Beauty is a universal concept, but the rituals and secrets associated with it vary from culture to culture. As we explore skincare and beauty traditions from around the world, we discover unique tricks and natural ingredients that have been enjoyed for centuries. In this article from The Dermo Lab, we’ve rounded up some exciting beauty traditions from around the world for you to try. Enjoy!
1- The Japanese secret of perfect skin
Rice bran, the residual product of rice milling, is an important part of Japanese skin care. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. It is mixed with water and forms a gentle exfoliant that brightens and smoothes the skin. Camellia oil, derived from the seeds of camellia flowers, is another ingredient that Japanese women appreciate. Its light texture and deep moisturizing properties make it ideal for skin, hair, and scalp, giving it a healthy, radiant appearance. Azuki beans, typically used in Japanese cuisine, are ground to a fine powder and used as a natural exfoliant to gently remove dead skin cells and improve circulation.
Also, the Japanese double-cleansing method has gained in popularity. This two-step process begins with an oil-based cleanser to remove make-up, followed by a water-based cleanser to cleanse the skin. This method effectively removes impurities, ensuring a clean canvas for the application of other skincare and beauty products.
2- Facial massages in South Korea
In South Korea, the way you apply skincare products is just as important as what you choose to put on your face.
This includes the art of massaging skincare products into the skin for optimum effect. Applying a moisturizing cream or facial oil in circular movements allows the pores to open up and absorb all the benefits of the ingredients. In terms of technique, the best method is to concentrate on one area of the face at a time, applying pressure to ensure the product penetrates the skin.
Thanks to this natural lift, you’ll look even better when you’re ready for make-up.
3- Moroccan skincare
The Moroccan hammam is an age-old tradition known for its luxurious, immersive beauty experience. It is an essential part of Moroccan culture, serving as a social center for relaxation and rejuvenation. The ritual comprises several steps, starting with a hammam to open the pores, followed by the application of a black soap made with olive oil and eucalyptus to cleanse and soften the skin. A scrub with a Kessa glove removes dead cells. Mineral-rich rhassoul clay is applied as a detoxifying mask. The experience ends with a soothing rinse, leaving the body refreshed and relaxed.
4- The secret of African skin
Kohl, a finely ground mineral powder, served a dual function for both men and women, aesthetically adorning the eyes while offering protection from the relentless desert sun. Honey, appreciated for its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, features prominently in skin care formulas, contributing to a radiant complexion. Milk, with its lactic acid content, serves as a gentle exfoliant, while the delicate scent of rosewater brings a soothing, aromatic element to their beauty routines.
5- Brazilian beauty secrets
Brazil is renowned for its beauty treatments, including Brazilian waxing for a hair-free bikini line and lymphatic drainage massages for toxin elimination and a refreshed appearance. The country’s abundant natural resources play a key role in beauty rituals, with acai offering skin-nourishing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Cupuaçu deeply moisturizes the skin with its creamy butter, and buriti oil, rich in beta-carotene and essential fatty acids, offers natural sun protection and a radiant complexion.
6- Turmeric in India
While we tend to use turmeric for cooking, in India, the Hindu bride traditionally uses turmeric paste to decorate her face and hands during the Haldi wedding ceremony. The use of turmeric is symbolic, as the color of the paste resembles that of the planet Jupiter. Astrologically speaking, this planet represents prosperity and success.
By using turmeric paste at a Hindu wedding, it is believed that the couple is attracting the planet’s energy.
And the bonus properties? Turmeric is also a fantastic ingredient for glowing skin. Turmeric paste is also used as a face mask, resulting in dewy, glowing skin.
7- Ancient Egyptian wisdom
Ancient Egypt was renowned for its legendary beauty secrets. The use of rose oil and rose water dates back to this era. These precious ingredients were used to moisturize the skin, prevent wrinkles, and soothe skin irritations.
Rose oil, extracted from rose petals, was revered for its moisturizing and regenerative properties. Egyptian women used it to preserve the youthfulness of their skin and reduce signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. This oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, all of which help to deeply nourish the skin and preserve its elasticity. What’s more, rose oil has a delicate, enchanting fragrance, making it a pleasant sensory experience when applied.
Rose water, obtained by distilling rose petals, was also highly prized in Egyptian beauty rituals. This floral water was used as a toner to balance skin pH and soothe skin irritations. It is renowned for its astringent, purifying, and soothing properties. Rose water is also known for its refreshing and invigorating power, leaving skin soft, radiant, and revitalized.
8- Olive oil in Greece
Embody the richness of Mediterranean beauty with a timeless secret: olive oil. Not only is this oil one of the stars of the Mediterranean diet, but Greek women often include it in their skincare routine to take advantage of its moisturizing properties and fight the signs of aging. Olive oil can also be applied to dry hair ends as a leave-in moisturizing treatment – leave your strands to soak up the nourishment between 15 minutes and overnight – before washing.
9- Skincare in Peru and Ecuador
In the highlands of Peru and Ecuador, the versatile succulent plant aloe vera is considered a skin-care elixir. Its moisturizing properties make it an essential part of beauty programs, nourishing and revitalizing skin in hot, dry climates. Try incorporating it into your skincare regime with a fresh plant, whose leaves you can break off and use as required. Apply the fresh gel to your face and leave it on for 10-30 minutes. For a simple update, look for products containing aloe vera as a main ingredient.
10- Skincare in China
The Chinese tradition of using rice water to cleanse the skin has been passed down for centuries. Enriched with vitamins and minerals, rice water is revered for its potential to give the skin a radiant, youthful appearance, with a historic respect for the basic natural ingredient.
Chinese beauty traditions also incorporate ingestible wonders such as Schisandra berry and Tremella mushroom. Schisandra berry, famous for its adaptogenic properties, is said to contribute to the overall health and vitality of the skin. As for tremella, known as the “beauty mushroom”, it is appreciated for its moisturizing virtues and shares with hyaluronic acid the ability to resist external aggression.
It shares hyaluronic acid’s ability to retain up to 500 times its weight in water, promoting a hydrated, supple complexion from the inside out.
11- The secret of Arabian skin
The secrets of Arab skincare lie in centuries-old traditions deeply rooted in the region’s rich culture and natural resources. One of the key elements is the use of camel milk, known for its nourishing properties and abundance of vitamins and minerals. This milk is prized for its ability to moisturize the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Another essential ingredient is black seed oil, renowned for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating various skin conditions and promoting overall skin health. Combined with other natural ingredients such as honey, known for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties, the Arab skincare range focuses on harnessing the power of nature to achieve radiant, healthy skin.
Last Updated on April 26, 2024
