Skincare has been around for ages. The first archaeological skincare products discovered in Egypt reveal that ancient Egyptians utilized skincare products as early as 6,000 years ago. They employed castor, moringa, and sesame oils to moisturize their skin and reduce wrinkles.
Not to be outdone, ancient Greeks had amazing skincare products as well, and you can easily incorporate some of their tricks into your natural skincare routine.
The Greeks used cosmetic powders, precious oils, perfumes, paints, and hair dyes to enhance their beauty and maintain their youthfulness. Fresh berries mixed with milk were popular as a facemask to moisturize and hydrate the face. They also created a blend of milk, honey, olive oil, and olive extracts to exfoliate, and they regarded yogurt as an anti-aging regimen.
Ancient Greek skincare tips for modern use
1. Olives for exfoliation and moisturization
Olive trees were abundant in Greece, making olive oil an integral part of their daily lives. Originally used to craft fragrant oils, its use expanded to food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and lighting.
Olives, known for their antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-aging properties, were ground into a paste and applied as a face mask and exfoliant. Ancient Greek women also turned to olive oil to nourish their hair and maintain supple skin.
Today, olive oil remains a preferred choice to moisturize the body, face, and hair. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, rejuvenating your skin to leave it soft, smooth, and soothed.
2. Honey for hydration
Honey’s enduring appeal lies in its antibacterial and hydrating effects on the skin. Ancient Greece, circa 5000 B.C., saw the widespread use of honey in face masks and scrubs to eliminate dead skin cells.
Milk and honey baths were an essential aspect of Ancient Greek women’s beauty and skincare routines. Combining honey with olive oil, they crafted masks to moisturize and hydrate their faces.
Today, many skincare products, like scrubs, facemasks, sheet masks, moisturizers, and lipsticks, incorporate honey. For a natural touch, opt for products with honey or use whole-natural honey directly. After cleansing, apply a tablespoon of honey, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse. Enhance the effect by adding a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, rich in vitamin C.
3. Natural Greek yogurt
Yogurt was the go-to remedy to soothe and nourish sunburned skin. Its blend of lactic acid, proteins, and vitamins promoted skin healing and cleared sun-induced dead skin cells. It served as an AHA peel, particularly beneficial for sensitive skin.
Today’s formulations with milk are tailored for sensitive skin due to their soothing and calming properties. Lactic acid in natural Greek yogurt is antibacterial, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin prone to breakouts.
To enjoy its benefits, apply a generous amount of natural unsweetened yogurt to a clean face, wait for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
4. Sea salt for exfoliation
Both the ancient Greeks and Egyptians turned to Dead Sea salt for skin exfoliation. This salt, laden with various minerals, rejuvenates and smoothens the skin. When mixed with olive oil, it becomes an excellent exfoliator.
Dead Sea salt was revered as a natural detoxifier, known to absorb skin toxins and bolster blood circulation. It also showcased pharmaceutical prowess by minimizing fluid retention.
The Greeks and Romans frequently soaked in seawater for relaxation, a practice now known as thalassotherapy, derived from the Greek word “thalassa,” meaning “sea.”
Today’s aficionados soak in sea salt water to ease muscles, alleviate stress, and address irritated skin. Combining sea salt with olive oil offers a potent exfoliation solution.
5. Milk for skin softening
Affluent Greek women reveled in milk baths, using milk from cows, goats, and even donkeys to soften their skin. Donkey milk, a beauty staple in both ancient Greece and Egypt, was particularly prized.
Legend has it that Queen Cleopatra of Egypt preserved her famed beauty and silken skin with daily donkey milk baths, requiring the milk of about 700 donkeys. This milk is rich in fatty acids with healing and anti-aging virtues.
Additionally, it boasts potent antioxidants, four times the vitamin C of cow’s milk, and robust antibacterial properties, making it ideal for treating damaged and irritated skin. However, regular milk remains a valuable addition to modern skincare routines.
6. Charcoal in cosmetics
In ancient Greece and Egypt, thick, bold eyebrows were all the rage. Women relied on black powders from burnt sticks to accentuate their brows and eyes. Charcoal, ashes, and carbon found use in eyeshadows, eyeliners, lip color, and even for faux freckles.
In contemporary times, activated charcoal and carbon feature prominently in skincare and cosmetic products. Recognized for its antiseptic qualities, it’s believed to enhance skin brightness.
For a DIY treatment, mix two tablespoons of activated charcoal powder, four tablespoons of bentonite clay, a tablespoon of water, and five drops of tea tree oil. Ensure a thick consistency, apply to a clean face, allow it to dry, and then wipe off with a damp towel. Finish with your favorite moisturizer.
Drawing inspiration from ancient skincare routines
Several ancient Greek skincare methods have endured through the ages, with their efficacy continually validated.
Embrace these time-tested skincare routines, adapting them to your needs — even venturing into donkey milk if you’re feeling adventurous. However, always be mindful of potential allergies and sidestep products that may trigger adverse reactions.
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