Around the world in six ancient beauty rituals

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but also in the secrets of our ancestors. Leveraging nature’s bounty, our folks concocted invaluable wellness rituals that come without the cosmetic scars and scares we face today, courtesy of hidden chemicals and exaggerated claims. Taking a break from modern treatments, we’ve done a retrospective on yesteryear regimens from around the world that use organic resources to their optimum. With a rich apothecary of indigenous herbs, salts, and scrubs that are more than just skin deep in their repercussions, these conventional solutions never needed the algorithm to make their case, and here’s why.

India: Do away with ghee? Fat chance 

The unsung hero of traditional Indian skincare, ghee or clarified butter, is the grandma-approved all-rounder ingredient that finds its roots in Ayurveda. Trace its annals, which will take you back to our ancient texts, including the Charaka Samhita, a tell-all compendium on the many benefits of this golden elixir. For context, it’s rich in essential fatty acids, stimulates hydration, rebuilds the skin barrier, and is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for calming irritated skin. To top it all, ghee helps preserve skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles. The magic, though, lies in its versatility—you can use it as an organic moisturiser, including on notoriously dry spots such as elbows and knees, as well as a rejuvenating face mask when mixed with honey, turmeric, or rose water. Our favourite, though, is how it tastefully metamorphoses into a lip balm for chapped lips, with a natural lip-smacking aftertaste (we’ve all been there). It’s ghee-ving miraculous. 

Japanese: The Geisha glow-up

If K-beauty intrigued you, J-beauty is sure to enthral you with its holistic approach to physical wellness. Follow the lead of Japan’s trained geishas, admired cross-culturally for their relentless pursuit of aesthetics. This niche discreet subculture follows intricate skincare regimens, largely based on the principles of “mizuashi”, a hydration-focused approach for that extra glow. Geishas swear by this tried and tested routine as it prioritises nourishment, subtle cleansing, and skin protection from external irritants. In fact, the geisha’s organised obsession with skincare is evident in the century-old beauty bible, Miyakofuzoku Kewaiden, that holds all the secrets to their make-up and skincare rituals. For instance, green tea concentrate, a customary cure for acne, with a plethora of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, is non-negotiable. For supple skin and hair, turn to rice bran, a natural emollient that boasts an impeccable track record when mixed with leftover milky water. And in what appears to be the OG sheet mask, geishas would typically use a piece of kimono silk dampened with distilled flower water. 

Morocco: Hammams, for a scrub above the rest 

You’ve probably heard of the healing properties of Moroccan oil, but the country offers a lot more in the realm of lasting beauty. Best known for their widely recognised and revered Ottoman hammams, Morocco’s conventional cosmetic rituals stem from the use of clean, artisanal ingredients. If you really want to be in on their secrets, though, follow the tips of the Amazigh, an indigenous North African group that has remained immune to commercial cosmetology. Much more accessible centuries later, the authentic wellness experience of the tribe can be easily replicated with an at-home hammam—the epicentre of detoxing and purification, prompted by the use of savon beldi, also known as black soap, which is best used prior to exfoliation. The molten mixture comprises black olive puree, natural oils, local plants, and glycerol, forming a solid, glossy paste rich in vitamin E and a master of dead skin removal. Next, grab a kessa mitt, Morocco’s traditional exfoliating glove and scrub away in circular motions. It’s then time for the Ghassoul Clay sourced from the volcanic soils of the Atlas Mountains to cleanse, target stubborn spots, and rid you of any excess oil. Try it with rose water for best results. Lastly, finish with Morocco's Argan Oil (strictly cold pressed), which also doubles as an excellent cuticle oil for hair. It’s not called liquid gold without good reason!

Egypt: The royal skin treatment

Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Egypt, yet arguably the first beauty influencer to exist. One of the most renowned queens in antiquity with a charisma that preceded her regality, Cleopatra was adept at making a lasting impression (one that’s lasted to date). Her secret is rather humble: milk baths. But not just any milk would do, for the empress preferred donkey milk, infused with the goodness of honey, rose petals (which make for the best organic toners after bathing), and aromatic lavender. Here’s our suggestion: simply surrender to this indulgent soak that tackles premature ageing, with the added promise of moisturisation, and watch as your inner Cleopatra takes over. Don’t forget the regimes of Egyptian women, who were equally invested in long-term physical finesse, relying on almond oil for luscious locks and henna for healthy hair, which also served as a natural dye. For a bit of homegrown glam, mimic their makeup routine that includes galena ore-based kohl for eyeliner and burnt almond extracts as eyebrow fillers. It’s time to walk, talk and look like an Egyptian!

Greece: Yiayias knew best

Understanding the complexities of lasting beauty may be Greek or Latin to many, but not to the yiayias of ancient Greece. These pioneers of olive oil-everything utilised it as a cosmetic for skin and hair, long before the world woke up to its gazillion benefits. The Greeks were the first to use it as a moisturiser, which combated dry skin and aided in cell renewal. Basking under the glory of the Mediterranean sun might sound dreamy, but it can turn into a nightmare real quick if the skin is neglected. For this, Greek yoghurt was used to heal sunburns while also acting as an anti-ageing mask with its probiotic components. Many swear by its effectiveness towards reducing eczema, too. Holistic utilisers of nature’s gifts to mankind, the Greeks also famously used sea salt as exfoliators, which upcycled into an organic peel once combined with olive oil. Yup, the yiayias knew what they were doing!

Finland: (Don’t) sweat it

Trust one of the happiest countries in the world to also nail the world of wellness. We’re talking about Finland, of course, and its 2000-year-old sauna culture, which has found its well-deserved fandom all over the world! Traditionally, the locals relied on the rustic allure of burning coal or wood in heated rooms, ranging from saunas to salt caves and lately, infrared enclosures. Formerly designed as pit-like structures, they’ve now upgraded to a sleeker log-cabin avatar frequented by wellness seekers beyond chilly winters. Conventionally heated from 70-90 degrees celsius to emanate a near medicinal dry heat, saunas come with unending health benefits. Once inside, all you’ve got to do is sit back, relax and watch your skin woes evaporate in front of you. Some sauna goers also indulge in a bit of exfoliation, using light twigs, typically birch. Aside from the obvious warmth and comfort they provide from the harsh Nordic cold, these “sweat houses” are known to regulate the nervous system, improve heart health, fight inflammation, and lower blood pressure to a notable extent. A direct contrast to the country’s icy outdoor dip ritual, this one demands less gumption, and some of these saunas have even made it to the most luxurious spas across the world. The perfect Finnish to your beauty regimen!

 

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Other images: Getty Images

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