

Baobab oil

Boabab oil is derived from seeds of the baobab tree native to eastern and southern Africa. It has been used for centuries in skincare regimes as well as to relieve aches and rheumatism. In Zambia, an infusion of the roots was used to bathe babies to promote smooth skin. Apparently, it has moisturizing properties, and is also said to improve elasticity and encourage regeneration of skin cells.

Ancient Persian Bathing Secrets

Oils

Oils are a Persian must-have item in the daily skincare routine. Persians use different kinds of oils such as olive oil, sesame oil, almond oil and coconut oils; the oils (sometimes individually, sometimes as a mixture) are applied overnight. This prevents dryness and keeps the skin soft. Oils are also considered one of the basic ingredients for mixtures. For instance, a combination of few drops of almond oil with honey works wonders for chapped lips.

Oatmeal and milk

The Persian beauty routine placed a lot of importance of the ritual scrubbing and body polishing before bathing. A combination of oatmeal and milk is supposed to work great on the skin. Body scrubs were also made from sugar, lemon juice and honey or the mixture of coffee and honey.

Honey & Aloevera

Honey and Aloevera were commonly used to maintain the suppleness and give a healthy glow. Honey is considered nature’s best moisturizer since it hydrates the skin. To soothe minor face problems such as acne, blemishes and scars, Aloevera is considered nature’s best cure.

Rose Water

In ancient Persian poetry roses are depicted as symbols of beauty, nourishment and healing. For centuries Iranian women have included this cultural symbol into their beauty routine using rose water as a fragrant toner to soften the skin. A mixture of 10-15% rose oil in water cleanses, hydrates and nourishes the skin with Vitamin E and Vitamin A.

Bonus Persian Beauty Tip: Ancient Persian women also used egg white and lemon face masks to fight ageing and fine line wrinkles.

Ancient Chinese Beauty Secrets

Pearl Powder

Chinese women used pearl powder on their skin to keep it healthy. Pearl powder, made from oyster shells supposedly contains lots of amino acids which rejuvenate the skin. On clinical research, pearl powder has been shown to soothe the inflammation, promote healing and calm skin irritations. Apparently it is supposed to be used as a mixture with egg yolk and honey!

Tea

The cultivation and drinking of tea first began in China during the 10th Century B.C and is revered worldwide for it benefits today. Green tea, white tea, oolong tea, jasmine tea, and all the other teas are packed with anti-oxidants that defend the body from free radicals. Tea aids in weight management and keeps the skin younger.

Mint

Mint leaves are an ancient Chinese secret for an even complexion. Known to aid with removing dark spots, a paste made by grinding mint leaves, apparently lightens to complexion.

Dandelion

Dandelion is a powerful detoxifying herb. It can help cure serious skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema and acne. With a strong alkaline property, Dandelion helps balance the pH of the body’s vital fluids.

Rice Water

Chinese women used rice water as a skin toner. All it takes is to soak unpolished rice in water and stir well. The water becomes white in sometime since it takes al the starch. This should be applied on the face using a cotton pad.

Face Massages

Chinese women firmly believed in massages for great skin. Face massages were a must-have! Getting face massages was strictly part of the beauty routine to help better circulation.
Bonus Tip: Apparently Chinese women also make a face pack using egg white as an anti-ageing routine.

Did you know that Cactus is one of best remedies to halt the aging process? According to ancient Chinese beauty routines, cactus juice can be used to reveal rejuvenated and refreshed skin. With great nutrients such as Riboflavin,Vitamins A, D & B12, the cactus fruit increases skin elasticity and provides vitality.

Ancient Indian Skincare & Haircare Secrets

Neem

Neem is India’s most favorite home remedy that has been passed on from one generation to another. With a neem tree in almost every household, the neem leaves are a great cure for acne. To effectively use this, boil few neem leaves in the water till they run soft. The discoloring of the leaves makes the water green. Dab a cotton ball in the water and apply it evenly on the face. Neem leaves have anti-bacterial, anti fungal and antiviral properties and hence they are quite effective on skin infections. Neem could also be used along with cucumber of yogurt to keep a check on excessive oil secretion.

Saffron

Possibly one of the most expensive spices, saffron has qualities that justify its value. Along with its anti bacterial properties that help cure acne; saffron is also an excellent exfoliating agent. Many studies claimed that saffron improves complexion by lightening the skin tone and also improves the quality of skin.

Gooseberry (Amla)

One of the richest sources of Vitamin C, this fruit yields oil that has been used for ages for
treating hair and scalp. It is said to penetrate the scalp and strengthen the roots.

Multani Mitti

Also called as Fuller’s earth, this is a well-known natural cleanser & scrub and finds ready use in many homes. It absorbs excess oil from the skin and thereby making a ready antidote for pimples. It can be mixed with honey, milk, lime juice or tomato juice to make a face pack.

Ancient Greek Beauty Secrets

Greek women are blessed with Mediterranean skin which is light in color, but has enough melanin to shield and absorb harmful UV rays. Apart from Mediterranean diet which is high in fishes as well as fruits and vegetables they also believe in intake of olive oil that contributes to their great skin complexion. Apart from undisputable benefits of olive oil as food source, it has also been shown that the application of olive oil on several parts of body yield amazing results. Here are two quick Greek secrets

• The application of olive oil with Lemon juice works miracles on your face. Apart from preventing wrinkles this mixture leaves your skin feeling soft and looking beautiful and glowing.
• Apply the invigorating mix of 50ml of pure oil and 50 ml of laurel oil and cover your hair with towel and leave the mix on for 30 minutes then wash as normal. This “oil hair mask” can be applied once a week, or any time when you feel your hair needs nutrition

Ancient Japanese “Geisha” Beauty Secrets

Sea Waters & Sea Salts

Japan is a small island surrounded by the water all around. It makes sense that sea water is part of the skin care routine. Sea salt was long used as a body scrub. Two tablespoons of sea water mixed with whipped cream could also be used as a body scrub. Massaging with sea salts breaks down fats and makes skin firmer and smooth.

Rice & Rice Bran

Rice and Rice Bran formed a huge part of the geisha-beauty routine. More interestingly, the chemical composition of rice bran is similar to that of human skin.

The presence of gamma-oryzanol in rice actually boosts collagen production which in turn fights age signs. And rice bran can exfoliate and retain water content on the skin. Rice powder could be used along with yogurt to lighten the skin; and rice bran could be mixed with milk to make a face pack.

Camellia Oil

Japanese women have known for centuries about the wonderful hair care benefits of camellia oil . It is exceptionally high in oleic acids, proteins and glycerides that are perfect for maintaining hair health, as well as adding volume and gloss. And using it is super-simple: lightly heat 1 teaspoon of camellia oil and rub it along the length and tips of wet hair. Then cover your strands with a towel for 20 minutes. Finally, shampoo your hair; rinse well and condition as usual.

Persimmon

Persimmon is a Japanese fruit which has unique micro elements and vitamins. It also contains calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, iron and iodine. There are several masks and skin tonics which were made using the juice of this fruit that geishas swore upon. A popular mask for ageing skin goes like this – Puree one persimmon, add 2 teaspoon of whipped cream. Apply to your face for 10 minutes and rinse.

The above are only a few of the ancient beauty tips that can help you get beautiful skin and hair. Do you have any beauty tips of your own that you practise as part of your beauty regime? Do share you secrets with us through the comments below.