Why Our Beauty Rituals Today Have Ancient Roots

Today’s beauty rituals draw inspiration from ancient civilizations, notably Egypt and Mesopotamia when people used natural ingredients to enhance their appearance. While both places embraced similar skin care methods, each introduced unique innovations. From donkey’s milk to clay soaps, here are the practices of the past that have revolutionized modern routines.

What Were the Beauty Practices in Ancient Egypt?

Cleopatra VII, ancient Egypt’s last pharaoh, was a significant beauty icon. Discover some products that contributed to her allure and influenced other women to mimic her regimen.

Essential Oils

Egyptians believed botanical extracts would help them achieve youthful skin, even in the afterlife. These products were integral to Cleopatra’s beauty rituals due to skin and therapeutic benefits. Locals had access to many natural elixirs, including jasmine, rose and frankincense. Many women also applied natural oils to protect their skin from the sun, wind and dry climate.

Milk Baths

Bathing was an integral part of ancient Egyptians’ daily lives, with most people taking baths in the river or at home. One of the most famous skin care rituals was milk baths. Cleopatra used sour donkey’s milk, which contains lactic acid that helped rejuvenate and exfoliate skin. Others used coffee scrubs to help enhance skin tone and texture. A mixture of milk and honey was also applied weekly for extra moisture.

Sugaring

Hair removal methods such as sugaring began centuries ago. Egyptians mixed sugar, water and lemon to remove unwanted hair. This practice is still commonly used today.

Sea Salt

Egyptians used Dead Sea salts to eliminate contaminants and smoothen the skin surface. The mineral-rich salt can also help improve circulation, ensuring a youthful glow. Many women used this exfoliation method before applying makeup, resulting in a more seamless application.

Masks

Skin care practices, including face masks, are widely implemented to this day, including using honey and milk as base products. This homemade concoction contains lactic acid and moisturizing properties that support overall skin health. 

Other Egyptian Beauty Practices 

Uncover other beautifying rituals of the past that are still relevant today.

Hair Oils

Botanical extracts were applied to the hair to keep locks smooth and healthy. Egyptians used combs made from fish bones for styling and applying almond and castor oils. Aside from these benefits, oils also keep lice at bay. People would shave their heads during severe infestations and to cope with the extreme heat.

For decades, many women have perceived curly hair as unclean and unwelcome. Many would diligently straighten their hair to conform to Western standards. In recent years, curls have appeared again around Egypt, proof that women are finally embracing their natural features.

Kohl

The ancient Egyptian civilization is best known for creating the primogenitor of eyeliners. Men and women used kohl to highlight their eyes and protect them from the sun and sand. They would draw lines above and below the eyes, creating slight arches at the ends. Cleopatra used this ingredient for her signature “cat’s eye.” Today, this product isn’t legal in the U.S. due to the high levels of lead and certain labeling violations.

Henna

This coloring agent is used to color nails. Many people also applied henna as a hair conditioner because of the cooling sensation that helps curb the hot weather. Today, this temporary dye is used to paint nonpermanent tattoos. In some wedding traditions, it symbolizes prosperity and good health. 

Perfume 

Men and women applied perfumes from fragrant flowers, seeds and plants. Their extracts are mixed with wax or fat to create a salve. Some widely used scents include cassia, cinnamon, cardamom, cedar, rosemary, aloe and almond oil. 

What Were Mesopotamia’s Beauty Rituals?

Mesopotamia, often considered one of the cradles of civilization, was a melting pot of skin care practices. Discover some of its notable contributions to the beauty industry.

Plant Oils

Like Egyptians, Mesopotamians placed high importance on skin moisturizing using natural ingredients. They used sesame and olive oils and animal fats to form the base for many moisturizers.

Clay Masks

The silt from Euphrates and Tigris is a treasured beauty product. This ingredient is applied on the face to exfoliate, nourish and detoxify skin. Clay masks are essential for keeping people’s skin supple and youthful.

Soaps

Mesopotamians believed that a smelly body was a form of impurity. Many people used soaps derived from clay or ash and scented with oils to cleanse the body and leave it smelling good throughout the day. 

Modern Skin Care Practices

Contemporary skin care products and rituals often find their roots in past civilizations. Here’s how historical practices have influenced modern rituals.

Applying Sunscreen

Sun exposure accounts for approximately 90% of premature skin aging, making sun protection essential in daily morning routines. In ancient times, Egyptians relied on natural oils to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Today, people use sunscreen to prevent sunburn, aging and skin cancer. Remember to apply your product even on cloudy days since UV rays are still present.

Using Essential Oils

Nowadays, essential oils have many uses. They are used to achieve better skin, freshen up indoor space and promote hair health. For instance, tea tree oil possesses potent antimicrobial properties that help prevent acne and dandruff. Remember to dilute them with carrier oils, like coconut, argan or almond. 

Moisturizing 

Egyptians and Mesopotamians relied on essential oils, milk and animal fat to moisturize their skin. Now, people have much broader options. Search for products that contain ceramides if you’re looking for a moisturizer. These components protect your skin from dryness and support moisture retention. Apply your product twice daily — in the morning and at night — to achieve healthy-looking skin.

Exfoliating

Natural exfoliators like sea salts and clay are still used today. They scrub the skin to remove excess oil, impurities and dirt. Choose a chemical exfoliant if you’re looking for the benefits of exfoliation without potentially damaging your skin. 

Try These Skin Care Tips Today

The beauty industry has come a long way, yet it continues to get inspiration from ancient skin care rituals that persist today. From essential oils to natural face masks, modern practices integrated ancestral wisdom because their traditions have shown their effectiveness over many years.