Ancient beauty rituals
Innovation occurs within the modern day beauty industry at breakneck speed. Every few months a miracle product hits the market - promising bouncier curls, longer lashes or sun protection without the stenge - and the conscious consumption debate begins internally. Is this a want or a need?
Unlike the fashion industry - which is transfixed with upcycling, rental and recycling - the beauty industry is still empowered by a culture of newness. Beauty consumers are quick to experiment, and change their preferences often. Brands are constantly evolving in their marketing and production, as consumer demand moves from aspirational, to self care, to self expression and, of course, sustainability.
The avalanche of cutting-edge beauty products and skin tech terminology can overwhelm even the most beauty savvy. Do CBD-infused products work? What’s the difference between retinol and retinoid? What would Juicystar07 do?
As the beauty industry largely remains fixated on the future, however it is the past that holds the key to tried-and-tested ingredients, routines and rituals. After all, there’s nothing like a beauty secret that has transcended hundreds of years, to give modern day marketing hype a run for its money.
Take a read through the ancient beauty rituals and secrets behind some of the most bold and beautiful in history.
The Turkish Delights. Hammam Ritual and Rose Water
Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, the hammam bath is one of the oldest cleansing rituals in the world.
Taking place in a domed steam chamber, attendants would sit on marble benches and undergo a series of sensory rituals. Steaming, massaging and scrubbing were all customary, designed to stimulate circulation and remove dead skin cells. Scent was also an important part of the experience and attendants would rub their hands with pomegranate peel.
A present day beauty fix:
Classic Mild Turkish Bath Exfoliation Mitt, by MITTEN & Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
Roses also held particular value in ancient Turkish culture; used in both oil and water form. Rose water in particular was a staple of beautification, cooking and customary celebrations. Today, roses are beauty’s not-so-secret-potion; hailed for their impressive anti-inflammatory powers. For such a delicate flower, it sure delivers a mighty acne-fighting, eczema-soothing punch.
The Spice of Life: Turmeric and the Haldi ceremony
The use of turmeric dates back 3,000 years ago; long before turmeric lattes and wellness shots crept their way into our health cafes. Today, turmeric is hailed for its health benefits, doubling as both an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
But in both modern and ancient Indian culture, turmeric was a key element of beauty rituals too. Titled the golden spice for good reason (and not just because of the colour), turmeric was considered symbolic of ausperity and was used by the bride and groom before they walked down the aisle. In order to achieve that ‘pre-wedding glow’ we hear brides today lust over, a paste was made from turmeric, sandalwood powder, oils and water. It was then applied to the couples face, neck and hands to lighten, brighten and even out skin tone.
A present day beauty fix:
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
Got Milk? Bathe Like Cleopatra
So the legend goes, in order to preserve her highly coveted beauty, Cleopatra regularly bathed in a tub of donkey milk. Thought to restore beauty and vitality, such a decadence was continued throughout history, with the European elite bathing in milk throughout the 1600’s.
Whilst the use of animal milk has given way to an alternative milk boom, you can still reap the age-defying benefits inspired by the ancient practice. Milk contains lactic acid, also known as an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA).....If you’re a beauty buff, you’ll probably associate those three letters with the cult Alpha-H Liquid Gold range. Nowadays, lactic acid is mainly created artificially for skincare purposes; but still works absolute wonders in firming tired skin.
Particularly for those with irritated or itchy skin, a milky bath is a godsend. Whilst Cleopatra’s milky bath used as estimated 7,000 donkeys, you can still upgrade your bath routine - truly the holy grail of #selfcare - with a little less effort.
A present day beauty fix:
Almond Milky Bath & Lush Milky Bath
Methods of a Geisha. Camellia oil.
The ancient geisha were masters of social etiquette; turning conversation, entertainment and pleasantries into an art form. In a culture obsessed with beauty, they were considered the pinnacle of perfection.
Camellia Oil, found in forests and stream banks, was the secret elixir behind the thick, glossy hair and porcelain skin of the geisha. They would use the oil to wash off their white show makeup; double cleansing before bathing in rice infused water.
Oils have come far since the days of the greasy skin myth. Coconut, rosehip and hemp seed oils are all the rage but for a two-in-one miracle, camellia oil takes the lead. Packed with Vitamin A and C, camellia oil is one of the fastest absorbing plant oils, improving your skin and hair’s ability to retain moisture whilst it’s at it.
A present day beauty fix:
Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil & Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Protective Hair Oil
Whilst beauty trends and rituals rightfully come and go (over plucked eyebrows, we’re looking at you), others have more staying power. After all, there’s no better testament for a product’s success, than it having withstood the test of time. Pull out your old travel itineraries and revisit those Year 10 history notes, for your favourite new (old) routine.
Words — Laura Woods
Image – Baina
