Ever wonder how women in ancient times or in the Renaissance used to make themselves beautiful?
Well, let’s just say they didn’t have the skincare wonders we have now – med spa procedures, Botox , and countless anti-aging creams and serums.
Curious to learn more about the history of skin care? Then travel back through time with us as we discuss how women in ancient cultures up to modern day cared for their skin.
HOW DID PEOPLE LOOK HOT CENTURIES AGO?
Ancient Egypt
Did you know that the first archaeological evidence of cosmetics is from Ancient Egypt roughly 6,000 years ago? But cosmetics weren’t just for aesthetics – they also protected the Ancient Egyptians from the elements, like the sun and insects. Makeup was also used to honor gods and goddesses. In terms of skincare, the Ancient Egyptians used castor, sesame, and moringa oils to fight wrinkles and preserve their youth. Ancient Egyptians also made a soap paste out of clay and olive oil to cleanse their skin. What is more, Egyptian women incorporated honey and milk masks into their beauty regimes to moisturize their skin, and they also took milk baths and used dead sea salts to exfoliate, rejuvenate, and heal their skin.
Ancient Greeks
In Ancient Greece, precious oils, perfumes, cosmetic powders, eye shadows, skin glosses, paints, beauty unguents, and hair dyes were in universal use. Ancient Greeks made their own skincare products using local, natural ingredients. One of the most widely used skincare treatments was mixing fresh berries with milk, and then applying the paste on the facial area. The Ancient Greeks also used olives and olive oil as exfoliants and moisturizers. Lastly, honey along with milk and yogurt were used as anti-aging preparations.
Medieval Times
During the 12th century, cosmetics were regularly used in medieval Europe. Ointments consisted of animal fats. Smooth, white skin was highly regarded, and many women used herbal remedies to promote fair skin and diminish pimples. Aloe vera, rosemary, and cucumbers were used to cleanse the skin. Seeds, leaves, and flowers were also mixed with honey to create face masks, and vinegar was used as an astringent.
Renaissance
Women in the Renaissance period used silver mercury, lead, and chalk to color their faces. Most of the skin care practices were the same as the medieval period, and women primarily relied on herbs and honey to cleanse and rejuvenate their skin. Some other skin care remedies included using broom stalks to cleanse the skin and oatmeal boiled in vinegar to treat pimples. Bread soaked in rose water was also used to soothe puffy eyes.
The Baroque Era
During the Baroque Era, women believed in saunas and sweat cleansing. Milk baths were also used for smoother, clearer skin. Make up during this time was intended to look like paint, and heavy makeup was considered more respectable. Rouge was very popular, and in the 1780s, French women used two million pots of rogue per year. Women’s lips were reddened with distilled alcohol or vinegar.
1800s
Exercise, cleanliness, and skincare were all held in high regard during the 1800s. Zinc oxide was used to lighten skin, but often caused allergic reactions. Hygiene products became less expensive and more accessible. Harsh cleansers were often used as were egg yolks, honey and oatmeal to often the skin and help diminish blemishes. Lemon juice was also used to naturally bleach the skin a few shades lighter. During this time, too, Chapstick, Vaseline, and baby powder were invented, all of which were used in skincare regimes.
1900s
The 1900s was an explosion in terms of accessible skincare for women. Carmex was invented in 1937, and sunscreen in 1944. In 1946, Estee Lauder launched their cosmetics line in NYC, and then in the 1950s Clearasil, Ponds, Oil of Olay, and Clinique were all launched, too. The 1980s saw a rise in all natural skincare products. Dr. Howard Murad’s line was launched in 1989, and Burt’s Bees in the 1980s, too. In 2002, the FDA approved Botox for frown lines on the face. In 2007, The Zeno, a hand-held, battery-operated device, transfers heat onto a blemish, killing the bacteria and making them disappear after only a few treatments.
Reference:
https://www.laseraway.com/news/brief-history-skincare-ages/
Studies have shownthat eating foods with these deeply colored pigments can make your face actually look healthier than being tanned. [1]
The more red and yellow tones found in your skin, the more attractive the people were found to be. The redder tones are caused when people are flushed with blood, particularly if the blood has lots of oxygen in it. Researchers found that, given the choice between skin color caused by suntan and skin color caused by carotenoids, people preferred the carotenoid skin color, so if you want a healthier and more attractive skin color, you are better off eating a healthy diet.
In order to have clear, healthy skin, you need to make sure your body is relatively free of toxins, so cleansing your body of dangerous substances while putting in the finest nutrients is essential. The organs responsible for providing you with beautiful skin include your liver, kidneys, adrenals, thyroid, and your large and small intestines.
- Your liver and kidneys are the two organs that filter out impurities on an ongoing basis. If your diet is less than ideal, these two organs can easily become overtaxed, which can lead to breakouts and other skin problems.
- Your adrenals make many essential hormones, such as pregnenolone, DHEA, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Hormonal imbalances can also result in problematic skin conditions, so adrenal function is important as well.
- A well-nourished, energetic thyroid also provides hormones and works closely with your adrenals to create energy. Dry, flakey, sluggish skin can be evidence of a weak thyroid.
- Your small- and large intestines provide nutrients to all your organs and remove waste products from your body. When waste meant for elimination remains in your intestines your skin becomes thick, oily and blemished. Pure, flawless skin is typically a reflection of clean intestines.
Eating a healthy diet as described in my nutrition plan , which focuses on whole, bioavailable organic foods, is your number one strategy for helping your body detox naturally while supplying the necessary nutrients your skin needs to thrive. That said, some foods are particularly effective at promoting beautiful, clear skin, including:
- Animal-based omega-3 fats: Omega-3 fats help to normalize skin lipids and prevent dehydration in the cells. This keeps skin cells strong and full of moisture, which can help to decrease the appearance of fine lines. Fatty acid deficiency can manifest in a variety of ways, but skin problems such as eczema, thick patches of skin, and cracked heels are common. Plus, omega-3 fats may have an anti-inflammatory effect that can help to calm irritated skin, giving you a clear, smooth complexion.
- Vegetables: Ideally fresh, organic and locally grown.
- Fermented foods are even better as they can start with the same vegetables but are converted by bacteria to superfoods, which help promote the growth of friendly intestinal bacteria and aid in digestion.
- Avoid Sugars, Fructose and Grains: This is probably the single most important step you can take to improve your skin health. If you eliminate all sugars, fructose and grains from your diet for a few weeks there is a major likelihood you will notice rapid improvement in your complexion.
Reference:
[1] Evolution and Human Behavior Volume 32, Issue 3, May 2011, Pages 216–227
