In ancient times, women used jade rollers to stimulate blood circulation, applied rose water, and utilized clay masks for skin hydration—methods of beauty that are still practiced today.
How Did Ancient Beauties Care for Their Skin?
In ancient times, women constantly sought different secrets to nourish their skin. From the ancient Egyptians who invented perfumes and cosmetics to the Chinese who developed herbal remedies for brightening and firming the skin.
According to Eluxemagazine, long before the cosmetic trade was established, ancient women sought natural extracts to nourish their skin. Among the effective methods still in use today are:
Pearl Powder
During the Ming Dynasty, Chinese women applied pearl powder to their skin for hydration. In fact, even Chinese empresses ingested it. A traditional Korean medical book from the Joseon Dynasty shares a formula that involves mixing pearl powder with milk for optimal effects on the skin.
Today, women still use this method for beauty. A study from Taiwan has shown that pearl powder truly helps rejuvenate the skin, reduces melanin pigmentation that causes dark spots, supplements collagen, and strengthens bones with natural calcium. Pearls also promote a bright, even skin tone without causing irritation and have anti-inflammatory effects.
Jade Roller
Jade rollers are used to stimulate acupressure points, promote blood circulation, and brighten the skin.
In ancient times, women used jade rollers, made from jade stone, to target acupressure points and improve blood circulation. Jade has been used by the Chinese royal family for centuries to help achieve smooth, radiant skin and reduce wrinkles.
Today, these jade rollers are still available in cosmetic stores, and women can easily incorporate this ancient ritual into their home skincare routine. First, cleanse the face, apply moisturizer, then roll the jade roller from the center outwards to encourage blood flow and brighten the skin.
Mint
Centuries ago, the Chinese discovered the mint plant, considered an ideal herb for treating acne, eczema, and psoriasis. They brewed mint roots for drinking. This natural root contains antioxidants such as baicalin, oroxylin A, and wogonin, which inhibit melanin production—this pigment can lead to dark spots, acne, and sun damage.
Frankincense
Since biblical times, this fragrant resin has been used to heal blemishes and wounds. In fact, before antibiotics were invented, frankincense was valued more than gold due to its natural antibacterial properties. It is rich in boswellic acid, which helps reduce scars and signs of aging. Moreover, it provides a wonderful aroma.
Saffron Oil
In ancient times, people would soak in donkey milk infused with saffron to enhance their skin. A study in Iran in 2010 discovered that saffron acts as a natural sunscreen. Additionally, saffron from the High Atlas mountain range in Morocco contains high levels of antioxidants, helping to tighten skin, diminish wrinkles, sagging, freckles, and dullness.
Today, some women in India and Morocco still apply saffron oil on their cheeks as a traditional form of makeup, which helps balance hormones and improve skin pigmentation.
Kohl – Eye Makeup
Kohl eye makeup is made by grinding stibnite, a natural mineral, used as eyeliner today.
Ancient Egyptians were famous for using this cosmetic as a thick liner for their eyes and eyebrows. Traditionally, this eye makeup was made by grinding stibnite, a natural mineral that was widely used in South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of West Africa, much like eyeliner today.
Kohl has been used in India as a cosmetic for a long time. Additionally, mothers would apply kohl to their children right after birth to protect them from the evil eye. Today, this cosmetic is widely used, primarily in the eye makeup industry.
Henna – Hair Dye
Indians as far back as 2000 BC commonly used the henna plant to dye their hair. This herb has become an integral part of Indian culture. They would dry the leaves, grind them into a fine powder, and create a paste to apply to hair or skin for an orange or brown color. This mixture was also used as a decorative ink to create beautiful patterns symbolizing peace and good luck. The trend of henna designs continues today, becoming a cultural beauty mark for Indians.
Decorating hands and feet with henna powder is a tradition among Indians.
Rose Petals
Rose petals, rose oil, and rose water are popular beauty secrets and therapeutic scents used by ancient women. Ancient Babylonians recognized that rose water is an excellent skin moisturizer as it contains antioxidants. It can be applied to the face, hair, or body to brighten skin and hair. Furthermore, rose oil is believed to have antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and aphrodisiac properties.
Today, cosmetics made from roses, especially Bulgarian roses or Rosa Damascena, which have a higher purity, are trusted by women for their effective moisturizing benefits.
Hammam Bath
Hammam steam baths effectively exfoliate and refresh the mind.
The Hammam bath is a steam bath that ancient North African and Eastern European women used for beauty. First, you enter a warm room equipped with items like loofah gloves for scrubbing. Bathing in such a room allows for the effective shedding of dead skin, while also moisturizing and evening out the skin tone. Additionally, soaking in hot water refreshes the mind and enhances well-being.
Natural Clay
Clay has been used since ancient times to detoxify the body. Some animals, like elephants and hippos, use it to cool their skin and consume it for detoxification.
Researchers suggest that pure clay can cleanse the body, removing heavy metals and other impurities. People can use it by ingesting, but more commonly, the ancients employed clay in the form of masks to even out skin tone. Clay mixed with water and applied to the skin all over the body is highly effective for nourishing the skin.
Today, many clay masks are favored by women, believed to moisturize and effectively reduce skin pigmentation, leading to an even and radiant complexion.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used to beautify skin and maintain figure.
Ancient Greeks made a significant discovery by using apple cider vinegar to treat acne and scalp issues. Today, apple cider vinegar remains popular in beauty routines for hair and skin, loved by many. Rose water has also been an early skincare product, rich in moisturizing properties, brightening the skin, and offering a vibrant color and gentle natural fragrance.
Beeswax
The Chinese used pure beeswax or added tea oil, red mineral pigments, and animal fat to nourish lips and add a rosy hue. Around the 2nd century BC, women used feathers, fish scales, dragonfly wings, gemstones, or vermilion to paint flowers on their faces for beauty. As early as ancient times, women in this region knew how to use turmeric for whitening, antibacterial properties, and to even out skin tone.
Bone Ash, Fat, and Jasmine Oil Mixture
In Iran, since the 19th century BC, people have used a mixture of bone ash, fat, and jasmine oil to soften the skin before plucking their eyebrows. On a daily basis, they also mixed egg whites, rose water, and lemon juice to prevent acne. This skincare method remains popular to this day.
Natural Ingredients: Ginger, Lemon, Pearl Powder, Honey
Vietnamese women from ancient times have favored natural ingredients such as ginger, lemon, pearl powder, and honey when caring for their facial and body skin. Additionally, traditional practices include using pomelo peel, soapberry, and Vietnamese balm to enhance the smoothness and shine of their hair. Rice water, used for washing the face, is also a well-known secret for whitening the skin, tightening pores, and providing essential vitamins and minerals, passed down through generations of Vietnamese women.
