Ancient Beauty Secrets: A History Lesson in Skincare

“Common sense and empirical knowledge stand the test of time,” says Kulreet Chaudhary, M.D. and director of neurology at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, California. 

When a 2,000-year-old box of Roman beauty cream was discovered to contain a sophisticated mixture rivaling today’s top cosmetics, it seemed like there wasn’t a better time to return to the techniques of those who came before us. 

Today, practicality continues to test our curiosity. With manufactured beauty products rife with preservatives, faux fragrances, and inaccurate ingredient labels, there hasn’t been a better time to take your health into your own hands and go all au naturel with your beauty regimen.

Sea Buckthorn

Humans have known about the rejuvenating and nutritious qualities of sea buckthorn for quite some time—since the ancient Tibetan book of healing arts known as Sibu Yi Dian thirteen centuries ago, in fact.

Practices using sea buckthorn spread into Europe, Pakistan, and Central Asia, with the cultivation of this plant only recently reaching North America.Sea buckthorn is a hardy fruit that thrives in cold, dry regions. This harsh climate has produced a plant rich in antioxidants, palmitoleic acid (a compound scientists believe is capable of boosting skin health), Omega 7s (a critical essential fat), and over 190 nutrients and phytonutrients. 

Ancient uses have seen it consumed for cardiovascular and blood health; even the conqueror Genghis Khan was documented to use this plant to keep troops and horses healthy on his quest to take over the world.When it isn’t being added to teas, syrups, and juices to promote health, sea buckthorn is used topically to protect against sun damage, rejuvenate skin, and enhance the body’s ability to retain moisture, among many other benefits.

Milk & Honey
The combination of milk and honey has been used since Cleopatra practiced it on her own skin. Her baths using milk, honey, and olive oil contained ingredients we use in facial treatments and spas today.Honey has long been known for its antibacterial properties and soothing effects. Milk, meanwhile, has traditionally been praised for its nutritious properties, providing vitamins, calcium, protein, and lactic acid. When the two are paired together, these properties are only enhanced, resulting in a mixture that gives the skin a healthy glow.

Rose Water
Besides luxurious baths of milk and honey, Cleopatra also helped make rose water famous before the Roman Empire was even established.Rose water is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and rich mix of antioxidants. It is used to both soothe and tone skin with the extra benefit of keeping skin moisturized. This results in a mixture suitable for sensitive skin that can curb acne, maintain the skin’s natural pH balance, and help neutralize free radicals harming your skin.

Using These Ancient Beauty Secrets
If there’s a downside to ancient, natural beauty techniques to keep you healthy and glowing, it’s the price. Buying high-quality oils and products that contain all the nutrients you need means you have to find a seller you can trust. SIBU has invested its research into producing and exporting the highest quality sea buckthorn to the U.S. and offers its products at an affordable price. Check out SIBU’s other products or learn more about SIBU and other helpful tips for overall well-being and health.