THE ROOT OF THE SKINCARE REGIMEN: CLEOPATRA BY CARA
“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.”
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 mass produced cosmetics didn’t exist yet, Ancient Egyptians originated 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 apply 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 uncovered many containers and remnants of body oils from Egyptian tombs. The first archaeological discovery 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.
THE JOURNEY OF THE FRENCH SKINCARE REGIMEN: MARIE ANTOINETTE BY CARA
”The Queen of style began her skincare routine with a special facial cleanser. Marie Antoinette applied Eau Cosmetique de Pigeon.”
How skincare regimens were founded in 18th century France. The Queen of style began her skincare routine with a special facial cleanser. Marie Antoinette applied Eau Cosmetique de Pigeon made from the juices of water lilies, melons, cucumbers, and of lemons, briony, wild chicory, flowers, borage, beans, and eight pigeon’s stew. After adequately cleansed she then 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 infuse 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. She is gloriously known for her alabaster skin.
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. Many women still religiously follow her skincare regimens.