Skincare History
THE ROOT OF THE SKINCARE REGIMEN: CLEOPATRA
The first facts of a skincare regimen were rooted in Egypt in 3000 BCE. Cleopatra was known to bathe in sour milk to smooth her skin. Egyptian women meld honey and milk masks into their beauty regimens to moisturize their skin. They took milk baths and used dead sea salts to exfoliate, rejuvenate, and heal their skin. Beauty was dominant in Ancient Egypt, everyone used ointments and cosmetics.
Since standardized cosmetics didn’t exist yet, Ancient Egyptians produced their own skincare regimens using elements they could collect. They used ostrich eggs, plants, dough, castor, sesame, and moringa oils to fight wrinkles. Royals were especially regardful of preserving their youth. They also, produced a soap paste out of clay and olive oil to cleanse their skin. These Cosmetics weren’t just for aesthetics. They protected the Ancient Egyptians from the environment, like the sun and insects. Along with vegetable oils and mixed animal fat with alkaline salts for, treating skin diseases. Their instruction came from the Ebers Papyrus, a source for medical knowledge.
Some of the top natural skin care products of today use Egyptian secrets like aloe, sodium bicarbonate, myrrh and frankincense. Surely, we owe the creation of the first anti-aging lotion to Egyptians. They used rich fenugreek oil to reduce wrinkles and other skin imperfections. Woman with smooth skin were considered the ideal beauty in Ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have discovered many containers and remnants of body oils from Egyptian tombs. The first archaeological evidence of cosmetics usage is from Ancient Egypt about 6,000 years ago.
The history of skincare can be traced around the world through the centuries. Certainly, the skincare industry keeps pushing forward today. We’re living in the glory days of skincare, with more alternatives than ever before and a growing number of brands, consumers, and influencers. The future of skincare is here, and I can’t wait for the next frontier.
Skincare History
THE JOURNEY OF THE FRENCH SKINCARE REGIMEN: MARIE ANTOINETTE
How skincare regimens were commonplace in 18th century France. The Queen of style began her skincare routine with a special facial cleanser. Marie Antoinette used Eau Cosmetique de Pigeon made from the juices of water lilies, melons, cucumbers, and of lemons, briony, wild chicory, flowers, borage, beans, and eight pigeons stew. After adequately cleansed she applied her astringent Eau des Charmes made from drops of grapevines.
Next, for a fresh glowing complexion she applied her signature face mask made from two teaspoons of cognac, cell renewing dry milk powder, brightening lemon juice, and egg white. For bathing her skin, Marie Antoinette would spike her bath water with skin soothing pine nuts, linseed, and sweet almonds, as well as gently exfoliate her skin with rice bran filled muslin pads. She loved all natural DIY elixirs.
Finally, the Queen covered her face and neck in a whitener called Eau d’Ange. Pale skin was all the rage in the 18th century. Skin whitener also helped hide marks and blemishes, which were often remnants of diseases. Made of vinegar and lead for a whitening foundation.
The popularity of skincare has been a part of the human routine for thousands of years. Europeans took it one step further. Marie Antoinette’s time was so alluring.
