History of cosmetic

Skincare from ancient time until the late 1900’s.

Skincare from ancient time until the late 1900’s.
Curious to learn more about the history of skin care throughout ages? Then travel back through time with us in Thirteen time machine as we discuss how women in ancient cultures up to modern day cared for their skin.

Ancient Egypt

As we mentioned in cosmetics history article, the first archaeological evidence of cosmetics is from Ancient Egypt roughly 6,000 years ago. But cosmetics weren’t just for aesthetics – they also protected the Ancient Egyptians from the elements, like the sun and wind and insects. Makeup was also used to honor gods and goddesses and used in many rituals. In terms of skincare, the Ancient Egyptians used castor, sesame, and moringa oils to fight wrinkles and redness and preserve their youth. Ancient Egyptians also made a soap paste out of clay and olive oil to cleanse their skin, that’s an amazing fact to know. What is more, Egyptian women incorporated honey and milk masks into their beauty regimes to moisturize their face and body skin, and they also took milk baths and used dead sea salts to exfoliate, rejuvenate, and heal their total skin.

Ancient Greeks

In Ancient Greece, precious oils, perfumes, cosmetic powders, eye shadows, skin glosses, paints, beauty unguents, and hair dyes actually were in universal scale usage . Ancient Greeks made their own skincare products using local, natural ingredients and formula. One of the most widely used skincare treatments was mixing fresh berries with milk, and then applying the paste on the facial area they believed it makes their skin smoother and more beautiful. The Ancient Greeks also used olives and olive oil as exfoliants and moisturizers , hmm so this is how today’s Olive creams and moisturizers were invented! Lastly, honey along with milk and yogurt were used as anti-aging anti-wrinkles preparations.

Medieval Times

During the 12th century, cosmetics were regularly used in all over medieval Europe. Ointments consisted of animal fats mixed with natural formula and ingredients for the better smell and texture. Smooth, white skin was highly regarded, and a Trend better to be said! And many women used herbal remedies to promote fair skin and diminish pimples. And Acne. Aloe vera, rosemary, and cucumbers were used to cleanse the skin as examples for natural face masks. Seeds, leaves, and flowers were also mixed with honey to create another face masks, and vinegar was used as an astringent.

Renaissance

You wouldn’t believe but Women in the Renaissance period used silver mercury, lead, and chalk to color their faces! Yes you heard me right! Most of the skin care practices were the same as the medieval period, and women primarily relied on herbs and honey to cleanse and rejuvenate their skin and it was working. Some other skin care remedies included using broom stalks to cleanse the skin and oatmeal boiled in vinegar to treat pimples and acne. Bread soaked in rose water was also used to soothe puffy eyes and brightening the skin .

The Baroque Era

During the Baroque Era, women believed in saunas and sweat cleansing the believed that it makes their skin more fresh and peachy like. Milk and oat baths were also used for smoother, clearer skin. Make up during this time was intended to look like paint, and heavy makeup was considered even more respectable. Rouge was very popular, in red and pink and in the 1780s, French women used two million pots of rogue per year! Yes teo millions. Women’s lips were reddened with distilled alcohol or vinegar.

1800s

Exercise, cleanliness, and skincare were all held in high regard and importance during the 1800s. Zinc oxide was used to lighten skin, treatment for acne and treatment and scars but often caused allergic reactions. Hygiene products became less expensive and more accessible for people. Harsh cleansers were often used as were egg yolks, honey and oatmeal to often the skin and help diminish blemishes and making the skin smoother with no black heads. Lemon juice was also used to naturally bleach the skin ( and hair) a few shades lighter. During this time, too, Chapstick, Vaseline, and baby powder were invented, all of which were used in skincare regimes and routines.

1900s

The 1900s was an explosion like a huge bomb in terms of accessible skincare for women. Carmex was invented in 1937, and sunscreen in 1944 these were a revolution in skincare. In 1946, the famous Estee Lauder launched their cosmetics line in NYC, and then in the 1950s Clearasil, Ponds, Oil of Olay, and Clinique were all launched, too. The 1980s saw a rise in all natural skincare products. Dr. Howard Murad’s line was launched in 1989 ( my favorite) , and Burt’s Bees in the 1980s, too. In 2002, the FDA approved Botox for frown lines on the face and we’re going to have a discussion on this in other article soon . In 2007, The Zeno, a hand-held, battery-operated device, transfers heat onto a blemish, killing the bacteria and making them disappear after only a few treatments and one by one new methods were blooming, right now we have so many skincare routine and regimes and your dermatologist can help you with the best way based on your skin. Is you wanna know more about it let us know in the comments.