Which Ancient Beauty secrets Still Deserve a Spot in Your Routine?
Let’s be real: the latest beauty trends are giving major deja vu. Somewhere between glass skin and blush blindness, industry insiders seem to have collectively realized that maybe our great-great-grandmothers knew what they were doing all along. The jars of coconut oil, pitchers of rose water, and aloe vera plants sitting on windowsills weren’t just for ornamentation. They were food for your skin.
It’s exhausting to live in the era of TikTok beauty gurus. Each day, we are exposed to a new hack that can ‘save your skin,’ or another trend claiming it’s the secret to achieving that “Instagram model” face. Ancient beauty secrets are making a glowing comeback, and I believe that their time is long overdue. What is more comforting than remedies that have stood the test of a few thousand years? From Cleopatra’s Egypt to India’s Ayurveda, beauty has always been an age-old affair!
Cleopatra’s Milk Baths
Now, I know not everyone has the luxury of pools flowing with donkey’s milk and honey like Queen Cleopatra did, but there’s likely a modern alternative if you look out for it. Recently, milk-based cleansers and honey-infused shampoos have been all the rage. Backed by science, studies show that the lactic acid in milk hydrates and exfoliates, while honey moisturizes and locks in the shine.
And, even if you don’t want to shell out, a cup of milk and a drizzle of honey should do the trick. Light a candle to feel that royal glow!
Ayurveda’s Golden Child: Turmeric
Before Starbucks debuted its Golden Turmeric Latte, it was already a secret trusted by generations of Indian women. Ayurveda, an ancient healing system, swears by turmeric for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities. From turmeric lattes that help you debloat to DIY face masks that leave you looking sun-kissed, it is a quick beauty fix that can be your next staple.
Brides in India still apply turmeric paste before their wedding day to look their best. So, if you want that Indian wedding glow, you know who to trust. Just remember: turmeric stains. (So you might want to skip the white towel).
Rose Water: Facial Mist for the Persians
Before there were 15-step skincare routines, there was rose water: a Persian beauty secret that dates back 7,000 years. Cleopatra herself was rumored to splash it on her face (proof that she really did everything first).
Rose water brightens skin, prevents acne, and soothes irritation. You can choose from a variety of popular products, or you can make your own, like the Persians did. Just boil food-grade rose petals in distilled water. Spray it on before bedtime, mix it with essential oils, or add a few drops to your bath. You’ll be about your day smelling like you’ve just walked out of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The Ancient Greek Liquid Gold: Olive Oil
If you want to achieve that keratin shine without breaking the bank, Aphrodite has a solution for you. The Ancient Greeks were oiling their hair long before it became an Instagram trend, and olive oil was their go-to for silky hair and radiant skin.
Olive oil is rich in vitamin A, oleic acid, and squalene, making your hair smooth and silky. Massaging it into dry hair, and combing after can help moisturize and reduce frizz.
The best part? It’s probably already in your pantry, but it deserves a spot on your vanity.
Ancient China’s Jade Rollers and Rice Water Rinse
Jade Rollers are not just aesthetic props; Chinese women have used them for centuries to reduce puffiness. They’re designed to gently roll on your facial muscles, perfect for a severe case of pillow face. (Pro tip: toss them in the fridge beforehand. Trust me, it’s a much easier solution than dunking your face in ice water.)
And the good news? They’re super easy to shop online. If this article inspires you to buy one, here’s your quick guide to make it work wonders.
Then there’s the rice water rinse: an ancient Chinese hair secret used by the Red Yao women to make waves (quite literally). The leftover water from boiled rice is full of amino acids and vitamins that strengthen hair and add shine. You can make it yourself or buy a rice-water-based product. TikTok may call this a miracle, but Chinese women have been at it for centuries.
That was the final round-up on ancient beauty trends that are still relevant. Ultimately, ancient or not, it’s about what makes you feel the best in your own skin. After all, the real glow has to come from within.